PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - AS332L2 Ditching off Shetland: 23rd August 2013
Old 2nd Sep 2013, 01:13
  #1084 (permalink)  
mickjoebill
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: UK/OZ
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The freefall lifeboat is used to describe the pod, as it is a strong safety capsule with energy absorbing seats designed to be dropped into the sea from a considerable height.
The seats in the EC 130B helicopter are designed to protect life in a 14g prang.
A few years ago a EC130 with 5 POB. It went from a hover at 220 feet to a spin and descent. It was captured on video. Eurocopter calculated the impact was 1700ft per minute or about 18mph vertical. It hit a beach. Three occupants in the back were found strapped in their seats and deceased.

Having ridden an oil rig escape pod from 20 meters it was a benign impact. You are virtually lying down with a 4 or 5 point harness. Late last year one was tested from a record height of 200ft.







Mickjoebill

Last edited by mickjoebill; 2nd Sep 2013 at 01:17.
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