In 2013, Bristow Helicopters Limited won the UK Government national contract to deliver search and rescue operations on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Seven of 10 strategically located bases took over the helicopter civilian SAR responsibility from the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy in a phased approach throughout 2015 and 2016. The existing Coastguard bases at Lee-On-Solent and Stornoway became part of the UK contract in April 2017, followed by Sumburgh in July 2017.

Bristow now operates from 10 coastguard helicopter bases around the UK on behalf of Her Majesty’s Coastguard to respond to all SAR incidents for the whole of the UK. This is a service that people rely on in a time of need. Bristow fully understands the responsibilities that go with providing the SAR helicopter service in the UK and the company is committed to delivering a service that meets and exceeds the high expectations demanded.

Bristow is working closely with national and local agencies such as the coastguard, police, fire service, mountain rescue teams and voluntary community groups, to ensure the delivery of a world-class SAR operation in the UK.

Experienced Crews

Bristow crews are experienced and highly skilled, and are trained, qualified and certified to the highest standards to coordinate and execute SAR operations.

The company has enormous respect for the service that its military colleagues have provided over the last 70 years of UK Search and Rescue. Their legacy, heritage and experience is being honored and carried forward by Bristow in the new contract.

Bristow Helicopters has welcomed many ex-military personnel to its civilian SAR workforce after delivering SAR with the Royal Air Force or Royal Navy. Their experience and local knowledge is a vital part of maintaining exceptional service in the UK.

Advanced SAR fleet

Bristow Helicopters’ advanced SAR fleet is equipped with state of-the-art technology including night vision, mission management and increased on-board medical capabilities. In selecting its helicopters, Bristow chose aircraft that are specifically suited to the terrain and requirements of the UK Search and Rescue area of coverage. The Sikorsky S-92 and AgustaWestland AW189 can fly faster and further.

Sikorsky S-92

The S-92 helicopter is the most advanced aircraft in Sikorsky’s civil product line, with the necessary speed, capacity and operational range to meet the needs of the UK search and rescue environment. Bristow’s S-92 SAR aircraft are certified for night vision goggles (NVG) and the “glass cockpit” is certified NVG compatible.

• Air Speed: 145 knots
• Flight crew: 4
• Capacity: 21 persons or as required
• Endurance: over 4 hours
• Twin hoist
• Comprehensive medical suite
• Icing protection

AgustaWestland AW189

The AW189 is the latest generation helicopter in its category and is designed to meet long-range, high endurance requirement for search and rescue missions in the most demanding operational, environmental and weather conditions.

Bristow Helicopters will use the AW189 to deliver the UK SAR contract from April 2015. The aircraft will be assembled in Yeovil and Bristow Helicopters is the lead customer for its introduction.

• Air Speed: 145 knots
• Flight crew: 4
• Capacity: 16 persons or as required
• Endurance: over 4 hours
• Twin hoist
• Comprehensive medical suite
• Icing protection

Bristow komt naar Rescue Vlissingen!

Tijdens Rescue Vlissingen zal Bristow deelnemen met een van haar AgustaWestland AW189 SAR helikopters! Het is voor Bristow de tweede keer dat zij aan ons evenement deelnemen, maar de allereerste keer met de AW189 helikopter!

Het is zeer uniek dat wij deze deelnemer mogen verwelkomen. Normaliter zijn de helikopters alleen te zien langs de Britse kust!!