Geoff   10 #1 Posted December 16, 2003 South Yorkshire's brand new MD209 Explorer helicopter (registered as G-SYPS) takes to the skies tomorrow - exactly one hundred years since the famous flight by the Wright brothers. The brand new helicopter will shortly be replacing the 21 year old helicopter that South Yorkshire police have been using since 1997.  Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Tony   10 #2 Posted December 16, 2003 I hope that it's a bit quieter .... and that it's searchlight isn't quite so bright Zzzzzzzz Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
RPG Â Â 10 #3 Posted December 17, 2003 Well, from what ive found out: Â G-SYPS: Â it has two "PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA PW207E" engines, and was built in 2002, and has a maximum take off weight of 2835kg with only 32 hours flying time behind it! Â so maybe some of our resident helicopter experts could tell us about engine noise from them Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Phanerothyme   12 #4 Posted December 17, 2003 the old copter - Total Production (all variants) 553 First flight 1979/F2 -1985 Comments Increased max Gross weight over previous AS355 series, with a Useful load of over 2,600 lbs. Engine(s) (2) Allison 250 C 20F HP (takeoff) 420 shp ea. Dimensions main rotor 35.1 ft/10.7 m Tail rotor 6.10 ft/1.86 m Height 10.3 ft/3.14 m Length 35.9 ft/10.93 m Width 8.3 ft/2.53 m Empty weight 2,984 lbs/1,353 kg Gross weight 5,600 lbs/2,540 kg  the new copter (from their website) - which has no tail rotor but some kind of ducted exhaust from the turboshaft.(i guess or maybe a ducted fan)  The MD Helicopters family of rotorcraft are world renown for their value, versatility and performance...What's more, only helicopters from MD Helicopters feature the patented NOTAR® anti-torque system for operator benefits that include increased quiet, safety, reduced insurance rates and the ability to fly in areas that are off limits to other rotorcraft. It's no wonder these impressive aircraft are in service with air medical, law enforcement, corporate and utility operators around the world. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Fletch   10 #5 Posted December 17, 2003 ive been to see it with scouts  it no longer has a side propeller at the back it has an, in the middle one!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
MrH   11 #6 Posted December 17, 2003 Originally posted by RPG so maybe some of our resident helicopter experts could tell us about engine noise from them  I've not seen it at clsoe quarters yet, but it did fly overhead this morning. I can tell you that the NOTAR (no tail rotor) system makes it very quiet! (comparatively speaking) - burglars beware! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Norbo   10 #7 Posted January 8, 2004 That's amazing - not 5 minutes after reading this thread the very helicopter in question flew right over my house! I agree with Mr H it is indeed very quiet - much quieter than the old one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Geoff   10 #8 Posted January 8, 2004 There was a helicopter flying over the city centre last night and when it was directly above it seemed very noisy! But then again when it finally flew off it was virtually silent. I guess it forces the sound downwards? Or perhaps it was the old one? Does anyone know if the old one is still being used? I would ask the press office, but I've hassled them enough today Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
MrH Â Â 11 #9 Posted January 8, 2004 The old one disappeared the same weekend as the new one arrived Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Mongoose   10 #10 Posted January 11, 2004 aye, it doesnt look quite as imposing but its much quieter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
npatchett   10 #11 Posted January 11, 2004 Has anyone got a piccy of this new copper chopper? I've seen a white one flying around recently and just wondered if it was that one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
MrH Â Â 11 #12 Posted January 11, 2004 The new police helicopter is blue & yellow. Â The white one probably looked like this: Â <--------------------------- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...