The first of six new AW189 helicopters destined for the Irish Coast Guard has been delivered from the Italian production line and into the Bristow Helicopters maintenance hangar to be fitted with mission equipment for its new role. Delivered initially as G-CMTP (MSN 89023), it will be re-registered as EI-IRG prior to entry into service. The second helicopter (MSN 89024) has also rolled off the production line and will be registered EI-IRR.
In December, Nova Systems announced it had been awarded a contract by Bristow Ireland Limited as the mission system integrator for Bristow’s six AW189 helicopters supporting the search and rescue on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard. Nova Systems will use their EASA-approved Part 21 Design Organisation in Shannon to act as the mission system integrator for the six AW189 helicopters, providing a bespoke solution to meet the demanding SAR mission requirements.
The Bristow Group released the air-to-air photos below of the first helicopter while it was undergoing initial test flying at the factory in Italy.
