I'dreckon the 127kg of equipment would be better represented by adding at least 15% and more realistically 20% to the empty weight of each aircraft, certainly to the smaller types.

Thanks for that Jim - just the job. I've had loads of cracking input folks. Seems to boil down to money and what you want it do do. 109 has speed, power good IFR, good endurance, wheels, low belly aerials. 135 bit underpowered at times, decent cabin, 130kts, safe tail, decent IFR, 2 hrs. 902 slow, great cabin, good for congested or tight areas, ok IFR, 2 hrs.

I shall now retire to the bar to :ok:!

Probably for the money, power, endurance, speed, cabin, rear loading doors, high tail rotor, tough builtness...and proven EMS intererior designs.....the up-engined BK-117 is the right answer.

The BK...once the engine problems got sorted....turned into a good machine for EMS.

The rear loading doors and high tail rotor make hot loading/unloading safe.

Having both side doors and tail doors is a real nice feature when cleaning the interior. The front seat crew member faces forward going outbound.

The two med crew when in the back have room to work and access gear bags.

You have the capability of carrying two serious patients and still be able to work on them.

The 76 and 412 have more room...but cost more to operate....are bigger all round.

My first choice with all things being considered is the BK.

Having seen a tranny cowling go through the blades....and the aircraft bring the crew home safe....really sold me on how strong the aircraft design is.

ShyT and Capt TP,

Cheers for the gen.
ShyT, I thought the Warwickshire and East Mids aircraft are Grandes? Or are they Powers which I've been led to believe are quite limited on endurance?

During Hiko times here in 9A both helicopters was BK117 version
-trouble with Turbomeca, 5% and less torque difference was dream.
-trouble with AOG (once near sea side 4 weeks, with nose to tail signed)
-when loaded in HOT summer sea side all med. equipment, lack of power
Rest was more less in order :ok:

Wylie - both those a/c are Powers.

Only 8 Grands on the UK reg according to G-INFO, none of them EMS aircraft.

Capt tosspot, I agree with you bar one point. 902 ain't slow I followed one the other day and he was quite happy at 135 odd knots with 5 POB. Thats not shabby at 1000 ft or so( I know they had 5 pob from his call to ATC) So given it was cold (ish) about 8 deg and he had 5 POB and was at 1000 ft, I assume he had enough fuel for about an hour or so( I wont say which air ambo it was) but he was about 50 NM from home en route to a hospital, I think that is pretty quick.:D

Properly rigged, you should get 140 KIAS at nearly 5800 pounds, up to 6500 pounds a little less. Put stuff on the outside, lights ect.. it will drop.

Best HEMS aircraft (your opinion)
 

Been flying HEMS for a while now (407). Which aircraft do you consider the best for this type of flying? Considering power, cockpit comfort etc.

For me the best are the EC135 and the EC145T2, dipending on the mission required. For sure they are HEMS helicopter and not long range SAR aircraft.

The Little Aircraft that Could
 

I have been fortunate to gain some level of air medical transport experience operating the Bell 206L3-4, Bell 230 UT. AS-350B2,3, Agusta 109E, BK-117, EC-135T2,P2 aircraft. All had their pluses and minuses. From my perspective, the best all around VFR aircraft was hands down the 206L4. It was always the little aircraft that could. Utilizing a progressive maintenance program we sustained a 95% dispatch rate flying 80 to 120 flights per month, day and night. We routinely performed lifts from medical facilities and scenes up to 9000 feet density altitude. At the other end of the spectrum the EC-135T2 was a great all around day/night VFR/IFR machine.