Md902 Explorer Ship ops.
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Md902 Explorer Ship ops & Loadlifting
Does anyone have experience of operating a MD902 Explorer in the offshore environment, in particular to/from small bow helidecks on vessels, and lifting to and from a moving platform (or similar) ?
I would be interested to hear your experiences regarding pitch/roll limits, unstable deck landings, handling and lifting at MAUW and performance in turbulent offshore conditions.
Thanks !
I would be interested to hear your experiences regarding pitch/roll limits, unstable deck landings, handling and lifting at MAUW and performance in turbulent offshore conditions.
Thanks !
Last edited by DeltaNg; 19th November 2009 at 19:02.
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From: Yearning for sun and sea
Sadly Oogle, the term yacht has been stretched more and more over recent years as they have become larger. Even the classification that the craft have to comply with (including helicopter operations) makes it more of a ship than yacht. One such is 270' overall and for sale at Euro 130 million. The trouble is I'm not sure what the alternative name for a yacht under these circumstances should be!
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From: Under my coconut tree
Is this thread a masked inquiry about how the 902 will replace the Bolkow on Trinity House....? 
It will be very interesting to see the outcome.... One of the better qualities of the 105 for boat ops in rough seas was the huge width between skids which made it very forgiving in that enviroment Mind you it don't matter how wide they are if you don't strap the bugger down 
Good luck with the explorer guy's...
It will be very interesting to see the outcome.... One of the better qualities of the 105 for boat ops in rough seas was the huge width between skids which made it very forgiving in that enviroment
Mind you it don't matter how wide they are if you don't strap the bugger down Good luck with the explorer guy's...
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Well the trusty old Bolkow is slowly being phased out, and it's up to the new generation now to replace her.
It's only natural to look around and see if there are any other established operations doing the same thing, but so far, with the lack of response to this thread, it can't be a common thing. So perhaps this is a world first for the 902 in this role (underslinging from moving vessels?) Do I stand to be corrected?
It's only natural to look around and see if there are any other established operations doing the same thing, but so far, with the lack of response to this thread, it can't be a common thing. So perhaps this is a world first for the 902 in this role (underslinging from moving vessels?) Do I stand to be corrected?
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vortexadminman: I have no doubt the 902 is a fine piece of machinery. I've never flown one so I know nothing (hence the thread).Is your confidence based on proven examples elsewhere or is it just based on your experience of the aircraft in other roles?
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From: house
Nope I have no personal time in exploders offshore. However a fair few are being used by the rig pigs in various countries, and they do well. For small distances they have good payload (especially with 207 engines) . Can winch, underslung loads. Now that it has come of age so to speak in UK I know who has the new contract for the lighthouse game and hope they do well at it. Your right in saying good old bertie bolkow was and is a great machine but it has had its day (haven't we all) and have been overtaken by the youngsters. Skids and ships are always a hard game so that would be fun if some one gave me the chance I would love to do that.
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Yes, that's a good thing about the Bo105, built like a tank, it can take whatever is thrown at it. Such a hardy little thing, perfect for small ship based ops. The rigid blades are great for starting and stopping in the gusty conditions too. It's does exactly as expected when load lifting at MAUW, plenty of TR authority and you can feel when she's not happy.
And the 902.........can someone make a comparison?
And the 902.........can someone make a comparison?
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From: swansea, wales
explorer
Well Irish Lights have almost a year under their belts using the EC135T2+ EI-ILS. Tons of power and plenty of tail rotor authority. One issue I did notice was a lack of boot space, and it slants up so suddenly things heavy or otherwise can fall out as soon as a ground handler opens the boot, though they were going to get nets and possibly reduce the inside to five seats to extend the boot. I know its not an answer about the heli you mentioned but my experiences are limited.
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Good to know it's working well, apart from the boot ! The 135 is, after all, the Bolkow replacement aircraft, rigid head and all. It seems a natural choice for that kind of operation. The 902 I'm sure will be equally able given that it is designed to be the "perfect helicopter".
It's not always the obvious problems that become issues in a new helicopter in a different role. On paper, they look the part, like buying a new car. But then strange things happen, minor little insignificant things start to become a real issue. The 139 on the SNS is a prime example. It had it all on paper but in reality, when flying a offshore for 8 hours a day, things became apparent that took a long time to solve. C of G problems with the offshore kit fitted . Fuel and range issues. etc. New roles test parts of an aircraft like never before. A bit like us when we do something different, muscles hurt you never knew you had......
It's not always the obvious problems that become issues in a new helicopter in a different role. On paper, they look the part, like buying a new car. But then strange things happen, minor little insignificant things start to become a real issue. The 139 on the SNS is a prime example. It had it all on paper but in reality, when flying a offshore for 8 hours a day, things became apparent that took a long time to solve. C of G problems with the offshore kit fitted . Fuel and range issues. etc. New roles test parts of an aircraft like never before. A bit like us when we do something different, muscles hurt you never knew you had......
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From: house
do I detect a bit of a 135 fan here Delta? I am not an exploder driver or a 135 one either. I have mates who are both and even the 135 drivers agree that the 902 will be fine in this new role. I don;t one to start a 135 vs 902 debate but this is a rumour network after all...........