In line with requirements of the new NASO contract, the West Coast community is now served by a twin engine BK117-B2 rescue helicopter.

The BK-117 ROA Mining Rescue Helicopter launch event on the West Coast was a highlight in 2020. Christine Prince, Chief Executive of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, expressed her excitement over the long-awaited addition to the service. “The upgraded helicopter would not have been The construction of the H-145 Rescue Helicopter new landing trolley for the Christchurch base concluded in June, the trolley was delivered by the fantastic team at Quality Machining Ltd in Greymouth. Among its many benefits, the new, larger landing trolley enables the rescue helicopter Crew to safely and more easily unload the Stryker Stretcher and ICU equipment from the rear of the helicopter when configuring for inter hospital transfers. The fully motorised trolley also has hydraulic vertical lift function, allowing the crew to tilt the H145 when refuelling.

AIRCRAFT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS- BK-117

Engine – Twin Allied Signal, LTS101-850B2
Shaft horsepower – 850 HP each engine
Crew – 1 pilot, 2 paramedics
Gross weight – 3350kg
Empty weight – 2143kg including hoist and crew seating
Hook weight – 1200kg
Length – 13.00m
Width – 2.70m
Height – 3.36m
Rotor diameter – 11.00m
Max speed – 150 knots / 280kph
Cruise speed – 120 knots / 222kph
Fuel burn-off – 300 ltr/hr
Range – 540 kilometres
Hover max height - 10,000ft / 3,048m
Service ceiling – 17,000ft / 5,181m, density altitude
Winch capacity – 275kg, 76m cable

Please note: These figures are provided as a guideline only. Performance varies with changes in temperature, altitude, and operational activity.