Sea King

[dodger]

Hi All,

Just watched BBC inside out South West about our Search and Rescue at Culdrose finishing tomorrow after 41 years, sad for all.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-la ... ic-display

Roger.

[Airspeed]

It's OK, Roger,
They'll pop out in the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier and pick up anyone in distress.
It's done a darned good job, what, with nearly 40 years service.
I didn't actually see what they are going to replace it with.

[SkippyBing]

It's already been replaced, Coast Guard S-92 and AW189 operated by Bristow. Military SAR finished at the end of last year the various squadron decommissionings have been taking place over the last few months prior to the Sea King out of service date of 31 March.
Apart from the AEW ones which have had a reprieve while waiting for their replacement to come on line. Not that their replacement is actually late.

http://bristowgroup.com/uk-sar/sar-fleet/

[Airspeed]

Thanks Skippy!

Oooh...look at their second paragraph:
In selecting its helicopters, Bristow chose aircraft that are specifically suited to the terrain and requirements of the UK Search and Rescue area of coverage. The Sikorsky S-92 and AgustaWestland AW189 can fly faster and further.

"Than what?" I hear myself ask.