Fast and efficient rescue helicopter services

”The government is committed to putting in place a faster and more effective rescue helicopter service  that is capable of assisting as many people in a difficult situation as possible.” says Terje Moland Pedersen, State Secretary. Today, a decision was made with regard to which criteria will form the basis for the acquisition of the new rescue helicopters.

The work is well underway to phase out today’s Sea King rescue helicopters and replace them with a new fleet of helicopters by 2020. The government’s objective is to have capacity to begin rescue of 20 people in distress within a range of 150 nautical miles directly out from the straight baseline within two hours. In addition, they must be able to assist two people at the far perimeter of the Norwegian search and rescue region. “People in distress along the entire coastline and on the mainland will receive assistance faster  than is the case today,” says Moland Pedersen.

The acquisition process is being continued. It is based on the recommended multi-mission concept  consisting of a uniform fleet of 15 to 20 large helicopters (weighing 10-20 tonnes), and the base pattern that we have today. As part of the government’s commitment to the northern areas, the future ambition level and need for rescue capacity on Svalbard will also be further evaluated.

The future rescue helicopters will also continue the mission of the current helicopters, such as air ambulance (Medevac) and other services vital to society.

The concept has been reviewed by HolteProsjekt AS and Econ Analyse AS as part of the external quality assurance. The total life cycle costs for the new helicopter fleet from procurement until 2050, is estimated to be in the region of NOK 29 - 39 billion. 

For further information please see the concept study  ”Forstudie for ny the rescue helicopter capacity (Pre-study of new rescue helicopter capacity)” prepared by the Rescue department in the Ministry of Justice, and the External quality assurance report.