Thu, Aug 18, 2005
STAR (Shock Trauma Air
Rescue), a public safety EMS helicopter unit operated by Travis
County as part of the Austin-Travis County EMS System in Austin,
Texas, is upgrading its fleet by replacing its two Eurocopter
EC135s with two larger, heavier-lifting EC145s (file photo,
below).
“We put out an RFP for heavy-lift helicopters that could
handle a mix of EMS, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, and law
enforcement support missions,” says Willy Culberson; STAR
Flight’s director of aviation. “We looked at all the
helicopters that were available in this class, and saw that the
EC-145 best met our mission parameters.”
Powered by two Turbomeca ARRIEL 1E2 engines, the EC145 is
capable of carrying one pilot and nine passengers. With a fast
cruise speed of 132 kts, an advanced MEGHAS glass cockpit, an
optional IFR configuration with digital autopilot for both single
or dual pilot applications and a duration of almost four hours, the
EC145 is a true multi-mission helicopter.
“The flying conditions in Texas are hot,” notes
Culberson. “Add STAR’s SAR duties, and we often find
ourselves flying in adverse weather; such as heavy downpours
resulting in flash floods. This is why we need a highly capable,
highly robust aircraft like the EC145. The EC135 has been a top
performer for STAR Flight, but the EC145 can do more.”
“With the tough missions we have to fly, we appreciate the
EC145s’ combination of safety features, tremendous
capabilities, and high performance,” concludes Culberson.
“It will help STAR Flight do our job even better than
before.”
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