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MOD and MCA/DfT selects Soteria for SAR-H programme

09 February 2010

Today the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Department for Transport (DfT) selected Soteria as the preferred bidder for the Search and Rescue – Helicopter (SAR-H) programme.

SAR-H is a single harmonised Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter service in the UK, which will replace the current SAR helicopter service with a bespoke capability. It will ensure that military aircrew will develop their SAR skills and experience that will be transferred back to the expeditionary forces.

The contract is a 25-year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and Soteria will work in partnership with the MoD and DfT to replace the current service with initial service provision in 2012.

The Soteria consortium consists of:

CHC: The largest global supplier of civilian helicopter services and the current provider of the MCA Interim SAR Service. With a dedicated culture of constant improvement when it comes to safety.

RBS: Proven MoD PFI expertise with an extensive record as a PFI equity investor.

Thales UK: UK government PFI/PPP experience, significant training provider and a leading MoD and DfT contractor

Sikorsky: S92 manufacturer and a world leader in the design and manufacture of military and commercial helicopters, with a long and distinguished pedigree in SAR.

David Rae, Soteria Bid Director, says: “SAR-H is a very important programme for the UK and this decision is a strong vote of confidence in Soteria and our ability to provide this vital public service.”

He goes on to highlight that: “Soteria will work in partnership with the MoD and DfT, and other SAR and civil resilience stakeholders, to ensure that the UK’s history of providing a world leading SAR service is assured and enhanced through the introduction of modern technology in the form of the Sikorsky S92.”
-Ends-

Notes to editors

Aircraft: Sikorsky S92

* Specifically configured for SAR operations.
* Excellent track record.
* Possesses power, speed and technical capabilities to deliver SAR services in the most testing conditions, over land and sea.
* Versatile and well-suited to performing the full spectrum of SAR tasks.
* Remains fully SAR capable irrespective of mission.
* CHC has significant experience of operating SAR S92s in the UK.
* Repeatedly tested in response to a diverse range of operational SAR missions.
* Has maintained an impressive aircraft availability level in excess of 98%
* Top speed of 165kt (190mph), can cruise at 145kt (167mph). Fitted with an internal fuel tank, which increases its radius of action (ROA) to 270nm or 310 statute miles (ROA is defined as the distance the aircraft can fly from base, spend 30 minutes on task including 15 minutes in the hover, then return to base with 20 minutes’ fuel reserve remaining).•Aircraft fitted with latest high-speed twin hoist (in case of single hoist failure), each hoist cable being 290 feet long with a lift capacity of up to 600lbs at speeds of 350 feet per minute.
* Aircraft cabin fitted out to allow paramedic level of medical care to be administered to a casualty and the ramp at the rear of the aircraft provides easy assess for loading and unloading of stretchers, incubators and other bulky medical equipment, as well as easy access for rescue teams and their equipment.
* One of the first aircraft built to comply fully with the FAA/JAA Part 29 safety regulations

Soteria:
Soteria is the Greek goddess of safety, deliverance and preservation from harm; a mission statement that fits well with the role of delivering a successful SAR service