A Well Deserved Upgrade!

[gwk]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bell-helicopter-awarded-156m-coast-guard-chopper-contract-1.3028429

[twinstar_ca]

As long as the crews are happy....

[R0T0R]

I know a few of them wanted the EC145. The 412 is an excellent aircraft though. It's also more cost effective from what I've been told. (Second hand info)

[__________]

For the price of a new 412epi you think they would go for an Aw139. Better power margin and payload. With basic offshore configuration and 2 pilots your looking at around 3100lbs payload. So I assume coast guard machines will be heavier and will have hoist plus some other extras then put 2 crew in the back and with full fuel you be lifting at probably close to gross weight. It's a decent machine but old technology.

[wcobra]

Hey __________________, MT out some of your messages so I can PM you.

[Superwrench]

I think the 412 is a great aircraft for what the coast guard needs. I would think the 412 is better suited then the 139 for the coast guard, because they do land in unprepared sites, and I would think skids are better for that. I am pretty sure the Canadian coast guard does not winch people so I am not sure they will even have a hoist on the aircraft. From a tax payer stand point it is Canadian made and supported, plus they should have most of the required tooling, ground handling support, and some spares from the 212.

[412driver]

Awesome! But I am biased!