Lifesaver 6

Lifesaver 6 is a new state of the art Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter which patrols Victoria's busy coastline from Waratah to Apollo Bay as well as providing valuable back-up support for other marine and inland emergencies. The aerial patrols will operate on weekends and public holidays until Easter Monday, with increased daily patrols operating throughout the busiest summer period from 24th December to 26th January.

Funded by the generous support of Westpac, the new single engine Squirrel Euro Copter AS350B2 helicopter is equipped to land on any flat open space including beaches and can travel at speeds of up to 280km per hour. Its ability to hover low and remain stationery mid air will allow for more proactive rescue missions and result in quicker response times.

The helicopter will be tasked to include shark patrols, static line rescues, search and rescue of lost swimmers, missing boats and fishermen in distress as well as a support role in inland emergencies.

On board the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter will be team of dedicated volunteers from Life Saving Victoria and a highly trained pilot.

Lifesaver 6 Facts:

• Call sign Lifesaver 6
• Primary Aircraft - Eurocopter AS350 B2 Squirrel
• Based at Moorabbin Airport (Melbourne)
• Single Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 Turbine Engine
• Static Line Rescue Equipped
• Rescue Configuration - 2 Rescue Crew with Single or Dual Pilots
• Transport Configuration - Up to 5 Passengers with Single Pilot
• Maximum cruising speed of 246 km/hr / 133 kts
• Maximum range without reserve of 666 km / 360 KN
• Average endurance of 3hrs
• Useful load of 1,030 kg

Lifesaver 7

Details coming soon