14/01/2014

Coast Guard Launch New 'Flying Ambulance' Helicopters

Ireland Coast Guard's have launched their new fleet of "flying ambulances". The last of the new fleet of Sikorsky S92 helicopters was launched on Monday morning at Weston Airport.

With a top speed of 185kph and a range of 500 kilometres, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said the new helicopters are both safer and faster, can fly at higher altitudes in more severe weather and can carry more casualties.

The new helicopters are being leased, along with operating crews, from CHC Helicopter, one of the world's largest providers of such services.

The cost of the package is €55m a year before VAT. Under the deal, the Coast Guard gets a minimum of 65 hours per month, at each of the four bases, which are located as Dublin, Waterford, Shannon and Sligo.

(MH/JP)

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