November 13, 2008 – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services Fleetlands has completed its first Sea King Helicopter depth maintenance passage under the Sea King Integrated Operational Support (SKIOS) contract arrangement with AgustaWestland.
Vector completed its depth maintenance on the helicopter ahead of the 114 day schedule, allowing its early delivery to 202 Squadron at Leconfield on 29 October. This Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft is now operational and already involved in saving lives on the UK’s north east coast. A second Sea King is undergoing its test flights and is also expected to complete ahead of schedule.
Under Phase II of the SKIOS contract, the UK MoD has transferred responsibility to AgustaWestland for Sea King Depth Maintenance. Vector Helicopter Services Fleetlands, which is based at Gosport, is contracted to provide depth maintenance for all the MoD’s Sea King Helicopters for the next five years with provision to run for the remaining service life of the Sea King fleet. The 200 strong Sea King Business Unit provides a one- stop-shop for maintenance, modification and repair, offering a full range of capabilities in addition to standard aircraft servicing packages.
The contract also includes Sea King component overhaul at Vector’s Component Services business at Almondbank, near Perth, which specialises in the repair, overhaul, modification and testing of an extensive range of transmission, mechanical and hydraulic components assemblies supporting a variety of helicopter and fixed-wing platforms.
Declan O’Shea, President and CEO for Vector Aerospace said “The early completion of this aircraft has been possible due to the successful Continuous Improvement Programme being implemented across the site and by working closely with AgustaWestland in the provision of technical and logistical support”.
Nick Whitney, Senior VP, UK Government Business Unit, AgustaWestland, said, “What is notable is that these two aircraft were the first to be inducted under Vector ownership and under full SKIOS Phase II. The fact that both aircraft have now been delivered on time and to budget is a significant achievement and testament to the good work carried out by all involved”.
A ceremony to mark the occasion was held at Fleetlands on 29 October.