Eh-101

[yellowjacket]

I read an interesting snippet on another board yesterday that the RAF is having problems with it's future in SAR. The EH101 is unsuitable for SAR work apparently, due to excessive downdraft among other things, and their Sea Kings aren't getting any younger.

When the EH101 was evaluated for Ireland's SAR needs, did this same problem come up?

[Farel']

The Canadians dont seem to be having any trouble with their models,apart from fuel line problems earlier in the year.
Then again,they replaced the twin rotor Labrador,which I assume would have a pretty hefty breeze. Maybe the method needs to be adjusted?

While googling,i found this interesting reference to ourselves...

http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/types/international/agwest/EH101/EH101.htm

The potential for US Military sales is considerable, with new medium-sized helicopters needed by the USAF, US Coast Guard, US Navy and Marine Corps. The latter force undertakes the enormously prestigious role of transporting the US President by helicopter. Although impeccably maintained, the VH-3Ds used by HMX-1 in this role are in need of replacement. Potential candidates include the NH-90, which is politically handicapped by it's French and German 'old Europe' background; the S-92 again, which has lost every military competition it has entered (except for a distinctly dubious Irish Air Corps deal which was quickly cancelled), and the EH 101, which can offer three-engined safety, a full height cabin and the world's most effective active vibration damping system.

[SPOOKY]

"the S-92 again, which has lost every military competition it has entered "

Wrong.

The Canadian Navy are rumoured to have just picked it for their new ASW and other ship-borne requirements

re. This weeks JDW.

http://www.janes.com/defence/air_forces/

[Goldie fish]

At the time the article was written it was correct. Dont count those S92s until they are delivered though.

[ias]

I see according to Defense-Aerospace.com, that the Canadians have grounded their EH-101s due to cracks at the tail rotor, apparently a similar problem caused the crash of a British EH-101 (RN? or RAF?).

It also states that the EH-101 rquires 22hrs maintenance per flying hour instead of the 7 hrs originally promised by the manufacturer (now the manufacturer says 12 hrs), I remember at the time of the MLH competition here many were convinced that the EH-101 was the best of the bunch but maybe the S/H-92 is better after all.

IAS

[Goldie fish]

The canadians have contracted a private cmpany to do all repairs for them,and by all reports are less efficient and more expensive than if the Government had trained military personell to do the job.
Penny wise,pound foolish. See also mention of this in the "bad week for canada" thread elsewhere..

[ias]

GF,

but that doesn't explain why EH Industries have had to increase the maintenance requirement from 7 to 12 hours per flight hour http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi...modele=jdc_34.

IAS

[Vmax]

As said in a previous post this aircraft still has to prove itself.It was suppose to be called the EHI(european helicopters industries) 01,but due to some sort of typing error ended up with EH 101.Apparently our friends the far side of the irish sea are putting in 33 man hours of maintainence for every 1 hour it flies.It has three engines because it cant hover with two.A dodgy rotor brake,dodgy tail rotor.A big question mark hangs over how long it will be in service with the royal navy, if EHI don't sell enough of them it will end up just been too expensive to make spare parts for the few that are in service world wide.

[Goldie fish]

It seems the US101(US Made version of the EH, to replace the Seaking,Sea Stallion and other types) Will be equipped with Uprated engines.

[Graylion]

IAC ordered 3 EH-101s?

http://www.vectorsite.net/aveh101.html#m6

"In early 2002, AgustaWestland landed an order for three EH101s by the Irish Air Corps, with options for two more."

[futurepilot]

http://www.vectorsite.net/aveh101.html#m6

"In early 2002, AgustaWestland landed an order for three EH101s by the Irish Air Corps, with options for two more."

The contract for MLHs was cancelled.

[CTU]

And it was for S92s not EH101s

[Goldie fish]

Never believe everything you read on the Internet.