Coastguards given faster rescue aircraft
Published Date:
02 July 2008
New superfast coastguard helicopters will become a regular sight in our skies.
The AgustaWestland 139 went operational for the first time at the former Daedalus base in Lee-on-the-Solent yesterday.
The helicopters can fly up to 192mph – 40mph quicker than the old choppers. They will also be able to make journeys of 360 miles without refuelling.
Chief coastguard Rod Johnson said: 'We are delighted to announce that the new AgustaWestland 139 Coastguard helicopters are now operational on the south coast, providing a robust search and rescue asset that is a huge technological and operational advance .
'The technology on board is arguably the most advanced in search and rescue today.
'We look forward to a new era with the new aircraft, and to the helicopters proving their operational effectiveness and reliability in rescues over the coming months.'
The AW 139s are in use on a variety of commercial duties around the world and are slated to be used in a search and rescue role in Spain, UAE, Australia, Italy and Japan.
The full article contains 178 words and appears in NS-City newspaper.
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Last Updated:
02 July 2008 8:35 AM
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Source:
NS-City
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Location:
Portsmouth
