Australian aviation provider StarFlight was recently selected to provide vital helicopter emergency air services in Tasmania from January 2026.
StarFlight has since selected Nova Systems as a systems integration partner to enhance the Tasmanian Government fleet of helicopters used for aeromedical retrieval, search and rescue, and airborne law enforcement.
Nova Systems will work with StarFlight to integrate new technology and systems into the helicopter fleet to enhance critical search and rescue capabilities and lifesaving services, often in the most challenging of conditions and terrain.
Nova Systems will integrate mission critical equipment including electro-optic / infrared sensors, a mission management system (including augmented reality mapping), and a satellite-enabled downlink system. These capabilities will better enable the search for missing walkers, people who are lost at sea, and enable leading edge law enforcement, with all imagery being live streamed from helicopters to personnel on the ground.
Nova Systems will also integrate aeromedical systems including improved patient loading capability, leading to faster loading times and enhanced patient outcomes.
“Nova Systems is growing our systems integration capability in Australia building on our successful work in the United Kingdom and Europe creating mission system solutions for 26 aircraft for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG), UK Search and Rescue Second Generation (UKSAR2G) and Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) SAR programs, in addition to our Australian Design Office work and mission systems integration for Navy’s Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU),” said Nova Systems CEO Dean Rosenfield.
“Our focus is on keeping people safe, and through this work with StarFlight and the Tasmanian Government, we will provide world-class capabilities through new technology that will assist emergency services in Tasmania to do their jobs more effectively.”
Through performing lifesaving search and rescue activities, in addition to airborne law enforcement, not only do helicopters need to be maintained, but the equipment within is critical to keeping operators and the public safe.
“Our priority was to identify the right partner to integrate the mission systems for this project. Nova Systems stood out through their combination of global expertise and strong Australian foundations, which align well with StarFlight’s objectives."
"Their contribution will complement our operation in Tasmania and help us deliver enhanced services to the community,” said StarFlight Head of Business Development and Growth, Shaun Gillott.
Nova Systems is proud to continue our association with the state of Tasmania through our partnership with the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College, where Nova has developed underwater autonomous AI testing and advanced T&E training courses. Nova is also committed to increasing STEM pathways through sponsorship of the Royal Aeronautical Societies, Cool Aeronautics program, to bring this course to Tasmanian students.
The contract, which was awarded to StarFlight Australia, a joint venture company between Fox Group Holdings and LifeFlight Australia, will commence operations on January 12, 2026, with Nova Systems bringing global mission systems integration capability to the project.
Images provided by StarFlight Australia