Lithuania begins round-the-clock SAR operation of AS365 helos

[Zarvan]

With all three Airbus Helicopters AS365 N3+ Dauphin platforms delivered, Lithuania is now using them for round-the-clock search-and-rescue cover. Source: Airbus Helicopters
Lithuania has begun round-the-clock search-and-rescue (SAR) operations with its newly received Airbus Helicopters AS365 N3+ Dauphin platforms, the company announced on 15 January.

Operations officially began on 11 January, following the handover in December 2015 of the last of three helicopters Lithuania ordered in 2013. The two other platforms were delivered in June and September of last year.

"The acquisition of the AS365 N3+ contributes to the modernisation of our fleet. We have already flown the aircraft for more than 200 hours in pilot-training operations including specific SAR missions, and we are sure that the up-to-date capabilities of this helicopter will allow us to perform all the different types of search-and-rescue missions that we must be able to execute," said Colonel Audronis Navickas, Lithuanian Air Force commander.

As noted by Airbus Helicopters, the three AS365 N3+ SAR helicopters are equipped with a 'glass' cockpit, a 4-axis autopilot, forward-looking infrared (FLIR), radar, search lights, hailer, hoist, and stretchers. When announced in 2013, the deal was valued at LTL180 million (USD71.9 million in 2013 dollars), which included the three helicopters plus associated equipment, pilot and staff training, and three years of warranty service.

With the introduction of the AS365 N3+, the Lithuanian armed forces will now retire its ageing Mil Mi-8 'Hip' helicopters.

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