1. The performance of the AW189 provides a high level of safety during critical phases of flight, such as hoisting operations or approaches to elevated helipads.
2. The AW189 has a modern weather radar, a highly capable search camera, and a full aircraft anti-icing system. These features allow Bristow crews to fly safely in all weather conditions, day and night.
3. The AW189 is Night Vision Goggle certified, allowing all crews to operate safely in darkness.
In Ireland, Bristow crews will use next generation white phosphor night vision systems, fully compatible with the AW189.
4. The AW189 is certified to approach and land on elevated landing sites, such as the helipad pictured here at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, or at the new National Children's Hospital in Dublin.
This capability can drastically speed up the transfer of critically ill children into specialist care, without depending on road ambulances to take patients from helicopter to hospital.
5. The compact footprint of the AW189 allows crews to access some incident locations more easily than with larger helicopter types, reducing response times to those in distress.
Inside the aircraft the cabin capacity meets or exceeds all the Irish Coast Guard's requirements allowing it to carry all the required rescue equipment.
6. The flexible AW189 cabin interior can be swiftly customised to meet specific demands.
For the Irish Coast Guard a permanently installed medical station deploys into position only when required, ensuring a clear and uncluttered cabin which increases safety.
All on-board emergency exits can be fully accessed without having to remove cabin seating to do so. This represents a significant safety benefit compared to other aircraft types.
7. Custom mission systems, such as the one designed for the Irish Coast Guard, will help crews find people in distress more quickly.
A number of onboard sensors will provide real-time information to all crew using multiple large HD touch-screen monitors and cockpit displays.
In a major step forward, Augmented Reality technology will layer vital information on top of video displays, making it simpler for Bristow Ireland crews to control complex situations and find people faster.
8. The AW189 is equipped with two highly advanced digital rescue hoists, providing 100% backup for this critical equipment.
Not only do these provide some of the highest performance and reliability in the world, but the rescue hoists fitted to the AW189 are unique in their ability to self-diagnose faults, alerting the crew to any issues.
This not only considerably increases safety, but reduces costly downtime spent rectifying faults; an important consideration in a taxpayer-funded operation.
9. The SAR configured AW189 is specifically designed for long range operations. Extended range fuel tanks (in blue) beneath the cabin floor, double the fuel capacity of the helicopter without affecting its ability to land on rough ground.
This capability - specifically designed to meet Bristow's long-range requirements, is always available. There is no need to install bulky fuel tanks in the cabin which can significantly reduce space for crew and patients.
10. The large sliding doors of the AW189 allow for safe and fast loading and unloading of passengers and patients into the cabin from either side, avoiding the hazardous tail area.
Twin doors are particularly useful during confined or very windy landings where aircraft manoeuvrability may be reduced.
Multiple grab handles, steps and a cabin floor at the ideal height for patient loading, reduce the risk of injury to crews and the other emergency services we work alongside every day.