What Helicopters Are Used for Offshore Operations? A Guide to Their Capabilities and Uses

What helicopters are used for offshore operations? As technology advances and our reliance on offshore resources increases, helicopters have become an essential tool in the offshore sector. Offshore operations often involve remote locations, inhospitable environments, and demanding tasks. Helicopters are uniquely suited to meet these challenges, offering speed, flexibility, and a range of specialized capabilities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various types of helicopters used in offshore operations, their unique features, and real-life examples of their applications.

Transporting Personnel and Cargo

One of the primary uses of helicopters in offshore operations is transporting personnel and cargo to and from offshore installations, such as oil and gas platforms, wind farms, and research vessels. This role is often referred to as crew change, and helicopters are the preferred mode of transport due to their ability to cover long distances quickly, land in tight spaces, and operate in challenging weather conditions. Some of the most popular helicopters for crew change operations include:

Sikorsky S-92

The Sikorsky S-92 is a medium-lift helicopter with a spacious cabin, capable of carrying up to 19 passengers and a payload of up to 12,000 pounds. With a range of 539 nautical miles and a top speed of 165 knots, the S-92 is a popular choice for offshore transport missions, offering a comfortable and efficient solution for getting crews and cargo to and from offshore installations.

Airbus H225 Super Puma

The H225 is a large, twin-engine helicopter with a range of 472 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 11,200 pounds. Capable of carrying up to 24 passengers, the H225 is designed for long-range offshore transport and features advanced avionics, a four-axis autopilot, and a de-icing system, making it a reliable choice for operations in harsh environments.

Leonardo AW139

The AW139 is a medium-sized helicopter that can carry up to 15 passengers and has a maximum payload of 6,800 pounds. With a range of 306 nautical miles and a top speed of 165 knots, the AW139 is a versatile and efficient option for offshore crew change missions, as well as a variety of other tasks.

Search and Rescue

In addition to crew change operations, helicopters play a critical role in search and rescue (SAR) missions in offshore environments. SAR helicopters are equipped with specialized sensors, rescue hoists, and medical equipment to quickly locate and recover individuals in distress. Examples of helicopters used in offshore SAR operations include:

Sikorsky S-92A SAR

A variant of the S-92, the S-92A SAR is specifically designed for search and rescue missions, featuring advanced avionics, enhanced communications systems, and a rescue hoist capable of lifting up to 600 pounds. Its spacious cabin allows for the transport of multiple patients and medical personnel, making it an invaluable asset in offshore emergencies.

Airbus H225 SAR

The H225 SAR is a variant of the Super Puma designed for search and rescue missions. It features advanced sensors, including a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera, radar, and an automatic identification system (AIS) for tracking vessels. Its spacious cabin can accommodate up to 20 survivors, and it is equipped with a rescue hoist, medical equipment, and a built-in de-icing system for operations in harsh conditions.

Maintenance, Inspection, and Repair

Another essential role for helicopters in offshore operations is providing support for maintenance, inspection, and repair tasks. Offshore installations and infrastructure, such as wind turbines and subsea pipelines, require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure their safety and efficiency. Helicopters can access these remote locations quickly, reducing downtime and minimizing the impact on operations. Some of the helicopters used for maintenance, inspection, and repair tasks include:

Airbus H145

The H145 is a light twin-engine helicopter with a compact design, making it an ideal choice for operations requiring precision and agility. With a range of 351 nautical miles and a payload capacity of 3,900 pounds, the H145 can transport maintenance crews and equipment to offshore installations with ease. Its advanced avionics and autopilot system ensure safe and efficient flight, even in challenging weather conditions.

Leonardo AW169

The AW169 is a lightweight, twin-engine helicopter capable of carrying up to 10 passengers and a payload of 4,850 pounds. With a range of 420 nautical miles and a top speed of 160 knots, the AW169 is well-suited for offshore maintenance and inspection tasks. Its compact size, combined with advanced flight control systems, allows for precise maneuvering and stable hovering during inspection and repair operations.

Emergency Response and Environmental Monitoring

Helicopters also play a crucial role in emergency response and environmental monitoring in offshore operations. In the event of an oil spill or other environmental incident, helicopters can be rapidly deployed to assess the situation, transport response teams, and deploy equipment to mitigate the impact. Additionally, helicopters can be equipped with specialized sensors to monitor air and water quality, track wildlife, and survey the surrounding environment.

Bell 412

The Bell 412 is a versatile, medium-lift helicopter with a range of 357 nautical miles and a payload capacity of 5,100 pounds. Its robust design and twin-engine reliability make it a popular choice for offshore emergency response and environmental monitoring tasks. The Bell 412 can be outfitted with a variety of sensors and equipment, making it a flexible platform for a wide range of missions.

Sikorsky S-76D

The S-76D is a medium-sized helicopter designed for a variety of offshore missions, including emergency response and environmental monitoring. With a range of 441 nautical miles and a payload capacity of 5,300 pounds, the S-76D offers a reliable and efficient solution for offshore operations. Its advanced avionics, weather radar, and autopilot system ensure safe and precise flight in challenging conditions.

Helicopters for Offshore Operations

Helicopters play a vital role in offshore operations, providing transportation, search and rescue, maintenance, and environmental monitoring capabilities. The versatility and adaptability of these aircraft make them an indispensable tool in the offshore sector, where time, efficiency, and safety are of paramount importance.

For more information about how helicopters can support your offshore operations or to receive a fast, no-obligation quote for your project, we encourage you to call Fair Lifts Helicopter Services. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in selecting the right helicopter and services to meet your unique needs.