The Sabena technics BGC DOA, formerly Aeroconseil/AKKA DOA was contracted by CHC Helikopter Service AS (CHC HS), the Norwegian division of CHC Group to develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) on Super Puma AS332 C/C1/L/L1 to perform search and rescue (SAR) operations for the Ministry Of Justice Helicopter. The first installation was performed on the aircraft operating at Svalbard for the Governor there (Sysselmester).
Lifeseeker is a search and rescue mission system, capable of accurately locating missing people through their cell phones, even in areas without coverage and in adverse weather conditions. It can be used in both manned vehicles (airplanes and helicopters) and unmanned vehicles (UAVs/drones).
Barry van der Ark, Head of Airbus, Leonardo, Bell Fleet and Engines Categories at CHC Helicopters said: “We are constantly looking for new and innovative technologies that can improve and enhance our search and rescue operations globally. In Norway, our teams regularly have to reach remote and challenging destinations to support people in need. We were looking for a system with specific characteristics to help locate stranded persons in such areas, and with our Partner Aeroconseil/AKKA, we found the Lifeseeker system. The Lifeseeker system will mean we can find people stranded and in need of attention quickly, and ensure they can return home safely”.
Amaury BOYER, VP Sales Sabena Technics said: “The Lifeseeker system turns cell phones into emergency beacons that quickly guide search and rescue teams to the exact location of the missing person. Lifeseeker optimizes missions where every second counts to effectively locate the affected person.”
The Sabena technics BGC team worked closely with Centum Research&Technology to perform flight tests that have been conducted in Longyearbyen on the Island of Spitsbergen, in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. The tests demonstrated that the Lifeseeker system is a perfect system for SAR teams. It took less than 10 minutes at 9000ft for the Centum Research&Technology/Sabena technics BGC teams to find the target phone (8km away) with an accuracy of +/- 10 meters.
This great success led to the validation of the STC 10080957 by EASA, making it the last one under the name Aeroconseil before the group was acquired by Sabena technics in January 2023.
In addition, Sabena technics BGC and Centum Research&Technology will at HAI Heli Expo on March 6-9, in Atlanta, Georgia, and look forward to meeting and connecting with the major contributors of the Global Helicopter Industry.
To book a meeting contact: Amaury.BOYER@sabenatechnics.com
This press release was prepared and distributed by Sabena technics.
