More than 30 helicopters on show in the static display at Helitech 2009

Helitech is fielding one of its largest ever displays of static helicopters this year.

No less than 32 helicopters will be on show outside the exhibition to allow visitors a closer look at a wide variety of rotary wing types in a range of formats from VIP and utility to police and emergency services.

Eurocopter is planning to display seven craft – representing six different helicopter types, one of which, the EC135, will be shown in both a utility and a police variant. The company’s EC155B1 and EC120B will include VIP interiors as will the EC130B4 while Harrods Aviation will be displaying its S76.

Examples of helicopters configured for police usage include the MD500E, which is being displayed by Specialist Aviation Services, and the EC145 while emergency service examples include another MD500E and an AgustaWestland Da Vinci specially created for Swiss Air-Rescue service (REGA) requirements for its mountain rescue and air ambulance operations.

Red Box International has kindly agreed to provide the ground power to Helitech this year so all static display exhibitors will be able to show their craft with illuminated and working instrument panels should they choose to.

In addition to this Red Box will be demonstrating a new product in the static display area. The AirLift is designed to elevate a helicopter off the ground so that two can be parked in one space, saving money on expensive hangar space. It also enables easy access to an aircraft’s underbelly for maintenance or cleaning. The device is capable of lifting most aircraft up to 1,350kg.

Other attractions in the static display include a mobile elevating air traffic control tower from Host Systems while Helimatic will have an example of its Vertical Uppercut S-10 saw on show. Designed for helicopters that are servicing the energy sector the saw is used to cut away branches that are in danger of obstructing power lines.