SARREMF,
Please take note of the following. ASER also uses figures which includes restricting the use of the AUX Tank.
Standard Tank Fit
Fuel Flow 420-430kg/hr
Standard Tank 1588ltrs/1254 kg
70% Torque 138-140kts
20 mins on scene plus 30 mins reserve on RTN
At 140kts thats a range of 140nm exactly
Aux tank Fit Due to weight of aircraft with limited SAR equip plus crew only 150kg is usable.
That bumps the range up to 165nm.
With this aircraft it is possible to increase the range by climbing to altitude however it isn't always appropriate or possible.
An increase in the Max all up weight of the aircraft would change this but unfortunately the Aux tank still displaces much needed cabin and storage space.
As mentioned by a previous poster range is a not a significant issue at all but I feel one can't quote erroneous figures.
The SAR crews can obviously work around but not escape the following
And this doesnt mean a harp back to the 61. They are just facts plain and simple.
Less range, less payload, much less volume,
less external illumination, reduced ground clearance, small narrow tyres mean the a/c sinks in on even resonably firm surfaces.
High vibration between 18-30kts. No flying in cloud at 0 or below
And no AVAD
I noticed the zero degree thing in the RFM but the ice protection kit later on will make all the difference for SAR_H.
Surely you dont just happen to notice this when selecting a SAR Aircraft. If its needed for the big contract then why not now.
Overall chaps, are you missing the point? This is the Interim contract
.
Experiment??
Can I respectfully point out that, I believe in this case many SAR crews are actually more than pleased to have a new toy and really rather like the change after all this time. (about time)
Its only when its claimed by some to be an aircraft able to do so much more because of all this modern technology and a giant step forward for the rescue services (and they fall for it) that a few folk are
reluctantly prompted to set the record straight with a few comments as above. Thankyou