iscover
Northland Emergency Services Trust, based at Whangarei in New Zealand's far north, has been operating this BK 117 since early August this year to replace its brand new AS 350BA Squirrel which was written off in a training exercise in March. The BK 117 was chosen for its dual controls, roomy cabin, and twin engines. The Trust's helicopter work includes patient transfers between the northern centres of Dargaville, Rawene, Kaitaia, Bay of Islands, Whangarei, and down to Auckland. The remainder of its missions is air ambulance work, plus some police and SAR sorties. The service is funded by revenue from flights, public donations, and sponsorship. (Peter Clark)
Rotor Torque
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Mcdonnell Douglas To Stretch Md 520n
McDonnell Douglas Helicopters is studying a stretched, more powerful, extended range development of the MD 520N Notar helicopter, tentatively dubbed the MD 630N. The new helicopter would be based on the proven MD 500 series but the fuselage would be stretched to seat eight including the pilot in three rows (three + two + three) plus greater baggage capacity, and will have, according to McDonnell Douglas, greater overall performance characteristics compared to other single engine light helicopters in its class, such as the LongRanger and Squirrel.
McDonnell Douglas has already tested a 600shp (450kW) transmission to handle an uprated version of the Allison 250-C20, and a new six blade main rotor system. Target performance goals include a max takeoff weight of 1850kg (4100lb), a cruising speed of 134kt (248kmh) and a range of 400nm (740km). A production go-ahead decision on the MD 630N could be made in the second half of 1995, and deliveries of production aircraft could be made in late 1996.
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