Russian Helicopters
At the moment, the heaviest loads that can be 'easily' moved within Western Europe in terms of regulations, availability and pricing are around 5,000kg (Normal WAT limits apply)
If there are compelling reasons that they remain 'indivisible loads' (not based on the fact it's cheaper to keep them at 8 tons)
It's possible-ish ...but the cost would make your eyes water!
The paperwork and 'discussions' necessary to permit a non-JAA aircraft to operate in the UK would be a nightmare; with substantial costs involved and a completely uncertain outcome. A persuasive argument might be built if it were in some way charitable or a benefit to UK society (I'm just guessing on this point)
There are 'as yet' untried legal methods of introducing heavylift Russian a/c - but they are at the 'think tank' stage at the moment...No-one wants to lay down hard earned cash to find out if it will work!
Also: Few heavy-lift operators have much interest in one-off jobs, as typically negotiations fall over when the client realizes the rates are non-negotiable and that 'The Russians' are not desperate for work (They have most of it ;-)
The minute a job is offered, the operators close ranks to keep the price stable. Both with the aircraft rate and the positioning charge (Mob-demob) Because of this costs are fairly stable these days and generally follow 'Incoterms 2012' in regards to who pays what. If you get an offer for a cut-rate heavylift machine today, be very cautious...
I can put you in touch with a few outfits who could do it in principle; but the CAA involvement makes it nearly impossible to predict the outcome.
5 tons is no problem if the loads can be broken down (Just FYI)
PM or email if you need contact numbers etc.
Last edited by 170'; 8th July 2013 at 13:25.