Helicopters / Seaplanes on Yachts

S55A is a critter close to my heart
Only ones that I've seen in the past 5 years with a current C of A were in Honduras and Venezuela. A few others, but I'd question the validity of the paperwork if it was even being kept legal.... That being said, it was a great machine in it's day but compared to most current builds it only has one strong point, great reliability, and easy to maintain. Sad that most of the ones in museums are no longer capable of throwing their wings around and beating gravity in to submission.

The S55 was my dream as a kid. I got a metal toy version from my relatives in California in the late 50:s, which i was "flying" until our army got the Boeing Vertol/Kawasaki 107 in 1963. This has been my favorite since and it will continue to be in service a couple of years more!

Last week the army got the first Agusta 109 E, the updated version of the 70:s model. But it can not really replace the 10 tonnes Vertol 107, for this we have got the NH 90, built by Agusta, Eurocopter and Fokker.

....

Spoken like a true rotor-head!

If you are serious in doing this, send me a pm I can hook you up with pretty much anything you can think of aircraft wise, but I'll put money on the fact that you won't be using an S-55 with it's combo of price/metal fautige/ maintence/crew/ and overall size. on a yacht anyways. You won't be able to get a CH-53 because it would have to be licensed as experimental and only the nessicary crew required to operate it are allowed on board. I would go with an As355 and just sling load cargo. But that's me.

Also you must keep in mind that these helicopters with 4 blade rotor heads don't fold up, so you will need a full beam hangar, or an aircraft carrier.

On naval ships, there are dedicated fuel tanks for the aviation fuel. When the helicopters go into the garage, their fuel tanks are emptied first.

Yachts are not designed to be taken under fire, but still, I wouldn't feel comfortable with hundreds of litres of kerosene in the room next doors. In any case, the space needs a lot of extra provisions (extra air changes, explosion proof electrical appliances, etc.).

But why would you want to keep the heli on board and not in a heliport on shore nearby? It's better for the helicopter, and surely better and safer for your yacht and its interior space. And as long as you have a landing pad on board, it's just as convenient.


Bruno

Pilots

mp-willow
If you are looking to get some first hand info from some of the best over water pilots in the world, go to Louisiana, NOW. PHI pilots are on strike and have the time to talk, if you buy the beer.
They are also quite a bit more open to offers than usual
Just got back from there and some of the times and ratings that those pilots have accumulated just can't be duplicated anywhere else in North America. Crew with serious time on S76,412,430,AS350 and on and on.
Yes, I did talk with one who'd logged time in an S55A

PHI pilots arn't any better than pilots who fly ENG, they often have larger ego's and consider themselves better but the truth is 98% fly to oil platforms over the calm Gulf of Mexico in twin engine helio's which is easier than flying over land as you have no ground clutter.

The only ratings are PPL/CFI/IFR/CTP so I don't know how they "can't be duplicated"??? PHI also dosn't fly anything over 12,500 pounds with the exception of the S-92, and those pilots are contracted out becuase it costs alot to keep them current on an S-92.

Eurocopter EC-155B
The EC 155 first flew in 1997. It was certified by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) and the German Government Agencies (LBA) in 1999 and for single-pilot IFR (instrument flight rules) operations in January 2000.
The EC 155B is the latest evolution of the Dauphin family. Combining the large experience of the Dauphin fleet and the new technology assets steaming from Eurocopter's Research and Developpment such as Avionique Nouvelle, 5 bladed Spheriflex main rotor head together with a new Fenestron tail rotor and a variable main rotor speed for low noise signature. The two Turbomeca Arriel 2C1 engines will power the EC 155 giving the helicopter a high level of performance.
Compliant with the latest JAR-OPS 3 requirements the EC 155B shall also cruise at speeds in excess of 140 kts. The EC 155B will transport comfortably 12 passengers in a new spacious and unobstructed cabin providing exceptional visibility and accessibility. Baggage will not be left aside as the EC 155B features the largest cargo compartments in its class.

Specifications:
Maximum weight: 4,800 kg / 10,582 lb
Capacity: 1 or 2 pilots + 12 pass.
Maximum useful load (including mission fuel): 2,272 kg / 5,009 lb
Sling load capacity: 1,600 kg / 3,527 lb
Power plant: 2 TURBOMECA ARRIEL 2C1
Take-off power (A.E.O.): 635 kW / 851 shp
Maximum continuous power (A.E.O.): 597 kW / 800 shp
Fast cruise speed (at maximum weight): 266 km/h - 143 kts
Maximum range with standard tank(s): 831 km - 449 n.m.

I haven't seen this one mentioned, but it is already being used on a yacht
(as the pic shows). It can be used with just one pilot, and the blades will
fold for storage.
I attach some pics to show:

Is it just me or are the wheels on that bird really teeny tiny?

Yes, they might be small - but I don't think there is much call for taxi on this yacht! By the way I think that they offer skids as an option.
This Old One.

Yeah they do look tiny. not any smaller than other choppers though..

Absolutly correct Pete, they are all about the same size.

We have heard of Sikorsky's role in offshore platform shuttle service.
I have collected a group of four contenders that could be considered for the task of "Ship-to-Shore" transportation. Some of these 'birds' have been used many times in this capacity.

I offer these four examples of the class of 'choppers that are capable:
#1: Bell 430 (my concern is the low tail rotor, slightly smaller payload).
#2: Eurocopter EC155B (my favorite, as previously stated).
#3: Sikorsky S76C (a proven warrior in this task).
#4: Bell-Agusta AB139 (a newcomer in this class, and she has class).

PS: You may notice that all of the wheels appear to be about the same size.
This Old One

Does anyone remember NADINE with a seawind with a turbine engine and a Jet Ranger on board!

Seawind Website

The blades on Navy helicopters are different, and require alot of man power to change their position. Not realistic for corprate applications allthough some have tried.

The S-76C++ new or S-76A are the best buy in their class depending on your budget. They are also single pilot IFR certified so you only have to hire one pilot.

It is expensive to remain current in a 90 becuase parts are hard to come by and sucks fuel like your throwing it out the window. I recommed a 50' beam for helicopter operations as a minumum.

and you'll want to carry about 2,000 gallons of JetA becuase you arn't suppost to leave the fuel in the heli while it's stored in the hangar.

I can help you with helipad/heli hangar design, just hit me up with a pm or have me explain it here out loud.

don't forget to make sure the heli you use is twin engine, if you don't. You might regret it.