UK SAR helicopters in new trial

11 Sep, 16, Source: HM Coastguard

HM Coastguard has a new eye in the sky from September 2016, as a Jetstream 41 turboprop aircraft is being trialled as part of a development to support our search and rescue (SAR) helicopters.

The new plane is painted in red and white HM Coastguard colours and will be patrolling the southern and eastern seaboard.

The aim of the trial is to assess whether a fixed-wing aircraft will provide valuable additional support for our SAR helicopters. The new capability will help save lives at sea by identifying people, boats or ships in distress.

The Coastguard Jetstream is provided by Eastern Airways on behalf of Bristow Helicopters and has a dedicated crew [Editor note – Eastern Airways is owned by Bristow]. The aircraft will be controlled through the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), just like our SAR helicopters, and will be tasked where there is a risk to life and in support of the helicopters.

If the trial is successful, options for permanent provision will be explored, possibly in combination with similar requirements elsewhere in Government.

Original post: helihub

BAE Jetstream 41

The Jetstream 41 turboprop regional airliner, manufactured by BAE Systems, is a major development of the Jetstream 31/32 regional airliner family, which entered service in 1982. The Jetstream 31 and the Jetstream 32EP (enhanced performance) are 19-seat turboprop airliners. The stretched Jetstream 41 development was announced in 1989, the first flight took place in 1991 and the aircraft entered service in 1992.

Over 90 Jetstream 41 aircraft are operational worldwide in both 29/30 seat commuter and 14-seat corporate shuttle configurations. The Johannesburg-based airline South African Airlink operates 14 J41s serving destinations in South Africa. British Regional Airlines (BRAL) operate 13 J41 aircraft as a franchisee of British Airways and as Manx Airlines. United Express’ Atlantic Coast Airlines of the USA have a fleet of 32 J41.

The Government Services of Hong Kong have two specially modified Jetstream 41 aircraft for operations in the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore as well as serving various missions in Hong Kong.

BAE Systems offer the MACRO (Material and Component Repair and Overhaul) programme for Jetstream and ATP (Advanced Turboprop) operators, which provides customers with a fixed maintenance cost that includes comprehensive spares support for a single fixed rate per aircraft flight hour.

FLIGHT DECK

Image @jetav.com

The flight deck accommodates the pilot and co-pilot. The pilots have the Honeywell Primus II digital radio communications system with dual transponders. The flight deck instrumentation includes a Honeywell SPZ-4500 fully digital automatic flight control system with a AH-600 attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), an AZ-810 air data computer . The flight data is displayed on a Honeywell EDZ-805 electronic flight information system four or five-tube display.

ENGINES

Image @Flight global 

The two Honeywell (formerly Allied Signal) TPE331-14GR/HR turboprop engines, with a takeoff rating per engine of 1,650shp, drive the McCauley five-bladed constant speed feathering metal propellers. The engine intakes have an air-bleed anti-icing system and a two-bottle fire extinguishing system is installed in the engine nacelles. The propellers are fitted with an electrical de-icing system. The typical fuel burn, 420kg fuel /hour is between 20 and 40% lower than that of previous generation engines giving the aircraft a fully passenger loaded range of 1,430km. The J41 aircraft is fitted with a Smiths engine management system.

LANDING GEAR

The aircraft is fitted with tricycle type forward retracting landing gear with twin Dunlop wheels and tyres. The wheels are equipped with anti-skid three rotor steel brakes.

Source aerospace-technology