April 8, 2009 – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services Fleetlands recently performed the formal handover of Sea King MK4 ZF115 back to the British Ministry of Defence after an extensive repair, modification, and maintenance programme.
The aircraft sustained extensive airframe structural damage as result of an accident in November 2001 and was subsequently held in storage.
In June 2007 the Fleetlands operation was awarded the contract to repair the aircraft and bring it up to the latest modification standard. This involved nearly 30,000 man hours of effort and the embodiment of over 250 modifications, dating back over the last 25 years.
The recovery and return to service represents excellent value for money, as the work was completed at a fraction of the cost of a new build Sea King aircraft, providing an additional asset for the Front Line Command.
Sea King Project Team Leader, Group Captain Simon Moss MBE, stated, “The success of this 21-month project has been achieved through the close working relationship of Vector staff with the MoD Sea King Project Team (SKPT) and AgustaWestland”.
ZF115 will shortly return to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset as part of the Commando Helicopter Force.
Photo: Tim Rice (right), Managing Director Vector Aerospace UK, formally handing over the MF700C to Captain Tim Davies (left) from the Joint Helicopter Command Headquarters and Group Captain Simon Moss (middle) from the MoD Sea King Project.