AW 139 questions

[Viper]

Was wondering if the FLIR that has been bought for the AW 139s has arrived and been fitted yet? If so, is training taking place with it (and the NVGs) yet? When displaying the FLIR image, is that done on a cockpit display, or is there any chance a helmet mounted display is used? (Apologies if that's going a bit Apache-ish there.)

Also, are there any tentative plans or the like, to grab another 2 AW 139s after the next pair arrive? Say, a year or 2's time after that pair arrive? Same for the EC 135s, what's the chances of another pair in the future. I know the economy is going to be heading through a bit of a rough patch over the next while, just asking the question to see if there's any solid info on these points. (Not that we should be getting X or Y instead.) Thanks.

[clog]

It has been said that an optimum heli fleet would be 4 EC-135 and up to 8 AW-139. If this is been activly sought by the defence forces is another thing. Hopefully!!!  

[Old Redeye]

Excellent questions Viper.  NVG's require helmets - no sign of those yet for 139 crew - or survivial vests/LPU's.  And no sign of FLIR systems either.  Plenty of air show participation though!  

As to your question, FLIR imagery appears on one of the cockpit displays.

As for ordering 139's #7 & 8, don't hold your breath.  Long way to go for anything like operational capability on the first lot. I doubt if they do much more than fly non-tactical straight & level during daylight only plus some IFR to get from here to there in weather.

[Viper]

Thanks for the info, Old Redeye. Hopefully the new year will see them settling in further and their capabilities being developed further.

Another point: There were some structural issues with one or more of the 139s a few months back, anyone know if they've been sorted?

[pym]

Quote (Old Redeye @ 27 Dec. 2007,06:05)

Excellent questions Viper.  NVG's require helmets - no sign of those yet for 139 crew - or survivial vests/LPU's.  And no sign of FLIR systems either.  Plenty of air show participation though!   As to your question, FLIR imagery appears on one of the cockpit displays. As for ordering 139's #7 & 8, don't hold your breath.  Long way to go for anything like operational capability on the first lot. I doubt if they do much more than fly non-tactical straight & level during daylight only plus some IFR to get from here to there in weather.

I'm afraid you're wrong on the Helmets.

They are being worn and have been for a while:



Not my picture by the way - it's from another forum.

A chap from the North posted up a pic of an AW139 visiting a military base up there about 3 months ago - and likewise the crew were wearing helmets.

As far as I know only one FLIR is being purchased and for all I know it already has been. I think it is/is similar to the type used by USCG A109's.

And yes that is santa in the back  

[Fouga]

Where was that photo taken? What Forum?

[Flyboy]

Any news on when the next 2 are due to arrive?

[Claudel Hopson]

Some time this year.

[pilatus]

Saw one of the AW139's on BBC newsline, it flew Bertie into the North to meet with Paisley.must have been Friday, might be wrong about the day!

[SARMAN]

Here is a SAR 139...

[Flyboy]

So the new "military type" heli's are still being used as a taxi service for Ministers. It really is a shame

[Buran]

heres another question.
Is there any truth to the notion, mentioned a good while ago, about the irish naming the 139 the "wolfhound"?

[SARMAN]

Any truth in the rumor that a 139 had an emergency landing yesterday and ended up stuck in a feild??

[Irish251]

heres another question.
Is there any truth to the notion, mentioned a good while ago, about the irish naming the 139 the "wolfhound"?

Well, they have been heard using the ATC callsign "Wolf" recently, if that's any help.

[sealion]

Here is a SAR 139...

If I understand correctly, CHC will replace its current fleet in the UK with 2 Sikorsky S92 in the Scottish Bases, and 2 AW139 in its south of England bases. Any reasoning behind the North/south split, apart from the Larger areas the S92 would be routinely expected to cover, Heberdies, Orkneys, Highlands etc?