Our Aircraft
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter is a twin-engine Kawasaki BK117 and is equipped with medical and emergency equipment enabling it to fly into almost any area in virtually any conditions, day or night.
The helicopter has a two-person winch stretching 70m in length and contains a stretcher. The helicopter is also capable of two-patient transport when required. It also contains intensive care medical equipment and a range of rescue equipment. It also has a 30 million candle power 'Nitesun' searchlight for night operations.
The Search and Rescue capabilities of Tasmania Police have been extended through the generous provision by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority of a Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) system, purchased at a cost of $US400,000, fitted to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The system enhances search and rescue through a range of cameras incorporating the latest technology in thermal imaging.
Helicopter 1
| Technical Specifications | |
| Make: | Kawasaki |
| Reg: | EMS |
| Model: | BK 117 B2 1994 |
| Engine Type: | Lycoming LTS 101 750 |
| Engine Power (HP): | 750 shaft hp per engine |
| Fuel Capacity (It's): | 720 Litres plus two additional long range tanks - 200 litres each |
| Cruise Speed (kph): | 247 kph |
| Payload (Kgs): | 1200kg |
| Seating Capacity (Excluding Pilot): | 9 people |
| Range (Km) with full payload: | 540 Kms |
| Endurance (hrs/min) with full payload: | 2hrs 50mins |
| Night Vision Goggle compatible: | Yes |
| Night VFR: | Yes |
| IFR: | Yes |
| Personnel Hoist: | Yes - (600lb/270kg) variable speed. |
| GPS-Make/Model: | Garmin 430W (2 of) and Garmin MDX 200 multi function display |
| Firefighting Equipment: | No |
| Bucket & Type: | Bambi Model 2024 |
| Capacity (It's): | 910 Litres |
| Foam Injection & Type: | CDAX electronic foam injection |
| Additional Equipment: |
| 600 Lb(270kg) Hoist |
| 30 Million Candle Power Night Sun Search Light |
| 8/9 adjustable rear passenger seating |
| 200' Long Line with Electric Remote Hook |
| Dual Sliding Rear Crew Doors |
| Clam Shell Rear loading doors with high set Tail Rotor |
| Long -line for Bambi bucket |
Standby Helicopter
When the BK117 Westpac Rescue Helicopter is offline for routine maintenance or upgrading, a standby helicopter, a AS355 Squirrel, is brought on-line.
The AS350 is equipped to a similar level as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and is more than suitable as a back-up aircraft.
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