- State Government launches fleet of next generation RAC Rescue helicopters
- Three new Leonardo AW139 aircraft are almost 40 per cent faster
- Reaching more people in remote places with improved equipment and capability
The State Government has launched three next generation helicopters in a $26.7 million commitment to bolster Western Australia's emergency response.
The state-of-the-art fleet of Leonardo AW139 helicopters, known as RAC Rescue, 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 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 new fleet replace the Bell 412EP RAC Rescue helicopters, which had been in service with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) since 2003.
The helicopters, managed by DFES, funded by the State Government and sponsored by RAC, are designed and delivered to save lives and keep the community safe.
Launching from bases at Jandakot and Bunbury, the RAC Rescue helicopters are crewed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provide vital search and rescue and aeromedical capabilities.
Since the first flight on 11 August 2003, the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service has completed more than 10,500 missions and flown over 2.25 million kilometres across WA.
DFES delivers the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service alongside its emergency services partners CHC Helicopters Australia, St John WA, the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority, WA Police Force and the Department of Health.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"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.
"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."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"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.
"DFES is proud to usher in the new fleet to support Western Australians in their time and improve our capability to keep communities safe."
