Challenge
To deliver the UK Second Generation Search and Rescue contract, Bristow Helicopters will supply and operate nine AW189 helicopters, six new AW139s and three S-92 aircraft on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Bristow has the following challenges in meeting the operational requirements:
To introduce a bespoke mission system with new technologies and consistency across multiple aircraft types;
To meet an accelerated delivery schedule for the new capability with no capacity for delay; and
To upskill their operating crews to maximise the utilisation of the new capabilities.
Solution
Nova Systems’ bespoke mission system has been developed and customised to the requirements of Bristow’s fleet of AW189, AW139 and S-92 helicopters, integrating a range of next generation technologies and significantly expanding operational capability. Our success in delivering the mission system upgrade for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard also ensures consistency for Bristow’s AW139 fleet across multiple programmes.
The Nova Systems’ team have worked closely with Bristow operators and engineers to understand their requirements. The result is a bespoke mission system architecture designed to be equipment agnostic and that provides a baseline that can be evolved in accordance with Bristow’s future vision of how SAR operations will be performed, including in response to technological changes.