§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Transport what, pursuant to his answer of 23 April, Official Report, column 684, is the range, carrying capacity and auto-hover capability of the new search-and-rescue helicopter to be based at Stornoway.
§ Mr. MooreThe aircraft to be based at Stornoway will be similar to the Sikorsky S61N Mark II provided under contract to the Department of Transport by Bristow Helicopters Ltd. for search and rescue (SAR) and based at Sumburgh, Shetland Isles. This aircraft is among the most advanced SAR helicopters in service anywhere. It will have full auto-hover and infra red detection capabilities. Its range and carrying capacity are largely interdependent and related to the aircraft weight including fuel at take-off and any time thereafter. In general, the aircraft should be capable of recovering about 15 survivors at a range of 150 nautical miles and returning to base.
However, until the Stornoway aircraft can be fully fitted out and to achieve the earliest possible operational date for the Hebrides base, a standard S61N is being provided in early May as an interim measure. The aircraft will have normal SAR capability but only limited effectiveness at night.