The Service owns and operates three twin-engine helicopters - one Bell 412SP and two BK117-B2.

Bell 412 SP

The Bell 412 is based at Broadmeadow and covers the Hunter, Central and Mid North Coast regions.

• Engine Pratt and Whitney PT6-F3B Twinpac rated at 1800 horsepower.
• Speed 120 knots (220 km per hour).
• Range 300 nautical miles (550 km).
• Endurance 2.5 hours.
• Single pilot IFR (Instrument Flight Rules).
• Weather Radar.
• 2 Man Rescue Hoist (90 m cable).
• Up to 4 fully accessible stretcher positions.
• Capable of 4 stretcher positions and 4 medical staff and crew.
• Capable of carrying 2 neonatal units and parents and medical staff and crew.
• Operationally capable of carrying parents or relatives on most missions.
• Carriage of Propaq (full audio interface), infusion pump and Lifepac 5.
• On board oxygen (up to 3 'D' cylinders) with 4 outlets (2 supply and 2 suction).
• Mechanical suction with disposable receptacles.
• Fully controlled medical lighting.
• 30 million candle power Nitesun Searchlight.
• GPS Navigation System.
• All UHF and VHF Ambulance and Police communications.
• Mobile telephone/satellite telephone.
• Cargo hook. 4000 lb capacity (cargo carrying and fire bucket work).
• Emergency Beacon Homer.

BK117-B2 

There are two BK117 Rescue Helicopters in operation.

In 2007 the Rescue Helicopter, with the generous support and assistance of the community, purchased a replacement helicopter for the New
England - North West regions. The BK117 replaced the Bell 407 helicopter that crash landed near Warialda in February 2007.

In December 2007 the Rescue Helicopter purchased a second BK117 for the Hunter, Central and Mid North Coast regions. This was made possible with the outstanding support of the community.

• Cruise Speed 125 knots (230 klm), Maximum
  150 knots (280klm)
• Endurance/Range 2 hours (+ 20 minutes reserve)/
  460 kilometres
• Fuel usage 300 litres/hour
• Weight maximum 3350kg, payload 1100kg
  (including fuel)
• Crew 1 pilot, 1 crewman + 2 Ambulance Officers or a Doctor
  and Nurse
• Patients - 1 stretcher + 2 sitting
• Engines 2 x Lycoming LTS 101 750 horse power
• Maximum height 10,000ft

Equipment:

• Single Pilot IFR Autopilot
• 2 person hoist. 270 FT cable length, 272 KG
• Night Sun 30.000.000 cadle power
• Auto pilot
• GPS
• Weather radar
• Laptop PC based moving map display
• Satellite phone
• 2 person winch, 270ft cable
• Nitesun search light, 30,000.000 candle power
• Colour weather radar with both vertical & horizontal modes
• Dual GPS with integrated moving map graphic system
• Laptop computer based Moving Map system
• CDMA/Satellite Phone
• Emergency Services Radios - UHF, VHF Hi & Lo, GRN\
• On Board Oxygen system
• HF/UHF Homer

The Future

The Service is planning to replace the Bell 412SP helicopter in 2010. At this time the machine will be 24 years old and getting toward the end of its useful work life. The cost of finding a suitable replacement at that time will be substantial, together with the additional costs of fit out for aeromedical retrieval.