Coast Guard medevacs ill fisherman off the coast of Grays Harbor, Wash.

Video by Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read

A Coast Guard aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, from Sector Columbia River, hoists an ill fisherman off the fishing vessel Kathy Ann 9 miles off the coast of Grays Harbor, Wash., June 4, 2018.

The 43-year-old fisherman was suffering from severe pain in the lower abdominal area and was transferred to local emergency medical services at Bowerman Airport in Hoquiam, Wash., in stable condition.

U.S. Coast Guard video by Sector Columbia River.

WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard conducted a medevac of an ill fisherman 9 miles off the coast of Grays Harbor, Washington, Monday afternoon.

The Coast Guard aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, from Sector Columbia River, successfully hoisted the 43-year-old ill fisherman, who was suffering severe pain in the lower abdomen, and delivered him to awaiting emergency medical services at the Bowerman Airport in Hoquiam, for further care.

Watchstanders in the Sector Columbia River Command Center received the medevac request at 12:57 p.m. from Station Grays Harbor and a walk-in reporting source at the station. Sector Columbia River command center personnel directed the launch of the Jayhawk aircrew and a boat crew on a 29-foot Response Boat – Small II from Station Grays Harbor.

The boat crew arrived on scene first at 1:26 p.m. and the aircrew arrived on scene with the Kathy Ann at 2:02 p.m. After the hoist was completed, the aircrew landed at the airport at 2:50 p.m. to transfer the patient.

The condition of the patient was stable at the time of transfer to EMS.

The on scene conditions offshore with the fishing vessel Kathy Ann were 3-foot seas and 10 mph winds.

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Coast Guard helicopter crew medevacs 13yo from Chenega, Alaska

MH-60 Jayhawk, ©USCG

ANCHORAGE, Alaska— A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, forward deployed to Cordova, medevaced a 13-year-old male from Chenega, Alaska, Saturday.

The Jayhawk helicopter crew transported the 13-year-old to Anchorage and transferred him to awaiting medical personnel.

Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received notification from the crew of the Golden Pacific, a 58-foot fishing vessel, who reported that the teen was suffering symptoms of a seizure 30 minutes after falling 18 feet. An EMT on board the Golden Pacific assessed the teen and requested higher care. A flight surgeon for the 17th Coast Guard District agreed and recommended a medevac. Sector Anchorage watchstanders directed the launch of a Cordova helicopter crew and diverted the Golden Pacific crew to Chenega.

“Coordination with the crew of the Golden Pacific was essential in this case,” said Petty Officer 2^nd Class Lindsey Helmbrecht, a Sector Anchorage watchstander. “The assessment from the on board EMT provided us with critical information and the cooperation of the crew in diverting the vessel to Chenega allowed us to respond quickly to get the teen to necessary medical care.”

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PRIMER PEDIDO PARA EL AW169 EN CONFIGURACIÓN VIP EN SUIZA

• Mountain Flyers operará un AW169 para servicios de heli-taxi desde el aeropuerto de Berna

• Más de 20 helicópteros Leonardo en configuración VIP vendidos en Suiza

• Hasta la fecha, se han firmado pedidos de más de 180 AW169 a más de 70 clientes en 30 países

Leonardo ha anunciado que el AW169 pasará a formar parte de la flota de helicópteros VIP de transporte en Suiza con el operador Mountain Flyers . El anuncio se hizo durante una ceremonia en el airshow EBACE 2018 en Ginebra.

El helicóptero AW169, con una configuración exclusiva para transporte VIP de siete asientos, se utilizará para servicios de heli-taxi desde el aeropuerto de Berna. Gracias al AW169, Mountain Flyers cubrirá varias rutas dentro de Suiza y se conectará con otros países europeos, mejorando el servicio con un helicóptero AWGrandNew, el primero que se utilizará para misiones de heli-taxi desde el aeropuerto de Berna. Los clientes de Mountain Flyers pueden contar con la comodidad, el rendimiento, la tecnología y los estándares de seguridad únicos de entre los que se encuentran disponibles en el mercado.

