A STATE-OF-THE-ART helicopter arrives at Portland this spring, marking a new era in search and rescue operations.

The AW139 is a new model to replace the Sikorsky S61N, which has been a familiar sight since the Royal Navy left in 1995.

The new helicopter is due to be in place at Osprey Quay and ready for coastguard missions by April 3.

CHC won a £100 million contract to run the search and rescue operations at four civilian-operated bases in the UK, including Portland, for five years from July 1, 2007.

The Canadian group promised a faster and more effective rescue service with its new fleet of aircraft.

The Portland-based crews who work for Bristow Helicopters have been given the opportunity to move across to CHC on the same conditions. Those who take up the offer will begin their training next month.

The AW139 is a new-generation medium-twin turbine helicopter able to fly faster and further than a Sikorsky. It can carry up to 15 passengers, or a full team of SAR technicians and survivors, at high cruise speeds.

It is equipped with infra-red and low light cameras, satellite communications, a public address system and dual hoists.

The model is said to be the best-selling helicopter of its kind and used in a variety of commercial duties around the world including search and rescue and offshore oil operations.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman said: "The new aircraft is due to arrive from Italy sometime this week and will first undergo a Civil Aviation Authority audit. We expect it to be clear by the end of February.

"Training for the crews will take place at Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire, where there are better hangar facilities.

"We expect it to be operational at Portland from April 3."

He added: "The crews have been offered employment with the new firm and we know that many of them have taken up the offer."

The first batch of helicopters to be operated by CHC were new-technology Sikorsky S92 aircraft based at Stornoway and Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands. They have now undertaken a total of 50 missions since their introduction last October.