Grahame Hutchison
19th July 2008, 01:27 PM
I was out at Bankstown this morning to pick up a few maps and noticed that the NSW Police Air Wing had the five of their helocopters all in at the same time and lined up very nicely on their stands with tugs at the ready. I have seen three in at the same time before, but this was the first time I have seen five, no doubt in preparation for all the activity around the Pope this weekend.
Quote from the Police Air Wing web site....
The Air Wing helicopters operate with some advanced technology including: 30 million candle power Nite-sun searchlights; stabilised day/night binoculars; forward looking infrared; advanced photographic equipment; external winch and cargo hook; Digital Voice Protection secure communications; Radio Direction Finding System; and GPS (Global Positioning System) Satellite Navigation System. The Air Wing employs 30 police staff and is under the command of a Chief Inspector.
VH-PHZ, VH-PHB, VH-PHP, VH-PHW and VH-PHX all in a line ready for the weekend events involving the Pope.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_003.jpg
VH-PHZ is a 1990 model BK117 B-2 twin with winch.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_004.jpg
VH-PHB is a 1997 model AS.350B2 with search light, winch and FLIR.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_005.jpg
VH-PHP is a 2007 model AS.350B2 with search light, winch and round style FLIR.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_006.jpg
VH-PHW is a 2006 model AS.350B2 with search light, winch and FLIR.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_007.jpg
VH-PHx is a 1996 model AS.355N twin with search light, winch and FLIR.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_008.jpg
Unrelated, at the other end of the airport, PEL-AIR VH-KNR was tucked into the back corner of the apron. It was
interesting to have a close up look at the 1981 model IAI 1124A with all the cabin forward of the main spar. The
cockpit is very cosy and the instrumentation layout traditional, not glass.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_001.jpg
Quote from the Police Air Wing web site....
The Air Wing helicopters operate with some advanced technology including: 30 million candle power Nite-sun searchlights; stabilised day/night binoculars; forward looking infrared; advanced photographic equipment; external winch and cargo hook; Digital Voice Protection secure communications; Radio Direction Finding System; and GPS (Global Positioning System) Satellite Navigation System. The Air Wing employs 30 police staff and is under the command of a Chief Inspector.
VH-PHZ, VH-PHB, VH-PHP, VH-PHW and VH-PHX all in a line ready for the weekend events involving the Pope.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_003.jpg
VH-PHZ is a 1990 model BK117 B-2 twin with winch.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_004.jpg
VH-PHB is a 1997 model AS.350B2 with search light, winch and FLIR.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_005.jpg
VH-PHP is a 2007 model AS.350B2 with search light, winch and round style FLIR.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_006.jpg
VH-PHW is a 2006 model AS.350B2 with search light, winch and FLIR.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_007.jpg
VH-PHx is a 1996 model AS.355N twin with search light, winch and FLIR.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_008.jpg
Unrelated, at the other end of the airport, PEL-AIR VH-KNR was tucked into the back corner of the apron. It was
interesting to have a close up look at the 1981 model IAI 1124A with all the cabin forward of the main spar. The
cockpit is very cosy and the instrumentation layout traditional, not glass.
http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/D300-2008-07-19_001.jpg