Rotor Torque

In the meantime, demand continues strong for the existing MD 500E variant and MDH are confident of achieving their sales target of 80 aircraft for 1988. MDH sold 69 Model 500s in 1987. Latest regional sales have been two 500Es to Pacific Helicopters in New Guinea while new MDH agent, Masling, have also added a 500E demonstrator to their fleet.

Also to schedule is the certification of two new 500 Series variants, the 520L and 520K. Both aircraft feature larger rotor systems than existing models and uprated latest generation versions of the Allison 250 turboshaft. The 520L will be powered by the 250-C20R engine of 425shp for takeoff and 375shp for maximum continuous flight, while the 530K will use the 250-C30 from the current MD 530F. The new Allisons are proving a boon to helicopter operators requiring additional power for expanded hot and high operations and just to prove the point, MDH company executive, Charles Conrad, recently set a new point-to-point speed record in a 500E of 184mph over a 354 mile course between Santa Ana, California and MDH HQ, Mesa, Arizona.

Increase in Numbers of Sikorsky 576 Helicopters

The arrival of two S76A Mkll helicopters at Bankstown Airport in April has taken the total number of these operating in Australia to nine. The latest arrivals are to be operated by Helicopter Resources (Offshore) Pty Ltd and are in full IFR offshore configuration. Helicopter Resources (Offshore) Pty Ltd hope to use the helicopters in the offshore oil support industry in Australia which is now showing some faint signs of recovery.

Pacific Drop Kawasaki Distributorship

A normally reliable source has advised that Pacific Aviation have dropped the distributorship for Bolkow and Kawasaki helicopters but will continue to support the aircraft in this country.

Bell 2145T Loss

Following a successful autorotation necessitated by a yet unconfirmed mechanical problem, a Bell 214ST helicopter operated by Lloyd Helicopters in support of oil production and exploration in the Timor Sea recently sank in about 50 metres of water approximately 67nm from Troughton Island. Fortunately there were no serious injuries or loss of life and the survivors were winched to safety by another Bell 412 which was based on Troughton Island.

First Helicopter for Coffs Harbour

The New South Wales north coast town of Gotts Harbour was witness to an important chapter in its history on March 23 with the handing over to local operator, Marcrest Aviation, of an Aerospatiale AS. 350B Squirrel helicopter.

The Squirrel is the first helicopter to be permanently based in the picturesque seaside town, famous for its beaches, bananas and other tourist attractions. The delivery was significant for several reasons, not the least of which was the integrated package put together between Marcrest Aviation and the Squirrel’s distributor, Aerospatiale Helicopters Australia Limited.

The package – believed to be a first in Australia – includes a 12 months lease with a fixed purchase option at the end of that time, the full training of crews, a factory endorsed maintenance programme and a continuing programme of operational technical audits.

As the Coffs Harbour community begins to fully appreciate the Squirrel’s usefulness, it will no doubt authorise funding for some of the specific items of equipment necessary to realise its full potential as, a life-saver. Items which were in fact informally discussed at the handover included a winch and a quickly removable stretcher inst1;1. llation.

For Marcrest Aviation, the helicopter represents a substantial investment which has to pay its way while at the same time benefiting the district it serves. Judging by the enthusiasm shown by the leaders of the local community at the ceremony, it’s obvious that Coffs Harbour is well on the way to regarding the Squirrel as an indispensable asset and one which will serve the town well in the future – as helicopters already do all over the world.

Dauphin SA. 365c2 for Hcf

The HCF Rescue Helicopter Service in Sydney are taking delivery of a Dauphin SA. 365C2 helicopter which has been purchased from Aerospatiale Helicopters Australia with a view to expanding their current activities to full IFR long-range emergency operations. When fully fitted out the Dauphin SA. 365C2, which is the same model as operated by the Victorian Police, will provide the NSW health system with an EMS helicopter of international standard with increased patient capability and the ability to service country areas in adverse weather conditions.

Pilot and Crew Chosen for Helicopter Heroism Award

A pilot from Aris Helicopters Ltd, San Jose, California and his crew from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are this year’s winners of the US Aviation/Space Writers Association’s annual twenty-second Helicopter Heroism Award. The pilot and crew were chosen for their heroic rescue of five firefighters who were trapped during a forest fire in Mendocino County.

On September 2, 1987, California was amidst its most destructive fire season. Aircraft, men and equipment were being assigned to assist in combating the many lightning fires in the area, when pilot Gary Lott received an ’emergency c;lispatch’. He and his crew, Captain William Klebe and fire-fighter Eric Johnson were directed to where five fire-fighters were trapped between the oncoming fire and sheer cliffs behind them.

A combination of an extremely small landing space, the 33C degree heat and a six thousand foot pressure altitude made it impossible for the larger UH-1 helicopters to land. Lott, in his Squirrel helicopter, found a landing spot among the 60-foot trees. With intense heat and smoke threatening their breathing and visibility, Pilot Lott descended, while crew member Eric Johnson was leaning out the aircraft door watching the tail rotor and giving clearance instructions. Once he had proper clearance, Captain Klebe was able to ‘heli-step’ down from the hovering machine to pick up the first to fire-fighters.

During repeated attempts to rescue the remaining men, Pilot Lott heard the action over his radio and realized it would be necessary to attempt another landing. In the final rescue, amidst all the smoke, ash and fire, the helicopter’s paint was scorched by the heat and Captain Klebe was temporarily blinded by blowing cinders. EMT Johnson treated the rescued by flushing their eyes with saline solution and checking for further injuries. Only these minor injuries were sustained, in what could have been a tragic incident were it not for the heroic actions taken by Pilot Lott and the crew of Helicopter 103.

West German Army to Update BO 105s

West Germany is to undertake an extensive mid life update on its large anti-armour MBB Bo. 105 force.

The light twin engined attackwill begin a two phased update commencing in 1990 that will enable it to adequately meet the threat posed by Warpac armour over the coming decade. Stage 1 of the update commences in 1990 and includes upgrading of the 105’s existing Allison 250 to full C20R-3 specifications giving a significant increase in power while at the same time enhanced reliability and providing reduced fuel consumption. New digital avionics will reduce weight by more the 60kg while the 105 will also be configured for up to six Hot-2 anti armour missiles of improved performance.

Phase 2 will enable the 105 to undertake night-time operations and will use the latest in night vision systems. Final selection of a suitable night vision system is still under evaluation. Also planned for introduction is a specially designed Lucas swivelling ventral turret that can carry a variety of gunpacks in addition to a four round Stinger AAM launcher. Phase 2 modification commences in 1992 and it is expected that all of West Germany’s 208 Bo. 105s will be fully upgraded by 1995.