Tank you for EC145 comment
 

Thank you to all who have contributed to the 145 discussion.

We are talking to Swiss Rega, German ADAC and Eurocopter. I will post how things fionbally develop down the line.

Thanks agian.

Touareg

Ec-145
 

Anybody have any time in the EC-145? We are looking at potential aircraft, and am wondering how it would compare to a 109E. I'm sure the speed doesn't match up, but we are looking more at volume then speed. IFR is a must, as is a convertable interior from pax to light cargo. Also looking at an S-76, but am thinking it's overkill.

Drop me an email and will put you in touch with Laurent Racine who flies the Rega EC145 out of Lausanne, Switzerland. They have been flying it for some time now and swapped from an Agusta A109 K2 so he could possible give you a good comparison.

Autorotate.

Would you share the information on the EC145 that you got from Laurent Racine for I'm sure there are some of us who would like some insight into this machine.

Ec-145 Bankstown?
 

Heard from an aquaintance that Eurocopter have just rolled out a 145 at YSBK any one know who owns it. I heard a whisper that a company up in WA was thinking about one.

Dealt with a month or so ago: True North bought it, first of type in country.

Nice bit of kit, as I start dreaming and wishing.....:cool: ;)

Cheers John!

I had an inckling but was'nt sure. Any advantages over a 135? apart from the obvious differences?

135/145
 

I suspect that is a major headache for Eurocopter, since they have produced in the 135, a competitor for the 145 (which is a development of the BK117C).

I'd still like to be able to justify one......:cool:

The EC 145 is really a BK117C with a 135 "front end" on it. EC did a great job in removing the control closet and running the controls through the centre winshield fairing.

I flew one a while ago and actually preferred it to the EC155. 8 pax and a totally move around and flexible interior make it an excellent small offshore, big EMS type machine. Almost a 412 competitor in my opinion. Cost is about $5mUS with SPIFR package fitted.

HH :cool:

Hippolite, at least you said almost a 412 replacement, still stuff all payload , power , range and room compared to a 412EP and the Eurotrash don't like high ambient temps /hot high (not european hot ie: 25oC) real hot high 35-45 oC like Mid East and Australia

Blackhawk9,

You might wanna compare BK117 with S-76 at Karratha. Last time I was there, BK would leave 76 for dead during summer (A while back I must admit). Well known that even the older LTS101 BK's have more than enough power, let alone the newer Arriel 2 powered versions!! Not all European helicopters are anaemic, and not all yank tanks have power to spare. Horses for courses.

blackhawk 9

Aa nooby says, horses for courses. I don't think that the 412EP would be any better even in your hot climate than the 145.
FYI, I am not in Europe.

The cabin in the 145 is more versatile than the 412EP although not quite as big. Remenber, the 145 is a smaller helicopter but for SOME missions, it would be a 412 EP competitor.

The 412 was good in its day but let's face it, its an old machine now with a limited life.

I think that you will see more 145s in your country, some even replacing or taking work from old 412s where the "voluminous" cabin of the 412 is not really being used to its full capacity.

HH:cool:

EC-145 drivers - comments wanted
 

we are going through the process of deciding whether this machine warrants further consideration from us. (read as spending money to actually go to a different country to test fly)

i would like to ask you ec-145 drivers what you feel are the good/bad points with this machine

the numbers look fine for our utility type missions, BUT, what is the ride like for exec transport ?? My understanding is that EC has changed the blade design to help quiet and smooth the ride, and added a vibration dampner. is the translational buffeting anything i should be concerned about (exec transport) ??

what REAL numbers are you getting at say 7200 lbs for airspeed ??

what is the stability like in gusty 10 - 25 kt winds, bags all around required ??

we are now flying a 407, so the ride/speed issue may play a great part in our decision


and no, we are not relying on these responses to make a final decision, just to get some feedback from people actually flying the bird :ok:

Its a 117 in disguise!!!!

No seriously just beware that its a utility aircraft that is not capable of producing the soothing cabin ride, environment or speed of an AB139 or Agusta Grand (to name but two).

Also no FADEC is a concern to many potential operators.

EC145 - Doors Off Flight?
 

Is the EC145 certified for doors-off flight?

I'm hearing that the doors must be kept closed as they are critical to the cabin structural integrity ... especially in relation to crashworthiness.

Anyone know?

Thanks for your help!

Brasky

Brasky,

The 145 FM Supplement Section 9.1-2 permits operations with a mix of crew and cabin doors open or removed subject to the usual limitations such as sideslip etc and your crosswind limit is reduced to 30 Kts. All seems pretty much standard.

STL

Ec145 doors
 

I am aware that the front-crew doors have a semi-open position of say 100mm which provides a wind-break/spoiler action over the open main-cabin doors.

It would appear that the design team have been attentive to the needs of a demanding first customer or two - the French MOD and the Civil Rescue Authorities.

:D

This might be relevant:
the EC135 cannot fly Class 1 (Cat A) with the doors opened.

Much the same reason I would assume - integrety of the cabin.

tc,
I am guessing that the doors will not restrict CAT A due to any structural reasons, but rather from excess drag causing reduced climb and acceleration performance. For example, the BK117 actually reduces it's climb performance by a staggering 250 ft per minute for doors open, so if you are heavy and OEI, taking 250 fpm off you is likely to be severley embarassing, and thus its a good thing to remember for rescue crews who have a donk failure: close the doors as quick as you can!

It also relates to the rear sliding doors!!!

No resistance there?