Airbus, Draken Europe team for UK search and rescue bid

Airbus H175 SAR helicopter.

On 16 March 2021, Airbus announced that they have entered into a partnership with Draken Europe to meet the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) requirements for the second generation search and rescue service (UKSAR2G).

The company highlights how combination of the proven-in-service SAR product and support capabilities of Airbus, a global leader in aerospace, with the extensive operational experience of Draken, a supplier of mission critical aviation services to the UK Government and global customers, will allow them to offer a comprehensive next generation enhancement to the MCA’s current SAR service while ensuring the robust continuity of its life-saving operations.

According to Airbus, the team will deliver a total system solution which will seamlessly deploy advanced helicopter, fixed wing and unmanned aircraft supported by a diverse array of integrated mission-critical technologies enabling the delivery of a timely SAR response whenever and wherever it is needed.

The MCA, through helicopters and planes belonging to HM Coastguard, provides a national 24-hour maritime and coastal search and rescue (SAR) emergency response service throughout the UK. Since 2013, the UKSAR helicopter service has been delivered by Bristow helicopters ltd.

The UKSAR2G program builds on the UK's current SAR service to provide a market-led tailored approach to search and rescue in a more cost-efficient and innovative way.

Image: Airbus