The Aircraft

Our aircraft is a BK117 B2 (Bolkov Kawasaki 117) twin engine rescue helicopter. It has all round versatility, speed and reliability for rescue helicopter work. This type of helicopter is used extensively in rescue helicopter operations around the world.

Inside the Helicopter

The rescue helicopter is a totally dedicated 24/7 rescue aircraft with the interior designed for the provision of patient care, maximum efficiency and the capacity to be multi role. The spacious cabin/cargo compartment of the BK117 is easily accessed for patient loading using the two large rear clamshell doors.

The helicopter needs to be adaptable as the rescue missions vary from farming related injuries, search and rescue operations to motor vehicle accidents.

The configuration includes medical, rescue and aviation equipment for rescue missions. The Trust has a full inventory of specialised equipment available at the rescue helicopter hangar in Hastings.

Interesting BK117 Facts

  • The helicopter travels at 240km per hour
  • Flight range fully fuelled is 457 km
  • 300 litres per hour of Jet A1 fuel is used by the helicopter
  • Maximum endurance is 2 hours 30 mins
  • Maximum fuel capacity is 557 litres
  • Maximum weight is 3350 kgs
  • Maximum cruising altitude is 10000 ft
  • Patient stretcher capacity is 1 person (possibility of 2)
  • Seating capacity is 6 people plus pilot and co-pilot

Why the change from the Squirrel to the BK117?

Since the Rescue Helicopter Trust started the Squirrel had been the principal helicopter. At the end of 2009 the Rescue Helicopter Board agreed to proceed with a twin engine BK117 rescue helicopter.

The main reasons for the upgrade were as follows:

  • Developments with the Civil Aviation Association rules on single engine helicopters flying over built up areas such as Wellington Hospital and potentially the Hawke’s Bay Regional Hospital. Operations who do not have helicopters with Class 1 performance capabilities and hence do not comply with rule 91.127 will be shut down after 31st August 2010.  The BK117 is a twin engine rescue helicopter.
  • Developments with the Ambulance and Paramedical Standards 8156 require that the access to the patient in flight is the head and the mid thigh area and this could not be achieved in the Squirrel helicopter. The BK117 larger cabin configuration allows full access to the patient.
  • By June 2011 the crew configuration must include two paramedics on rescue missions. Currently for such missions there is a Pilot, Crewmember and Advanced Life Support paramedic. The new regulations decree that there must also be a Basic Life Support paramedic and with the patient the Squirrel did not have the weight or space capacity. The BK117 has the ability to carry more personnel. 
  • The Squirrel had been struggling with weight/performance issues. The payload was becoming increasing difficult for certain missions, such as patients weight (over 85kg); performance issues at higher altitudes.  The weight capacity change from the Squirrel to the BK117 is from 2100kg to 3350kg.
  • Finally all the key agencies and the medical clinicians have the unanimous viewpoint that the twin engine airframe will ensure the desired level of patient care and safety for the future.