Two modern Sikorsky S-92A helicopters have been delivered to Mount Pleasant, the central hub for the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI).
Operated by Bristow Group Helicopters, the new aircraft are set to significantly improve the support capabilities in the Falkland Islands, as they replace the older Sikorsky S-61N platforms.
The new helicopters were transported to Mare Harbour by the Falkland Islands Resupply Ship (FIRS) and are intended to provide essential logistical support, primarily for the movement of people, supplies, and equipment around the island.
Earlier this summer, the phase-out of the older Sikorsky S-61Ns began, with the Bristow Group initiating operations using the S-92As.
“We are proud to have worked collaboratively with our colleagues at Strategic Command and industry to deliver this significant uplift in capability which will provide a sustained long-term capability in the Falkland Islands,” stated Barry Paton, team leader of the Multi Helicopter Platforms delivery team at the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).
The Bristow Group will continue to operate the Leonardo AW189 helicopters for search and rescue missions in the area. The new Sikorsky S-92As bring enhanced features, including modern systems and higher reliability, enabling them to operate in less than ideal weather conditions compared to their predecessors.
Additional improvements are slated, involving cross-training of engineering staff to service both types of helicopters and refining shift patterns for more efficient operations. This marks another collaboration between DE&S and Strategic Command, which oversees the UK’s network of overseas bases.
So are these for the Falkland forces or for the falklands government? So bristow have these 2 and the search and rescue AW189 stationed there.
The airforce used to have a chinook or 2 but not sure if they are still there.
Would be nice to hear how the S92 are to operate.
The Chinook helicopters were withdrawn from the Falklands some time ago. S92 are very handy helicopters though. Happy Saturday all!
The S92 has served well for the Irish Coastguard, but CHC has lost the contract to Bristow so they are being replaced by AW 189s depending on legal rangling.
Good question. the article reads as if they have a role as regards the civilian population. When I served down there (99/2000) we had a Chinook or two plus 2 Sikorskis operated by Brintel but just for HM Forces use, mainly stores deliveries as I recall. Plus the SAR helos of course.
Is this Sikorsky aircraft an option for the puma replacement or a bit too large?
Too large. But there are also have been some issues with it.
As it struggles to support the existing fleet of S-92A helicopters, Lockheed Martin Sikorsky has pushed certification of the A+ upgrade for the aircraft to 2025 while indefinitely shelving plans for a B model.
in Verticalmag 2023
There also have been issues with gearboxes.
These will be good to make big transportation.
Why don’t we have something like the civvy Merlin for these, you know built in uk?
Merlin is roughly 50% higher gross takeoff weight than S-92 so much more capable and expensive, having 3 engines while good for military is probably not so good for civilian maintenance
This is a commercial decision by Bristow, but i would guess Merlin is too expensive with 3 engines.
They moved all work to the union shops, don’t expect great workmanship. They didn’t cut costs, they just cut jobs.
I read somewhere that the S-92 is out of production.