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Kulwin Park Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 106
Don't know what MD902 is like as EMS machine ...
Would have thought EC135 too smal for that role ...
Would have thought they may have gone a Dauphin or something that has a bit more of a multi-role capability?"
KP: I don't think multi-role is needed for this dedicated HEMS operation. The MD902 is actually a good multi-role machine but long distance legs she does not have. What it does have is great performance for the Middle East environment, low rotorwash for the off heliport environment, low maint required in the Middle East environment, multi-patient capability and acceptable range with a 100 mile out and back range when proprely configured for HEMS and fully crewed. The only real problem with the 902 is the supplier.
Bigger ships have some advantages and many dis-advantages in the Middle East, but the patients have to be in a favorable place for a bigger machine to land. I think a fleet of light twins (MD902) for local ops and a sensable fixed wing (PC-12 or maybe even a light jet) fleet for cross country transport would be a great mix in KSA.