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The WA Government has launched a fleet of three new Leonardo AW139 rescue helicopters.
In a $26.7 million boost to the RAC Rescue fleet, the AW139s replace ageing Bell 412EPs which had been in use with the state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) since 2003. They will operate from bases at Jandakot and Bunbury, operating 24/7 and 365 days per year.
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“In an emergency every second counts and these new helicopters can fly faster and further, helping our emergency services to save lives across our vast State,” said WA Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia.
“WA is a third of the continent and our first responders confront a variety of challenging situations, so it’s vital we equip them with the best tools on the market to get the job done.
“The new fleet of RAC Rescue helicopters will provide an even greater service to Western Australians with the ability to fly as far south as Albany and as far north as Dongara and back.”
According to the WA Government, the helicopters “feature some of the most advanced search and rescue technology and aeromedical equipment available”.
“They can reach a top speed of 309 kilometres per hour – almost 40 per cent faster than the previous fleet – and travel 300km further,” the government said in a press release.
“The cabin also has greater capacity to fit more stretchered patients and can be quickly reconfigured to suit the needs of the mission, including carrying up to 10 seated people or transport of cargo, equipment and humanitarian aid.”
The state’s fire and emergency services commissioner, Darren Klemm AFSM, said RAC Rescue is “a lifeline to regional areas and a critical part of DFES’ mission to keep the community safe with the fastest emergency response possible”.
“The highly specialised service responds to a range of incidents including serious road crashes, industrial and farming accidents, injured hikers in remote areas and incidents at sea-often in areas inaccessible by road, foot or boat,” he said.
“DFES is proud to usher in the new fleet to support Western Australians in their time and improve our capability to keep communities safe.”
WA’s Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service has completed more than 10,500 missions, and flown over 2.25 million kilometres, since launching in August 2003.