Christoph Graf, director administrativo de Mountain Flyers, declaró: "Estamos encantados de presentar el helicóptero más moderno de su clase a nuestros clientes, y ofrecerles una experiencia de vuelo sin precedentes, el AW169 es la solución perfecta para garantizar la más alta calidad de servicio y satisfacer plenamente las expectativas más exigentes en términos de navegación, comodidad y seguridad para este tipo de actividad ".

Con esto, la flota de helicópteros VIP de Leonardo que opera en Suiza supera las 20 unidades, lo que contribuye a consolidar el liderazgo internacional de la compañía en el sector, con una participación del 50% en el segmento de motores bimotores.

Federal investment of $49.5 million will support next-generation helicopter technologies and create or maintain 300 middle-class jobs

[This is a featured repost from another press release by the Government of Canada]

April 16, 2018 – Montréal, Quebec – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. 

The Government of Canada is investing in Canada’s aerospace sector to advance innovation and create well-paying middle-class jobs.

Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced an investment of $49.5 million in an aerospace consortium led by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Inc. Minister Bains made the announcement during Aéro-Montréal’s Aerospace Innovation Forum.

The funding will help Bell and 18 industry and academic partners develop innovative technologies to be integrated into next-generation helicopters, which can fly with or without a crew on board, and fully autonomous aerial systems. Other innovations include technologies to make aircraft more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable as well as technology to reduce noise pollution—the first of its kind on any aircraft.

The collaboration is projected to create or maintain more than 300 jobs in Canada, contribute almost $178 million to Canada’s GDP over the next five years and strengthen Canada’s position as a world-leading centre for innovation.

The 18 industry and academic partners include Pratt & Whitney Canada, CMC Electronics, Esterline Technologies Corporation, several small and medium-sized businesses, and nine Canadian universities. Bell and its partners are investing more than $125 million in Canada’s aerospace industry through this project.

Canada is an ideal destination for aerospace investment. The federal government is supporting innovation in the aerospace industry and is committed to attracting investment in this important sector of the economy by investing in the technology, talent and infrastructure needed to shape the future of this innovative sector.

Quotes

“Aerospace is one of the most innovative industries in Canada. Our government’s investment in this new aerospace consortium will create 300 well-paying research and manufacturing jobs, contribute $178 million to Canada’s GDP and make Canada a global aerospace innovation leader.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“This program will foster the development of new engineering and manufacturing knowledge and technologies by the Bell team in Canada. It will instill a new dynamic in the aerospace community and strengthen Canada’s role as an innovation leader in the vertical lift and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) segments. We are welcoming a new era at Bell, a technology company, and are enthusiastic to be doing so with such a passionate group of partners. This program allows new technologies to emerge and offers a wide range of companies of all sizes an unprecedented access to new markets.”

– Cynthia Garneau, President, Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd

Quick facts

·          Canada’s aerospace industry includes 700 firms, delivers $28 billion in GDP to Canada’s economy and supports more than 200,000 jobs.

·          Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, based in Mirabel, Quebec, since 1986, produces commercial helicopters and has manufactured more than 5,000 aircraft for delivery worldwide.

·          This investment was made through the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund, which aims to accelerate economic growth, strengthen and expand the role of Canadian firms in regional and global supply chains, support economic strategies, and attract investment that creates well-paying jobs. It also promotes collaboration among industry and universities, colleges and research institutions to encourage the development of a highly skilled workforce.

·          This project was approved under the terms and conditions of the former Technology Demonstration Program that was integrated into the Strategic Innovation Fund.

·          In addition to the Strategic Innovation Fund, there are hundreds of programs and services to help businesses innovate, create jobs and grow Canada’s economy. With a simple, story-based user interface, the new Innovation Canada platform can match businesses with the most fitting programs and services in about two minutes.

