EC135 & AW139 questions

[Frank]

Hi Guys,

I've a few questions regarding the new helicopters for the Air Corps if anyone would care to help out.

1) Which unit operates the EC135?

2) Which unit will operate the AB139?

3) What are the serials of the 4 AW139 helicopters that form the confirmed order?

4) Why is the first AW139 starting at 274?  What are the other numbers reserved for?

I'm just asking as I'd just like to get the aircraft register on the site up to date.


Thanks in advance,

Frank.

[David Scully]

Hi Frank,
I see there will be also 2 Private owners of the AW 139 in Ireland in the next couple of months.....nice order for AW!!

[Fouga]

Whats the difference between AB and AW?

[Frank]

Bell are no longer involved in the project, Westland are, hence the type designation changing from the Agusta Bell AB 139 to the Agusta Westland AW 139

[sealion]

Quote (David Scully @ 10 Oct. 2006,16:20)

Hi Frank, I see there will be also 2 Private owners of the AW 139 in Ireland in the next couple of months.....nice order for AW!!

JP is one I understand.

[Pink Panther]

Without mentioning any names,one of the private AW 139 customers might now be looking at an S-92 instead.Sorry Frank,a bit off topic i know.  

[David Scully]

2 have been ordered for Irish customers! VIP config on both, dont want to mention any names '>

[Irish251]

"3) What are the serials of the 4 AW139 helicopters that form the confirmed order?

4) Why is the first AW139 starting at 274?  What are the other numbers reserved for?"


Irish Air Letter Issue #381 states that the four AW139s will be 274-277, with 278 and 279 reserved for two more which are on option.  Serials 272 and 273 are said to be reserved for two EC135s for the GASU but that does not necessarily mean that an order for same has actually been placed.

[Frank]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the info.  Still haven't got a definitive answer on the operating unit's though, I know the the heli's are / will be operated by No.3 Ops Wing but are they operated by a squadron with in 3 Ops Wing?


Regards,

Frank.

[Tony Kearns]

Hi Frank.
301 Sqn. operates the Alouettes and the 139's will take over with the Alouettes being WFU during next year.
302 Sqn. operates the 135

Interesting that A195 had been more or less WFU but is back on a 400 hr insp. and will be back in service as A196 will then be WFU. A197 the last of the original three is WFU. So the oldest Alouette will be the last out next year ( and will I presume put out the "Alouette light" and close the door behind it!!!)
Short finals has covered your other questions.
The Marchettis and Gazelle have been sold but still at Baldonnel but the Dauphins are not sold.
HTH, regards,
Tony K

[Frank]

Hi Tony,

Thanks very much for the update, thanks for clarifying things.

That's interesting news about the Alouette's, I didn't realise they had started withdrawing them from service.

As for the Marchetti's & Gazelle, I don't suppose you can tell us who purchased them and where they are going or is that information still confidential?


Regards,

Frank.

[Tony Kearns]

Quote (Frank @ 13 Oct. 2006,11:01)

As for the Marchetti's & Gazelle, I don't suppose you can tell us who purchased them and where they are going or is that information still confidential? Regards, Frank.

Sorry Frank not at the moment.
Tony K

[Spook]

Any update on the arrival of  AW139  274 and 275 ,they have been reported as due next week i remember reading some time ago.   '>

[Frank]

Hi Spook,

The latest I've heard is that they are due in mid November.


Regards,

Frank.

[Spook]

Thanks Frank