New Rescue 116 Helicopter

[Ribochet]

One more for the Irish crew

I was out for a paddle this morning and I was treated to the wonderful sight of the the new Sikorsky S92 – Rescue 116 -as it flew overhead making its way down Carlingford Lough on a training exercise - (I hope someone hadn't called in an idiot out in a kayak )

This helicopter only commenced SAR operations a few days ago and it means that all four bases, in Ireland, are now equipped with these new state of the art aircraft.

It's also a sad farewell to the S61, particularly EI-SAR, which was a venerable old bird that has literally saved hundreds of lives.

Like many others I have very fond memories of the S61 which I believe first entered service in the 60's

The safety of those on land and at sea in Ireland are in good hands

[willk]

The new helos are a huge change from the old birds that served us so well. The improvements are far too many to list but better range, speed, capacity, loading, hover ability and all wx & Night ability are a few. They SOUND great too!

The S61s are gathering in Sligo until CHC decide what they will do with them. One of them is the second production S61 airframe and will be returning to Sikorsky for the museum. It must have some stories....

There was some talk about FLYING the others back to North America after a deal to sell them to Afganistan fell through. I'll kinda miss them as I have fond memories of them.

[Ribochet]

Originally Posted by willk

One of them is the second production S61 airframe and will be returning to Sikorsky for the museum. It must have some stories....

Unbelievable

According to Wikipeda (so it must be right) the previous 116 was the oldest S61N in commercial operation - that would make it over 50 years old - I wonder how much was still original.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Ribochet

Unbelievable

According to Wikipeda (so it must be right) the previous 116 was the oldest S61N in commercial operation - that would make it over 50 years old - I wonder how much was still original.

Quite a lot of it I'm told. The given age is the age of the airframe but you can assume that the "powertrain" and a lot of the electrics have been swapped out many times. I've had a look (quite a good look ) in a couple of them and you could see and feel the age...

[Ian_st]

Originally Posted by Ribochet

Unbelievable

According to Wikipeda (so it must be right) the previous 116 was the oldest S61N in commercial operation - that would make it over 50 years old - I wonder how much was still original.

Trigger's broom comes to mind!

[jumpinjack]

The new helos certainly seem a great job. They have been busy.
Saw the Sligo based one quite a bit, even came to visit Derry.

[Boatnomad]

Originally Posted by willk

They SOUND great too!

Yep, heard one going bye the other night, totally different sound.

[Netdrum]

Yeah bit louder OK, particularly noticeable during the night or early morning and in still air conditions, good alarm clock lol It puts out about 5000 HP compared to the 3000 HP of the older S61n, its just enough know your under the flight path.