UK Coastguard launches new state-of-the-art aircraft to boost search and rescue at sea
by Stuart Appleby, MCA 8 Feb 2020 13:09 GMT
Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft © Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Two new state-of-the-art aircraft have taken to the skies, boosting the lifesaving search and rescue missions carried out by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Equipped with multiple state-of-the-art sensors, the planes can spot a person in the water up to 40 miles away and can drop emergency locator beacons, communications and first aid equipment to those in danger.
Specially trained pilots and their crew will be on stand-by to respond to emergency situations around-the-clock - conducting wide-area searches around the UK coastline.
Operating out of Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, the new aircraft will also support HM Coastguard's counter pollution activities by scoping out pollution in UK waters.
Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani said: "From pulling fisherman from treacherous waters, to hoisting people to safety from the most remote locations in the country, MCA rescue teams carry out vital lifesaving work every day.
"The ground-breaking new technology aboard these new aircraft will be an invaluable asset in time critical rescue situations, ensuring our rescue teams are better equipped than ever to save lives."
On average the current fleet of search and rescue helicopters (SARH) respond to seven taskings a day, with more than 1,600 people rescued around the UK last year.
Commercial & Programmes Director at the MCA Damien Oliver, said: "The Maritime & Coastguard Agency's new aircraft will enhance HM Coastguard's existing and future search and rescue capabilities.
"These Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft are a welcome addition to the MCA's fleet of helicopters and planes and boast state-of-the-art cameras and sensors that can detect people in the water at considerable distance. The aircraft will also provide further assistance to other public bodies in the work that they do."
The new aircraft will join HM Coastguard's existing helicopter fleet which are stationed at 10 bases around the UK including at Newquay, Caernarfon and Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands. It is envisaged that the aircraft will each complete approximately 1,000 hours of flying every year.