Bristow's Curaçao operations have welcomed a second fully liveried AW139 complete with an advanced mission system.

The mission system, the first to be installed as part of a new era of SAR delivery, means it is packed with state-of-the-art integrated technology and leading-edge crew interfaces.

Director of Bristow Netherlands, James Lorraine, says: “This aircraft is the first in the world to receive the advanced new mission system from Nova Systems, using the same technologies and design that will deliver the next generation of SAR for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) and also to our Bristow government services clients in the UK and Ireland. Particular thanks are due to our Bristow colleagues in the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Charles who made the advanced modification programme a reality.

“The team in Curaçao has been delivering a fully operational capability for several months and have demonstrated time and again the critical operational role they play to support the DCCG,” Lorraine continues. “Now, having taken delivery of the second new aircraft, they will continue to demonstrate our clear and proud commitment to delivering an increasingly effective and mission critical service for people and communities in the Dutch Caribbean. It's an important milestone for our services here.”

Along with the mission system, the aircraft is fully SAR-configured with the expected array of imaging and search technology, medical equipment and dual-winch capability, not to mention the highly trained crew members.

The AW139 has already proved its worth, completing daily training flights and some notable mission taskings for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. But it is its ability to monitor vast areas of ocean that gives local law enforcement a head-start when it comes to responding to other calls for help.

“Missions in Curaçao are a little different to SAR in other parts of the world,” explains Curaçao base manager, Captain John McIntyre. "Yes, we train for and deliver lifesaving SAR operations on land and at sea whenever we are tasked. The sort of things Bristow teams all over the globe do 24/7. But in Curaçao we also give the authorities an unparalleled level of situational awareness, something that is increasingly important as they enforce maritime security around the Dutch Antilles and deal regularly with illegal fishing or drug running activities.

“Go-fasts – small boats equipped with powerful engines – can't outrun an aircraft and its sensor capabilities; the imaging systems installed on our aircraft contribute to an increasingly effective level of situational awareness, giving authorities a clear view of activity across a huge area and putting criminals on the back foot.”

Neil Ebberson, director of government services concludes: “This is not just a key moment for Curaçao, it's a critical achievement in our development of a new era of SAR, as we continue to deliver operational excellence to our government clients globally. The new mission system provides next-level capability and will help keep our teams all over the world on the leading-edge of mission critical operations for years to come.”