OUR EQUIPMENT

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS

AS350 B3/H125

Development began in the early 1970s to replace the Alouette II, and the first flight took place on 27 June, 1974. The latest version of the AS350 B3 is a member of Eurocopter’s rugged and proven Ecureuil (Squirrel/AStar) range. All told, some 4,000 Ecureuils (incl. 726 twins) have flown over 17 million hours, in 91 countries, for some 1,600 operators. The B3 is the sum of that experience. With this latest version of the single-engine Ecureuil, Eurocopter offers operators more power, greater payload capacity over a broader temperature/altitude envelope, an augmented sling load capability, and higher cruise speed. The powerful Arriel 2B1 engine offers state-of-the-art technology, with single-crystal turbine blades and a single power stage, for outstanding reliability and simplified maintenance.

On May 14, 2005 an AS350 B3 piloted by Eurocopter test pilot Didier Delsalle touched down on the top of Mt. Everest, at 8,850 metres (29,035 feet). This record has been confirmed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

On April 29, 2010 a stripped-down AS350 B3 succeeded in rescuing three alpinists from Annapurna, Nepal at 7,100 m (23,2939 feet), one at a time, the highest such rescue.

An Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3 sits on a helipad
A yellow and black Bell 205A1 helicopter sits on a helipad overlooking Sequoia National Park

BELL HELICOPTERS

BELL 205

The Bell 205A-1++ is a 9 place turbine powered helicopter designed for high performance, low maintenance, and maximum versatility. A civil version of the UH-1 Iroquois single-engine military helicopters, the 205A-1 is the equivalent of the UH-1H, which, compared to the Bell 204, is larger and longer, with a more powerful engine and subsequent improved performance. Its cargo/passenger compartment permits the aircraft to be used in a variety of missions, including: transport of personnel, special teams, crews, equipment and supplies, and training. The helicopter is capable of operating from unprepared takeoff and landing areas, under day or night conditions. The aircraft has a maximum internal gross weight of 10,200 lbs. and an external gross weight of 10,500 lbs. The 205’s main rotor is powered by a Lycoming T53-17. It is capable of producing up to 1,800 shp (1,342 kW).

SIKORSKY HELICOPTERS

UH60 Black Hawk A+

The Sikorsky UH60 Blackhawk A+ is a four-blade, twin-engine helicopter originally designed as a utility military helicopter for the United States Army. Initially submitted as the S-70 for the Army’s Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System competition in 1972, the prototype was later designated as the YUH-60A, and was selected as the winner in 1976. The Black Hawk officially entered service in 1979, replacing the Bell UH-1 Iroquois as the Army/s designated tactical transport helicopter. Later variants for other special operations, as well as modified versions for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have since been produced. The Black Hawk has also been used by various countries’ militaries around the world, as well as modified for commercial use. Built with improved hot and high altitude performance in mind, the Black Hawk is powered by dual General Electric T700 turboshaft engines, with a lift capacity of 2,600lbs internally, or 9,000lbs externally.