Welcome news for Search & Rescue in West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

09.02.2010  Local MP Andrew George has welcomed the announcement about the future contract for Search & Rescue survivors from RNAS Culdrose.

The service will operate from 2012 using two new Sikorsky S92 helicopters. They are 30% faster than the existing Sea Kings and have a larger range. The Night Vision Capacity and Forward Looking Infra-Red equipment will extend their use. They will still continue to provide night tank air ambulances.

The chosen contractor is a consortium, Soteria which is made up of the following companies: Canadian helicopters, Thallas, Royal Bank of Scotland and Sikorsky. The 25 year contract is worth £6billion (or £2.5bn present value).

More comment to follow tomorrow…