in search and rescue operations. Courtesy of Silver Mountain Construction.
CIRI subsidiary Silver Mountain Construction is currently working on a unique project for the Coast Guard to design, build and install a remote helicopter refueling system and shelter on Sitkinak Island just south of Kodiak. This facility will directly support search and rescue missions in the region.
The system consists of two structures. The first is a 16-foot fuel system shed that houses fuel tanks, pumps, control systems, and a full spill containment deck. The second is a 20-foot shelter that includes a touchscreen-controlled generator and a large ATV garage, which doubles as a protected and warm survival shelter, complete with a VSAT (very small aperture terminal) emergency telephone. The module also stores survival gear and supplies for flight crews. To ensure the battery bank is charged, there is an advanced solar array and a high-speed wind generator. The shelter is topped by a radio mic-activated airfield beacon to provide greater visibility for approaching aircraft, and both shelters are painted orange and white checkerboard in accordance with FAA airfield standards.
[lightbox link=”https://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/P6110052-Copy.jpg” thumb=”https://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/P6110052-Copy-195×146.jpg” width=”195″ align=”left” title=”P6110052 – Copy” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]This system will be a vast improvement to the existing facilities and is expected to significantly increase mission effectiveness for Coast Guard helicopters.
Coast Guard personnel recently inspected the modules. They were very impressed and commented that more of these systems are needed in remote areas to support search and rescue in the Arctic and Western Alaska.
