so what about the trumpet fanfare earlier in the year when the 189 achieved certification for O&G?
A step along the way?
More obfuscation because the de-icing wasn't included in that 'certification'?
On FIPS, the work is said to be done and the rest is paperwork. The aircraft is now expected to enter service with FIPS.
What about the certification of the SAR modes as that won't have been included in the O&G process?
The story goes that OpEval reveals no significant issues for AFCS SAR modes and there has only been minor configuration. But is it true? Well, the people pitching that story certainly don't want it to be Groundhog Day?
So the rumour is no NVG capability until September ...
September? What aircraft? What location? (Doesn't get dark here until August.)
... and we know that the 139 doesn't meet the contract spec - any financial penalties being awarded?
Don't know. (SEP Field in place.
)
Nice pictures John - does the 189 have similar ground clearance issues????? Great choice for a SAR helicopter!
YES. Note the clearances shown at about 1 min 50s in the following video
https://vimeo.com/127840616
This is GN, which is the first Yeovil-built production AW189 in SAR config that includes the long range tank (that took too long, and was too heavy, and is too close to the ground).
This is an ongoing concern for Land SAR operations.
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There is a report of Richard Parkes (Director, Maritime Operations, MCA) stating November for AW189 in service. That is credible.
I shall put January in my diary, shall I? For Lydd but not Prestwick.
(Wets finger and holds in the wind.) August 2016 for Inverness?