Adelaide Australian EC145...?

[ChopperFAN]

Hey all,

Just wondering if anyone knows if Australian Helicopters has a EC145 thats currently buzzing around the Adelaide sky. The only info i can find is one was purchased by Australian helicopters to be used in NSW but airliners net. photos show it in a plain white scheme when it arrived

I heard a odd sounding helo earlier in the day but couldnt get outside, when i heard it return i ran outside to only just get it flying overhead, looked like a BK117 but had the large bulge on the nose and seemed a tad longer, it sounded so quiet... Was it a EC145? Ive never seen one before so i hope it was, the bird had the Australian Helicopters blue stripes down the rear end?

Anyone know if its here supporting the three rescue helicopters operated by Australian Helicopters? Usually the flight to Flinders Medical Center is flown by either the BK117 or B412 they operate, i think that was what it was doing

If it can be confirmed ill try to get to the airport to get some snaps of it before it leaves. We are fortunate to be getting some sweet new helicopters down south lately EC130, A119, And i hope a EC145

Thanks Simon

[Breeze 29900]

Would be one of CHC's new machines for the NSW Health contract?

[Ned-Air2Air]

Would it be the new EC145 that Helicopters Australia has for the Coastwatch contract.

[Bleed Valve]

I was always under the impression the BK117 was just temporary until the EC145 arrived as per the contract requirements although it has taken a long time to arrive

[ChopperFAN]

I was thinking it was the coastwatch one that Neds talkin bout, well that was the only info i could find on them having one anyhow...

First ive heard of the BK being replaced but if thats true it would be awesome... Unsure tho as the BK, 412 and EC130 all have a blue and yellow Adelaide bank paint scheme, and this definatly had the Australian Helicopters stripes and it seems odd to paint it that way then have to change it

Thanks for the quick replys, if anyone knows anymore let me know

Simon

[Curious2]

Not aware of Australian Helicopters having an EC145. There are not that many around. As has been pointed out, CHC are expecting one for Orange and Helicopters Australia have one. There is also one that supports NSW fire but is privately owned and sometimes goes to Adelaide to fly the owner around to his boat etc. Perhaps it was this one?

The BK in Adelaide is not being replaced yet.

[Alex N Crawford]

A fare chance its Ozzy's, Mackay BK117 filling in for their U/S 412.

[Curious2]

Good to see you are still keeping tabs on your old baby Alex!

[Goggle Up]

And the winner is........Alex!! VH-VRP (BK) down from Mackay for a week. I'd like to believe you Bleed Valve on the 145 rumour but the contract only ever asked for a BK.

Regards

GU

[800]

The Colour Usually has it!

You'll probably the find that the colour usually gives it away.

Some of the other aircraft mentioned above have different colour schemes in accordance with their contract requirements.

[ChopperFAN]

Thanks for all your help guys, it was VH-VRP. I had to pick my gf up from the airport at 6am, so went past the Helipad and the BK117 was outfront with the EC130

Sorry to start a stir, I try to keep a track on whats flying round, usually by sound when im stuck at work

As Curious stated it was Helicopters Australia that have the EC145 not Australian Helicopters

Its so good having a BK here , I hadnt seen one before the regular Adelaide one arrived, Looks impressive, All the guys at work ask me what it is and i usually know type and rego

Later today bout 2:30pm the regular BK flew over, from the hospital direction towards the airport

Whats the thing on the front of the Mackay BK117? is it weather radar or something IR? It was hard to get close for a good look as they are increasing the size of the shopping center that backs upto the Australian Helicopters an CHC pads, I was so convinced it was a EC145... Maybe one day ill see one


Simon

[tigerfish]

The three UK Met Police EC145's all have that "Bump" on the nose. It is an "all weather radar" fairing. The other comment about the machine being quiet is because the EC145 is significantly quieter than the earlier BK117.

It may well be a development of the BK117 but there are significant differences.

Tigerfish

[ChopperFAN]

Here she is...

MyAviation.net - Aviation Photo Gallery

Much better pic than i had of the visiting BK

Simon

[tigerfish]

EC145?

ChopperFAN,

That is NOT an EC145. It is a BK117. probably a late model with a weather radar, but it is certainly NOT an EC145! The noise level from an EC145 is also an immediate give away, - far quieter than the BK117. - Not sure how they did that, probably new blade & T/R technology.

Tigerfish.

[ChopperFAN]

Yes Tigerfish... its already been confirmed up higher in the post

Just posted the photo to show what it ended up being, I have a photo i took but the chain link fence sorta spoils the BK's beauty

Not sure why it didnt seem as loud, but wind direction and the fact i only just saw it flying overhead could have something to do with it sounding quieter


Simon

[ChopperFAN]

I was certainly mistaken when i thought there was a Ec145 in Adelaide, turned out to be a BK117, but not anymore...

Here is the True North Helicopter Ec145 VH-TNG at Adelaide Airport yesterday... Yay i finally got so see one for real and im in love what a awesome machine



Simon