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Helicopters make the ultimate yacht tenders, but the marine enviroment treats them harshly. Here are some innovative design solutions for garaging them on board large motor yachts.
by Marilyn Mower
photography by Courtesy of Amels
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10/01/2005
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On DeVoogt’s design for the 86-meter Feadship Ecstasea,
space had to be found to land two helicopters, one of which, a Eurocopter EC
135, would be stored inside. The DeVoogt approach was to place the garage in an
area typically not used by owners and guests – the coach roof and bow area
forward of the owner’s stateroom. By the designers’ slight of hand, it looks
like the Eurocopter lands on the main deck. In reality, thanks to an
exceptionally high bow, it lands on the deck above.
On Ecstasea. Top: Blades folded, the EC 135
is lowered straight down into the helibay. Bottom:
A second, aft helipad is
designed to accommodate larger aircraft. Photography courtesy of Feadship/Royal Van Lent. (Click images to enlarge)
To prepare for the helicopter’s arrival, the wedge-shaped flat
coach roof parts and slides open horizontally. The elevator platform rises
straight up from the hold and locks in at this height. Blades folded, the
helicopter is lowered into its bay and the coach roof slides back to cover. In
the hold, all lighting and switches are certified spark-free and the space is
ventilated with filtered fresh air that is exchanged several times per minute.
Regardless of the location of the heligarage, the low
flashpoint (100.4°F, 38°C) of aviation fuel is a primary concern. Helicopter
fuel must be stored in a stainless steel tank surrounded by a floodable,
grounded cofferdam adjacent to the hull. All piping and valves must be
stainless. In addition to the yacht’s standard fire system, the helideck and
garage need two additional systems, one static and one portable foam.
Contact HeliRiviera at 33 (0)4 93 90 53 00.
www.heliriviera.com
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