View Full Version : Help Selecting a Helicopter
Jack Carson
12th Apr 2007, 22:49
We are looking for a 1st class AMS, Medium Range Critical Care Transport machine. Top end vehicles are the AW-139 and S-76C++. The low end machines are the EC-135/145 and the A109 Grande. The mission is 0 to 200 NM radious of operation, isolette, baloon pump, interfacility operations at sea level to 3000 MSL. Any and all comments are welcome.
Thank You
Whispering Jack
B Sousa
13th Apr 2007, 00:52
Whats the matter with the A-119. Its going to eats Bells lunch as they cant figure out what to make for the future that still looks like a 206.
Jack Carson
13th Apr 2007, 01:00
I agree but the customer is adverse to single engine machines.
helopat
13th Apr 2007, 03:37
Just out of curiousity, how did you arrive at the "139/S76 at the high end, EC135/145 and A109 at the low end"? Is that based on cost, capability, speed, endurance? I'm assuming that is based on $.
If you're planning on landing on hospital roof, have you considered the weight of the 139?
Just back from the Augusta 109 course in Italy. Nice machine...fast, good endurance, IFR, single pilot, fairly pilot proof, able to adjust their machine to fit the customer. May be worth a look.
Jack Carson
13th Apr 2007, 19:42
We presently fly Turbomecha powered 109Es with a 2850 kg. gross weight limit. They are great flying machines but short on payload.
rotorbrent
14th Apr 2007, 17:52
I would step up to the Agusta grand 109S since you are using the E now you might have issues with the A139 with pad issues. The Next up from the Grand would be S76C++
Brent
B Sousa
15th Apr 2007, 02:45
OK, It must be a twin. If the customer is new to helicopters and is watching his money, take a look at a used BO-105 or BK-117. If he some Jing-Wa in his pocket go for the EC-135,145
The 200 NM RADIUS is the killer?
Upgrade your current E model!
Of course you would already have the 5 cell fuel system?
Mod. 109-0823-22 Increase Internal Gross Weight to 3000 kg (6614 lbs)
It's mainly gear mods as the aircraft is certified to this weight with External Loads.
Price ~ about a quarter of a buck for the pieces.
1 pilot plus 1 attendant you could probably pick up ~ 2 patients.
Issue is you need an aircraft with an EEW of ~ 1950 kg!
Jack Carson
15th Apr 2007, 13:37
It was explained to us that the 3000 kg. upgrade does not apply to the Turbomeca powered machines. Certification of the gross weight increase was only conducted on the Pratt powered machines. Applying it to the Turbomeca machines would require a complete cert of that derivative.
ShyTorque
20th May 2007, 21:29
Jack, check your P.M.