Last Dauphin SAR flight

[P.Doff]

Just a note to let yis know that the last ever Dauphin "SAR Bird" came home to the don last week and was marked by a small ceremony which the rest of us knew nothing about until we seen the brass hanging around the a/C!!!

[IAS]

Slightly off topic, but can anyone tell me why the DoD/AC is considering an inferior helicopter, the EC 145, to the Dauphin, in the current competition especially in light of the upgrade that the USCG is getting on their HH-65s for about US$ 1.3 million.

I know all the talk about the Dauphin in AC service, however I'm believe that if upgraded and re-roled as utility machines these could be successful (I assuming, hopefully incorrectly, that the Blackhawk won't win the competition).

IAS

[pym]

From what I've heard others say, our versions of the Dauphin are quite different to those operated by any other service - with Irish specific equipment on board. This means an upgrade would cost alot more money. At least two airframes have been cannibalised and again based on what I've heard, the Daupins are not particularly liked.

To me it's perfectly logical to get rid of the Dauphins/A3 and replace them with a fleet of new helicopters. Although I have a feeling that the A3's could go on for ever, they are a fantastic helicopter - just saw two doing formation flying a few minutes ago.

We'd all like to see the Blackhawk but what are the chances? '>

[P.Doff]

Just a note of intrest!! A Dauphin went to Norway/Sweden (not too sure which one?) earlier in the week to be overhauled!! Aparrently they are giving them a life extension and they're going to be in service for longer than expected!??
The purchase of new helis is still going ahead so this would suggest that the D.o.d is splashing out on the Dauphins to keep us goin until the new ones arrive and more than likly the Dauphins and the new helis will opperate side by side for a time!!

[pym]

That's a shock! Why on earth Scandanavia though?

I assume the A3's will be operating for a long time to come then as well?...the Air Corps might have 20 helicopters.. where they all going to be put?!

[IAS]

PD, please keep us posted on developments, this sounds like common sense especially if they receive a role change at the same time otherwise it may just become a cheap way of getting Helicopters for a 24 hour air ambulance service (which may not be a bad thing in itself).

IAS

[Pink Panther]

Previous Dauphins have gone to be overhauled, not a refit by helicopter services(CHC) in Stavanger,Norway over the past few years.

[IAS]

PP, is the term "life extention" not usually used to refer to something more than a regular overhaul?

IAS

[Pink Panther]

IAS
Yes you are right,I should have put "major" before overhaul,usually helies going to that location go there for major overhaul.The coastguard helis go there,the German border patrol send their super pumas as well as other military aircraft.That facility can build helies from the ground up,it just a question of how much the customer wants to spend.A heli that spends it time at SAR usually suffer from corrosion big time because of the salty enviroment they are exposed to.The aircraft are stripped down corroded parts replaced and what other repairs and replacments that have been put on the long finger will be done ,including a new lick of paint,although I think the air corp will look after that one as they have their own paint department.I dont think when it comes back you will see any difference to the interior (refit),As for air ambulance the coast guard heli out of Sligo did two this week.The irony of it all is the S-61 with the call sign SK 257 which spent very little time in the don returned during the week on an ambulance as EI CXS.

[P.Doff]

Sorry if I was barking up the wrong tree, maybe life extension was the wrong choice of words!! in a way its true as otherwise they would be mothballed!!