Associated link

·          Strategic Innovation Fund

Coast Guard rescues 2 mean near Southwest Pass, Louisiana

MH-65 Dolphin, ©USCG

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard rescued two people from a disabled vessel near Southwest Pass, Louisiana, Saturday.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at approximately 7 a.m. from the motor vessel Master Dylan that the Leesure Ours, a 33-foot pleasure craft, was flashing a SOS light. The vessel had two men on board and was stuck on a pipeline owned by Tennessee Gas Pipeline since approximately 9 p.m., Friday.

Coast Guard Station Venice launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew and Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans launched a MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter aircrew.

The aircrew arrived on scene and hoisted the two men and transported them to Boothville, Louisiana, where there were met by members of Station Venice and then transferred to a local marina.

The owner of the vessel is making salvage plans to recover the vessel.

No injuries or pollution were reported.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

©USCG

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Coast Guard rescues 3 after fishing vessel sinks off Myrtle Beach

Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Woodall

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Coast Guard crews rescued three fishermen Friday after their fishing vessel sank 45 miles east of Myrtle Beach.

The fishermen reported their 33-foot fishing vessel, Aunt T, was sinking and had to abandon ship into their life raft.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston Command Center watchstanders were notified by an emergency position indicating radio beacon activation and later connected via satellite phone with one of the fishermen stating the situation at 12 a.m. A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew launched and hoisted the fisherman from their life raft at approximately 1:19 a.m. They were taken to Myrtle Beach International Airport where EMS was waiting.

"The fishermen had a life raft, satellite phone and an EPIRB that directly contributed to us rescuing them so quickly," said Lt. J.B. Zorn, the Sector Charleston public affairs officer. "Their safety equipment took the search out of search and rescue."

The Aunt T was homeported in Jacksonville, Florida.

The cause of the fishing vessel sinking in under investigation.

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Coast Guard medevacs man from sailboat near Santa Cruz Island

MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, ©U.S. Coast Guard

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — A Coast Guard helicopter crew medevaced a 32-year-old man from a sailboat south of Santa Cruz Island Thursday evening.

At approximately 6:55 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders overheard a conversation via VHF channel 16 about an injured 32-year-old man aboard a 46-foot sailboat named Brett Walda.

A Brett Walda crewmember reported that the man sustained a leg injury after a line wrapped around his leg leaving it with no pulse.

After consulting with a duty flight surgeon, watchstanders dispatched a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco Forward Operating Base Mugu MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to medevac the man. Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor also launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew to assist.

The Dolphin crew arrived on scene, hoisted the man and transported him to Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks where he was last reported in stable condition.

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Coast Guard helicopter crew medevacs woman from cruise ship near Craig, Alaska

Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Barresi, U.S. Coast Guard

JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a woman from the cruise ship Celebrity Solstice near Noyes Island, west of Craig, Alaska, Wednesday.

The Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the 61-year-old woman and transported her to Ketchikan, Alaska, where a Guardian Flight crew was waiting for transport to higher medical care.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received notification from the captain aboard the Celebrity Solstice who reported that a woman was suffering symptoms of a heart attack. A flight surgeon for the 17th Coast Guard District recommended a medevac, and Sector Juneau watchstanders directed the launch of an Air Station Sitka helicopter crew.

“Understanding the severity of the woman's reported condition, we knew we had to get on scene as soon as possible and complete a safe hoist,” said Lt. Jason Maddux, Jayhawk co-pilot who assisted with the hoist. “The efforts of everyone aboard the helicopter and those of the cruise ship staff taking our instruction allowed us to get the woman to Guardian Flight where she was taken for further care.”

Weather at the time of the hoist was 5-mph winds with 10 miles of visibility.

