User: Pinoy Aviators
Date posted: Thu, 14 Sep 2017 14:36:44 GMT
PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD GETTING SAME BIRDS AS THE JAPAN COAST GUARD A SMART MOVE
The Philippine Coast Guard's Maritime Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition Project is long overdue, the present condition of the PCGAG is so pathetic with only two leftover aircraft under its wings, one (1) remaining 41 year old, twin-engine Bolkow BO105C helicopter assembled in 1976 and one (1) BN-2 Islander STOL fixed wing aircraft.
...With an approved budget for the Maritime Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition Project for the Philippine Coast Guard Air Group, the PCG are now interested in acquiring two different types of rotary aircraft, two (2) AW139 and five (5) Airbus H145.
The PCG is so eager to acquire at least two (2) AW139 medium twin-turbine class helicopters in Maritime Search And Rescue Operations.
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) operates the Airbus H225 model of the Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH in partner with the Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Leonardo-Finmeccanica partnership with Mitsui Bussan Aerospace AW139 helicopters. This will be a smart move for our Philippine Coast Guard to consider the JICA STEP loan for the implementation of the Maritime Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition Project. Also a good option for spare parts in the future.
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has stepped up its coordination and cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the field of maritime law enforcement. On 12 January 2017 President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo witnessed the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
AW139 SEARCH AND RESCUE HELICOPTER
- The best-in-class performance with a cruise speed of 165 knots / 306 km/h, a range in excess of 675 nm / 1250 km, endurance up to 6 hours, and superior hover performance. Fastest cruise speed and highest power to weight ratio in its category.
- Two powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engines, with FADEC and an advanced rotor system provide superior ‘hot and high’ performance and exceptional One Engine Inoperative (OEI) capability for unparalleled safety (Cat. A Class 1 performance at Maximum Gross Weight at 40°C at Sea Level) and handling for SAR operations in confined areas.
- State-of-the-art Honeywell Primus Epic® VFR / IFR low workload NVG compatible integrated glass cockpit with 4-axis digital autopilot, advanced avionics and systems provide excellent situational awareness and maximise mission effectiveness.
- Optional mission equipment, including multi-band radios, radar, Electro-Optic / Infra-Red (EO/IR) device, mission console, video down-link, searchlight, loudspeakers, rescue hoist and cargo hook. internal weapons and modular ballistic protection for cockpit and cabin
- Largest cabin volume in its class maximises working room and mission flexibility, with accommodation for 2-4 stretchers with up to 5 seats.
- Large sliding doors and flat-floor cabin enable use of hoist and rapid entry / egress on ground. 8 m3 / 283 ft3 of cabin space can accommodate up to 15 passengers or 8 deployable Coast Guard Rescue divers and paramedics and 2 armed crew for aircraft protection.
- The only helicopter in its class to fully satisfy the latest FAR29 and AIROPS regulations, incorporating crash worthiness and survivability features.
Air assets such as helicopters are vital in the Philippine Coast Guard Air Group performance of its functions, particularly in search and rescue and maritime law enforcement missions.
Photo by S. Mizokami
Post by Pinoy Aviators