June 4, 2013 – Stavanger, Norway
Heli-One, the world’s largest independent provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul services, is helping the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) bring more people home safely by installing capability-enhancing modifications to its Sea King fleet.
Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera systems are essential on search and rescue (SAR) missions, helping to find people using body heat signals. After a successful trial – where Heli-One fitted two Sea Kings with Wescam MX10 FLIR cameras and high definition displays – the system is now being installed in four more aircraft.
“With this state-of-the-art system, Air Force crews can more easily find people in distress – especially at sea – and bring them home safely,” said Lars Landsnes, Managing Director Europe, Heli-One.
“We’re proud to support the Royal Norwegian Air Force in their efforts to save lives.”
Mr. Landsnes said the relationship between RNoAF and Heli-One’s expert engineers and technicians, who provide specialist support and installations, now spans 25 years.
Heli-One has extensive experience supporting customers across the SAR sector – from Lufttransport AS’s air ambulance service to the Icelandic Coast Guard’s fleet of Super Puma AS332L1s.
No. 330 Squadron of the RNoAF is a dedicated air ambulance and SAR unit providing services to Norway’s civilian population. The unit operates 12 Westland Sea King Mk43B helicopters from six bases in Norway.
The cameras are externally mounted Wescam MX10 FLIR cameras with Curtis Wright HD display systems for day and night operations.
About Heli-One
Heli-One is based in Delta, British Columbia, Canada, and has MRO operations in Delta; Stavanger, Norway; Fort Collins, Colorado; and Rzeszow, Poland. Heli-One is part of CHC Helicopter, the world’s largest helicopter services company, which, in addition to MRO services, provides transportation to offshore oil and gas platforms and ships and search-and-rescue agencies. CHC is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and operates more than 240 aircraft in about 30 countries around the world.
To find out more about some of the modifications and upgrades Heli-One can provide for SAR customers, browse Heli-One’s Modifications Catalogue at www.heli-one.ca/mods
For more information
Melinda de Boer
Director, Communications - Europe, Africa, Euro-Asia
+44 (0)77 6548 3352
Melinda.deBoer@chc.ca