Video by Petty Officer 1st Class Jon-Paul Rios, U.S. Coast Guard

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NHV AWARDED OFFSHORE CONTRACT BY NAUTICAL PETROLEUM/CAIRN ENERGY

Aberdeen  –  May  31st,  2018. The  NHV  Group  today  announced  a  new  contract  with  Nautical  Petroleum,  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Cairn  Energy LTD,  to provide  helicopter  services  in  support  of  their  upcoming  drilling  project  at  the  Ekland  Field.    The  operations are  expected  to  start  early  summer.  Flights  will  depart  from  NHV’s  base  in  Aberdeen  to  the  Ekland  Field,  which  is approximately  120nm  East  from  Aberdeen.   

NHV  will  support  this  project  utilizing  the  state-of-the-art  H175  aircraft,  an  Airbus  Helicopter’s  Super  Medium  type. The  H175  is  specifically  designed  to meet  evolving  mission  needs  in  the  oil and  gas  industry.  Being  the  launching operator  for  this  aircraft  type, NHV’s  H175s  have  accumulated  extensive experience in  the United  Kingdom, The Netherlands,  Ghana  and  Denmark  since  2014.  NHV  Group  ultimately  will  increase  its  fleet  to  16  of  these  newgeneration  helicopters. 

NHV  started  operating  out  of  Aberdeen  at  the  beginning  of  2016  and  announced  the  opening  of  a  new  hangar,  apron and  passenger  handling  facilities  in  October 2016. 

NHV’s  base  manager  Jamie  John  commented:  “We  at  NHV  are  delighted  that  Nautical  Petroleum  have selected  NHV  to partner  with  them  in  their  upcoming  drilling  project.  The  award  of  this  contract  strengthens  our  long  standing relationship  where  we  have  previously  supported  projects  in  West  Africa.  The  new  operation  in  Aberdeen  signals  the start  of  the  first  North  Sea  operation  between NHV  and  Nautical  petroleum,  and  we  are  looking  forward  to  providing support  on  this  new  project.’’ 

Public presentation of first ACH130 delivered since the launch of Airbus Corporate Helicopters

Geneva, The ACH130 on display at Airbus’ EBACE stand is the first of its type to be delivered since the launch of Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) and represents the first time the aircraft is displayed in public.

The aircraft, delivered in the racing-inspired, in-house Stylence by ACH configuration, provides a high-quality yet lightweight completion, suitable for high intensity flights and transport in extreme comfort.

The aircraft, acquired by an unnamed customer, will be operated by Monacair. Frederic Lemos, Head of ACH, said, “The ACH130 combines unique passenger-focused design, exceptional single-engine performance and first class quality and comfort, making it very popular with private customers worldwide and a favourite of world-leading VIP and charter operator, Monacair, who operate a total fleet of eight ACH130.

The Story Behind the First Production Bell 505 JRX

Pylon Aviation owner and renowned pilot, Scott Urschel, has been with the Bell 505 program from the very beginning.

29 May 2018

Pylon Aviation owner and renowned pilot, Scott Urschel, was excited to receive the first production Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. As one of the initial members of the Bell 505 Customary Advisory Council, Urschel provided valuable insight, helping shape the design and development of the Bell 505.

I could not be more pleased to receive the first Bell 505 and put the aircraft into service. I have been part of the Bell 505 program from the very beginning and have been anticipating this moment. 

- Scott Urscheh

Before delivery, he was able to test-fly the Bell 505 along with Bell pilots. Urschel's involvement allowed him to provide feedback from the perspective of an experience pilot and customer, which played an essential role in Bell's revolutionary return to the short light single market.

Leonardo: AW169 enters Swiss VIP transport market with first order

•  Mountain  Flyers  will  operate  an  AW169  for  heli-taxi  services  from  Bern  Airport 

•  Over 20 Leonardo  VIP helicopters  sold  in  Switzerland  to  date   

•  More than 180  AW169s  have  been  sold  to  over  70  customers  in  30  nations  to  date 

AW169, photo ©Leonardo Helicopters

Geneva,  30  May  2018  –  Leonardo  announced  today  that  Mountain  Flyers  of  Switzerland  will operate  an  AW169  light  intermediate  twin  engine  helicopter,  marking  the  entry  of  the  new generation  type  into  the  Swiss  VIP  market.  The  announcement  was  made  during  an  official ceremony  held  at  EBACE  2018  in  Geneva.     

