The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is reviewing proposals from fixed-wing operators to supply four twin-engine turbine aircraft equipped for search-and- rescue (SAR) missions.
AMSA has already contracted AeroRescue to operate from Darwin a Dornier 328 turboprop with Elta radar from the end of this year. AeroRescue began operating in February a Beechcraft King Air 200T to provide AMSA with an interim capability until the 328 is delivered.
Manager of SAR operations John Young says AMSA is now evaluating proposals that were received earlier this month from operators interested in supplying four more dedicated aircraft. While AMSA may award contracts to multiple operators, selecting a single contractor and one type of aircraft is believed to be the preferred solution.
The operator will be required to supply a crew of four 24h a day and equip each aircraft with a drop system. AMSA has been allocated A$55 million ($40 million) in the current fiscal year to acquire the four additional aircraft, which are expected to enter service in fiscal year 2006-7. AMSA secured approval for the acquisition after convincing the government its fleet of three twin piston aircraft was not sufficient in responding to SAR requests, which have increased by 40% over the past seven years.
BRENDAN SOBIE/BRISBANE
Source: Flight International
