 A Sikorsky 61, currently used by the rescue service |
A new rescue helicopter planned for the Northern and Western Isles has no track record in carrying out mercy missions, it has been claimed. Bristow Helicopters is challenging the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's decision to drop them as the preferred bidder for the new rescue contract.
The MCA has chosen Aberdeen-based CHC Helicopters as the preferred bidder.
Bristow said the Sikorsky 92 which it is proposed to use on the service was totally unproven for the task.
Bristow has operated search and rescue missions in the Northern Isles for 22 years, and across in the Western Isles for 18 years, during which time more than 2,000 lives have been saved.
The Sikorsky 61 aircraft is used by rescue teams at the moment, but from 2007 the Sikorsky 92 is set to come in to service.
Bristow Helicopters said the new aircraft had no track record anywhere in the world carrying out lifesaving missions.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it had no no further comment on the details of the new contract which is due to be signed in mid-December.
One-Minute World News 
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