This  specially-configured  aircraft,  featuring  an  exclusive  7  seat  VIP  transport  layout,  will  be  used for  heli-taxi  services  from  Bern  Airport.  With  this  AW169,  Mountain  Flyers  will  be  able  to  serve several  routes  across  Switzerland  and  Europe  with  even  greater  capacity  and  range  following earlier  operations  carried  out  with  their  AWGrandNew  helicopter,  which  had  established  Bern Airport’s  first  twin  engine  helicopter  VIP  transport  service.  Mountain  Flyers’  customers  will benefit  from  best-in-class  comfort,  performance  and  technology  as  well  as  outstanding  safety standards.   

Christoph  Graf,  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Mountain  Flyers,  said  “We’re  thrilled  to  introduce  the most  modern  helicopter  in  its  category  into  service  to  deliver  an  unprecedented  flight  experience to  our  customer  base.  The  AW169  is  the  perfect  fit  into  our  service  quality  strategy  and  fully meets  the  most  demanding  expectations  in  terms  of  navigation,  comfort  and  safety  for  the  task.”       

This  latest  order  brings  the  number  of  VIP  helicopters  of  Leonardo  in  Switzerland  to  over  20  and contributes  to  maintaining  the  company’s  leading  position  in  the  global  VIP  market  with  a  50 percent  share  in  the  multiengine  segment.   

AW169  helicopter   

A  versatile,  new  generation  twin  engine  light  intermediate  category  helicopter,  the  4.8  tonne AW169  has  been  designed  in  response  to  the  growing  market  demand  for  an  aircraft  that delivers  high  performance,  meets  all  the  latest  safety  standards  and  has  multi-role  capabilities. Orders  for  more  than  180  AW169  helicopters  have  been  ordered  by  over  70  customers  in  nearly 30  countries  around  the  world  to  date  for  a  wide  range  of  applications  including executive/corporate  transport,  air  ambulance,  law  enforcement,  offshore  transport,  electronic newsgathering.  More  than  50  units  have  been  already  delivered  globally.   

Leonardo welcomes Government of Canada Intention to move forward with AW101 Solutions for CH-149 Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade and Fleet Augmentation

- Leonardo  and  Team  Cormorant  will  deliver  a  comprehensive  upgrade  to  Canada’s AW101 primary  SAR  helicopter  fleet  and expand the  current  fleet  of  14  AW101s by  up to seven    additional  AW101s 

- The  Cormorant  MLU  and  augmentation  will  position  the  rotary  wing  SAR  fleet  for further  reductions  in  cost  of  ownership  over  the  extended  life  of  the  fleet  to  2040  and beyond,  while  delivering  enhanced  capabilities  under  the  most  advanced  standards of  AW101  SAR

 - The  AW101  has  an  established  track  record  of  successful  SAR  missions  and  has already  been  chosen  or  has  been  in  operation  with  customers  in  several  nations including  Portugal,  Denmark,  Italy  and Norway   

Rome,  29  May  2018  -  Leonardo  welcomes  the  Government  of  Canada’s  intention  to  proceed with  the  CH-149  Cormorant  Mid-Life  Upgrade  Program  (CMLU)  to  be  carried  out  by  the Company  to  deliver  a  comprehensive  upgrade  to  Canada’s  AW101  primary  search  and  rescue helicopter  fleet  and  expand  the  current  fleet  of  14  AW101s  by  up  to  seven    additional  AW101s. Leonardo  with  IMP  Aerospace  and  Defence  and the  other  members  of  Team  Cormorant  –  CAE, Rockwell  Collins  Canada,  and  GE  Canada  –  comprise  a  strong  Canadian  team  for  the  CH-149 CMLU.     

