New Coast Guard Chopper Capable Of More.

[Navy6064]

New Coast Guard Chopper Capable Of More Thu Aug 31, 10:19 PM ET


The Coast Guard on Thursday unveiled a new helicopter for use in searches and rescues across Hawaii.
It may appear like the same chopper, but it is new, at least beneath the skin.
The HH-65C is the third model of the Coast Guard's Dolphin rescue helicopter. It boasts new, more powerful engines that increase its payload. It could help more mariners who need rescuing.
"If there was a boat that had six people on it, where previously we could only pick up about three and then could bring them back, we may be able to bring six people back," Capt. Brad Bean said.
The new helicopter can also bring more equipment, such as dewatering pumps to a ship in danger of sinking. The HH-65C could go out a little farther, with a maximum range of more than 150 miles.
The biggest difference for the pilots has to do with what is under the hood. The new engines are an improvement in speed and maneuverability.
"The increased power gives us a chance to get into a hover right away instead of having to burn down fuel or waste any time. Once we get on scene, we can get into a hover and get right to work," pilot Lt. Cmdr. John Williams said.
The upgrades were not cheap. Each new helicopter costs more than $3.7 million. The Coast Guard and its pilots said that the cost is worth it.
Three of the new choppers will be stationed in Hawaii at Barbers Point.

[Donald]

Why not use the SeaKing? Far greater payload, range/endurance and capability. Though the concept of the SeaKing airframe is 40 years old, it still proves it's worth over and over again.