Light(ish) helicopters

[Imshi-Yallah]

Would it be feasible to use a slightly larger aircraft in the role of the planned AIII/Dauphin replacement so as to expand the IACs capabilitys pending the next economic boom/medium lift contract or would the additional costs of procuring and running something along the lines of the Bell 412 be considered to outweigh the benefits in the current political  climate?

[Imshi-Yallah]

Someone who deals in civilian SAR on one of the other boards has made this claim:

"I could pick up 10 Bell 212s with a quick phone call. Fully kitted with weather radar, full IFR, full medevac kit including hoist etc. etc. All for only $3M USD each."


from Here

Now I'm of the thinking that the acquisition of surplus european AIIIs for spares plus 10x 212s would leave the IAC in a much better position until medium lifts in the Sea king class become a possibility again.

[Silver]

I believe the favoured type (among AC pilots) is the Augusta A109, which would be a good choice as it would give them a wider remit, mission wise.
However, in the current "hair shirt" economic climate, I believe EC135's will be purchased - if anything at all is purchased, that is !

[p.diddy.cool]

Im afraid on this topic it will be dealt with like everything else! the wrong way three or four times untill there's no money left and we are stuck with what we got OR maybe ppl will see the light and purchase what is needed rather than cutting corners to look good on the money end!...BAH HUMBUG to gov!

[Imshi-Yallah]

As I understand it the A109 has fallen from favour, which is beside the point of my question as the A109 is in the same class as the AIII, in fact it marries the Dauphin powerplant to a slightly smaller airframe.
What I want to know is can a larger aircraft such as the 412 do the same job as an A109/EC-135 plus enough extra to justify the additional expense?

[alpha foxtrot 07]

the 412 would most definatly fill that role very nicely