The  Government  of  Canada’s  CMLU  announcement  recognizes  that  the  AW101  is  the  only helicopter  to meet  Canada’s  primary  rotary  wing  search and rescue requirements  and that  it  has been  an  excellent  search  and  rescue  asset  providing  outstanding  coverage  and  capability  for the  men  and  women  of  the  Royal  Canadian  Air  Force search  and  rescue  squadrons.  

Leonardo,  together  with  Team  Cormorant,  looks  forward  to  continuing  working  with  the Government  of  Canada  to  conclude  the  Options  Analysis  and  finalize  the  requirements  for  the CH-149  CMLU  and  fleet  augmentation,  simulation  and  training  program.  Based  on  the  AW101612  standard,  Leonardo  and  Team  Cormorant  will  provide  a  very  low  risk  solution  to  upgrade, enhance  and  address  obsolescence,  as  well  augment  the  fleet  to  return  the  Cormorant  to  all four  RCAF  Main  Operating  Bases.  Over  the  past  two  years,  in-support  support  from  Leonardo, IMP  and  GE  Canada    has  helped  the  Government  of  Canada  achieve  significant  reduction  in cost  of  ownership  in  the  operation  of  the  current  Cormorant  fleet.  The  CH-149  CMLU  and augmentation  will  position  the  rotary  wing  SAR  fleet  for  further  reductions  in  cost  of  ownership over  the  extended  life  of  the  fleet  to 2040  and  beyond. 

Leonardo  and  Team  Cormorant  are  also  committed  to  working  with  Canada’s  aerospace  and defence  sector  and  academia  to  develop  a  robust  Value  Proposition  program  through  Industrial and  Technological  Benefits  (ITBs),  delivering  high-value  direct  and  indirect  benefits  to  Canada in  support  of  areas  of  key  strategic  interest  to  Canada.  Leonardo  has  a  demonstrated  track record  of  outstanding  ITB  performance,  delivering  121%  of  its  obligation  on  the  original  AW101 Cormorant  acquisition  contract  two  years  ahead  of  schedule.  Since  then,  Leonardo  has continued  to  support  Canada’s  aerospace  and  defence  sector,  procuring  more  than  $1.5  billion in Canadian  goods  and  services  for  its  civil  and military  helicopter  programs  around  the  world. 

Leonardo  will  showcase  the  proposed  CMLU  solutions  based  on  the  AW101-612  at  CANSEC May  30  and 31,  at  booth  1511.     

Background information on  the  CH-149  Cormorant  and  the  AW101  SAR  helicopter 

Since  its  introduction  into  service  in  2002,  the  CH-149  Cormorant  has  successfully  carried  out  a number  of  SAR  missions  in Canada  with unparalleled  performance  in all  weather  conditions.     

The  AW101  SAR  is  not  only  used  by  Canada  but  also  by  various  nations  also  including Denmark,  Portugal  and  Norway.  The  AW101  is  also  used  for  personnel  recovery  in  Italy  and  for military  duties in  UK  and  many  other  countries  around the  world.   

The  AW101  benefits  from  three-engine  safety,  a  full  ice  protection  system  for  flight  in  known icing  conditions,  long  range  and  endurance,  a  proven  30-minute  “run  dry”  gearbox  as  well  as multiple redundancy  features  in avionic  and  mission  systems.   

The  AW101-612  variant  is  the  latest  version of  the  AW101  for  SAR  and was  selected  by  Norway following  a  comprehensive,  detailed  evaluation  process  of  all  the  alternatives.   

The  AW101-612  standard  includes  advanced  SAR  mission  equipment  including  a  Leonardo Osprey  multi-panel  360°  AESA  surveillance  radar  system,  4-axis  digital  Automatic  Flight  Control System  (AFCS),  two  rescue  hoists,  searchlight,  a  cell-phone  detection  system,  electro optical/infrared  device  and a  fully  integrated  avionics  and mission  system.  The  large cabin  doors and rear  ramp  provide  easy  access  for  personnel,  survivors  and equipment  into  the  27  m3 cabin which has  stand-up  head  room  throughout.