How fast can lifeline helicopters fly in a emergency?

Answer 1

The top speed of an air ambulance depends on the type of aircraft being used. Helicopters are typically used for medical evacuations (MedEvac) from an accident scene and also as transport between hospitals in urban areas. Airplanes can be used to transport patients to hospitals by way of local airports. This article will briefly discuss different air speeds for aircraft commonly used for air ambulance services. Air speeds are commonly referenced in knots (kt), but conversions to miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h) are also provided.

Helicopter Air Ambulances

Helicopters are most commonly associated with air ambulance service. From the Bell 47 models used by the military during the Korean War and popularized in the movie and later TV series "MASH" to the HH-65C Dolphin used by the U.S. Coast Guard, there are a wide range in helicopter types used. The Bell 47G has a piston engine capable of propelling it at a maximum of 91 kt of 105 mph (169 km/h). The HH-65C has twin turbine engines that can produce a maximum speed of 160 knots (kt) or 184 mph (294 km/h). The vast majority of all air ambulances today are turbine powered like the HH-65C. Another popular turbine air ambulance model is the MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 with a top speed of 141 kt or 163 mph (262 km/hr).

Answer 2

Quite a subjective question. This depends on the type of rescue helicopter, in the UK the follow are used:

Westland Sea King HAR3 or HAR 5: 129 mph (112 knots, 208 km/h) (max cruise at sea level)

Agusta Westland 139: 310 km/h (193 mph) or 167 Knots

Sikorsky S92:165 knots (190 mph, 306 km/h)

These are maximum speeds ie VNE (Velocity Never Exceed). In reality, Maximuim cruise speeds are approximately 10% lower .

For other countries:

AS365N2 (Dauphin) USCG/Hong Kong etc 165 Knots (190mph)

EH101/Merlin/Cormorant (Various Navies + Canadian Coastguard) 309 km/h (167 knots, 192 mph)

The majority of Search and Rescue Services tend to use the aircraft mentioned above, so an average would be approximately 150MPH or 130knots or 240kph.

There are a few newer aircraft (in development) capable of SAR most notably the V-22 Osprey (although not truly a helicopter): 305 kn (565 km/h; 351 mph) at 15,000 ft (4,600 m)

Hope this helps

Answer 3

300 miles per hour send