Provision of Helicopter Services to Deliver Aerial Survey Work

Network Rail is seeking to put in place a contract for the provision of helicopter services to deliver aerial survey work across its national infrastructure and estate. The contract will provide Network Rail with access to helicopter-based survey capability nationally, across its Regions, with service availability 365 days per year including an element of night flying. Network Rail has used helicopters to survey its assets and create aerial pictorial maps of the railway infrastructure since 2004. Currently, this capability is delivered by two helicopters, one covering Scotland and one covering England and Wales, with an estimated 1000 flight hours per year. Network Rail provides the Aerial Survey Specialists (referred to as ‘observers’ from this point forward) that accompany each flight to capture and process data specified by the Regions. Anticipated commence of new contract: April 2026. Aircraft Requirements and Availability Essential: • Helicopters must be available during the hours of 0700 to 1900 each day, 7 days per week. Each aircraft must meet the following minimum requirements: • Twin engine helicopter • Fully equipped for VFR and night capable flights • Fitted with a CAA approved mount capable of carrying the required camera/survey systems as specified in this notice, plus 1 x Network Rail observer and two other passengers (such as Network Rail engineers) • Flight following capability (Spidertrax or equivalent) to be made available to Network Rail • Able to fly a mission for a duration of three hours without needing to refuel • Able to mount screens and other equipment in the cabin – both fore and after The availability of aircraft must be achieved through: • The provision of a backup aircraft in the event of mechanical fault or scheduled maintenance • Access to additional aircraft may be required if the need arises (subcontracting shall be permitted) Desirable: • IFR capable platform Pilot Availability and Competence Profile Essential: • A minimum of two dedicated pilots shall be assigned to each aircraft • Pilots shall be trained to Commercial Air Transport (C.A.T) Standard, night rated and with a minimum of 2500 hours rotary wing flight time • Pilots shall be trained and familiar in flying infrastructure survey missions • Pilot competence shall be maintained by limiting rotation between Network Rail and other customers • Tasking schedules shall be set by Network Rail's observers and the supplier will be required to allocate a pilot for a daily mission that in general shall not exceed standard flight duty hours Desirable: • IFR rated pilot Sensors, Camera Equipment and Systems The supplier shall provide and maintain the following equipment: Essential: • System 1 - Thermal Multi Sensor System to include: HD Thermal Imaging sensors with Zoom capability, HD Visual Colour Cameras with Zoom capability, Laser Range Finder with Geo-lock capability, 6-axis or greater stabilisation, Augmentation with mapping. • System 2 - Gimbalised Stills camera system to include: HD Stills Camera System (min 50mp) with Zoom capability, 6-axis, or greater stabilisation. Desirable: • System 3 - Corona Discharge Multi Sensor System to include: HD UV Imaging sensors with Zoom capability, HD Thermal Imaging sensors with Zoom capability, HD Visual Colour Cameras with Zoom capability, HD Stills Camera System with Zoom capability, Laser Range Finder with Geo-lock capability, 4-axis or greater stabilisation, Augmentation with mapping. In addition to the above, the helicopter must also be able to accommodate Network Rail’s own bespoke MACs camera system. This is mounted on a standard meeker boom or equivalent. Additional information: Additional information on the specification will be included in the forthcoming tender documents.