UK SAR 2013 privatisation: the new thread
On 16 Sep, Ian Corrigible pointed us to a Flight Global report, which included this about the 189
which makes it a bit strange that Agusta Westland have only now, 12 days later, released the news formally.
Find the rest of it atAW189 LIPS Certification - DETAIL - AgustaWestland
airsound
AgustaWestland confirms that it has now attained EASA approval for its Limited Ice Protection System
AW189 Limited Ice Protection System Receives EASA Certification
The system further enhances the all-weather capabilities of the new generation helicopter
Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland announced today that the Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) for the AW189 super medium twin engine helicopter has received EASA certification. The LIPS system will allow the AW189 to further enhance its all-weather capabilities, continuing the process to make the all-new super medium class helicopter suitable to operate in the most adverse and harsh environmental conditions.
The system further enhances the all-weather capabilities of the new generation helicopter
- First helicopter in its weight category to receive ice protection system certification
- LIPS permits flight within a known and defined envelope of icing conditions typical, for example, of the North Sea.
- The AW189 is the outright market leader in its class with over 150 units sold, including firm orders, options and framework contracts
Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland announced today that the Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) for the AW189 super medium twin engine helicopter has received EASA certification. The LIPS system will allow the AW189 to further enhance its all-weather capabilities, continuing the process to make the all-new super medium class helicopter suitable to operate in the most adverse and harsh environmental conditions.
airsound
From the article
OH, err just like the Sea King then...
and
Ohh errr just like the Sea King again with the exception of the SLD marker (whatever that is)
with the exception of the CAT A - it just sounds like another rehash of existing capability
Oh and I don't believe the 139, which will be doing the 189's job this winter, has even this capability.............
The AW189 is the first helicopter in its weight category to receive an ice protection system certification. The Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) permits flight within a known and defined envelope of icing conditions provided that the capability to descend into a known band of positive temperature is available throughout the intended route, typical of conditions encountered, for example, over the North Sea.
and
The LIPS system is available as an option and includes ice detectors, Supercooled Larger Droplet (SLD) marker, Ice Accretion Meter and heated windshield. The system does not require heated rotor blades and associated equipment, while the engine air intake heating system is already incorporated into the standard AW189 helicopter.
The AW189 equipped with LIPS retains the performance and procedures for Cat. A operations and has only limited restrictions in terms of low temperature and ice presence during IFR operations, therefore expanding the all-weather operating capability of the type.
Oh and I don't believe the 139, which will be doing the 189's job this winter, has even this capability.............
Correct unless it has the extra kit.
Presumably the SLD icing detector simply says 'vacate the icing environment' if it detects the presence of SLDs? You can usually see the formation of clear ice on parts of the airframe (aerials, wipers, ice accretion probe) it doesn't give any protection, just detection.
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Before certification of the LIPS the AW189 had an all weather capability. Now, with LIPS, its all weather capability is enhanced. Does that mean it can now fly in more weathers than the atmosphere can produce?
According to the local news Chivenor is continuing on state due to a delay in the contract.
If the new service wasn't standing up at St Athan in time there was supposed to be a 2-week notice given as I was given to understand not a last minute plan B.
North Devon Journal reporting at 8:25 a 7-day delay in handover!
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Sorry to be so very far behind the drag curve, but is it REALLY true that there are no longer any free-swimming divers left in the UK SAR world?
Am I alone in thinking that this is an insidious travesty?
Am I alone in thinking that this is an insidious travesty?
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Crab - sorry, I must be missing the point, but your story seems at odds with itself - glad you had a good party though - hmm, could be why today's typing not entirely cogent!
could be why today's typing not entirely cogent!
My point was that the delay in taking over from Chiv was due, it appears, to petty politics and not through any lack of effort or ability (quite the opposite) from the team at St Athan.
No doubt the truth will out in the end.
A week. Who cares. Tiny stuff in the big picture. Useful for lazy MPs and Councillors to get a few column inches though.
More importantly, what news of Boulmer?
More importantly, what news of Boulmer?
The party was excellent, a stunning location with perfect weather and an awesome flying display by Aerosparx! Who would have thought that night, close formation in motorgliders covered in LEDs and punching out pyros and smoke would ever get sanctioned.
As for the truth - I don't know what went on in the corridors of power but I do know that St Athan had dug out blind to achieve operational readiness in just a month after receiving the aircraft. There was some rumour about numbers of pilots but the RAF SAR flights have operated on the bare minimum many times due to illness, OOAs and FI dets without compromising safety or capability so it really doesn't sound like a level playing field.
To be honest, it sounds like a last minute knee-jerk reaction from someone in the chain - RAF, MCA, DfT - with little real reason.
Blaming the delay on Bristow is not fair or justified.
As for the truth - I don't know what went on in the corridors of power but I do know that St Athan had dug out blind to achieve operational readiness in just a month after receiving the aircraft. There was some rumour about numbers of pilots but the RAF SAR flights have operated on the bare minimum many times due to illness, OOAs and FI dets without compromising safety or capability so it really doesn't sound like a level playing field.
To be honest, it sounds like a last minute knee-jerk reaction from someone in the chain - RAF, MCA, DfT - with little real reason.
Blaming the delay on Bristow is not fair or justified.