Search and rescue, any ideas?

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
15/10/2010 12:00

Just been watching the Turkish Army helicopters performing their usual search and rescue exercises just off of Camelot Beach. I was wondering where their helicopters are based. Cannot remember seeing any at Ercan so maybe they are based at Geticale but then again you do not need an airport to land and take of in a helicopter, just a piece of scrub land and a hanger for storage/maintenance. Any ideas? And also how many are stationed on the Island.

AJ

bazilbrush


Joined: 29/03/2008
Posts: 404

Message Posted:
15/10/2010 14:27

So many question AJ we think that maybe you are a spy for the Greeks.LOL No idea where they are based never relly thought about it before.

I did notice that the old russian helicopters near the merit had gone a while ago, perhaps they are being repaired and ready for use.

Harold2555



Joined: 19/04/2008
Posts: 1139

Message Posted:
15/10/2010 14:41

I don't think Aj is a spy bazil, I think merely he is considering going for a swim and wants to make sure all bases are covered!





Harold

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
15/10/2010 14:54

The reason why I have an interest is because I spent most of my working life travelling in helicopters and although I have had some 'interesting' experiences they still fascinate me. I am not even sure what make of helicopter the military use out here. Does anyone have an up to date copy of Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide?

AJ

bigOz


Joined: 29/09/2010
Posts: 1244

Message Posted:
15/10/2010 14:55

As far as I know ıt was always used to be 2 helicoıpters up until 2000. But how many now I have no clue. They used to use the small air base near Girne pass (at Lefkoşa end of the mountains) and off the old Girne-Lefkoşa road. They are probably still at the same place because the barracks are still there.



As far as the Greeks are concerned, everyone knew and definitely know now where they were/are, so it was never a great military secret. We used to fly light aircraft from there and everyone knew (indiscriminately) where and what it was. One would not need any spies to locate the used runways / airfields in Europe now! Satellite technology has left no more hiding spaces for any airforce or military HQs. In fact if you log on to Google Maps, choose satellite images, and zoom into South of Girne - Lefkoşa pass (of the mountains), you will see the old old runway clear as daylight.

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
15/10/2010 15:01

The helicopters fly from Agirdag at the back of the mountains from Alsancak/Lapta. You take the road to Pinarbasi, right at the main junction where the speed cameras are on the main road from Girne to Lefkosa.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
15/10/2010 15:13

Thanks bigOz and nostradamus for your replies.

Any idea who the manufacturer of the aircraft are?



bigOz

'As far as I know ıt was always used to be 2 helicoıpters'



That would fit in from what I have seen. Last year when there were forest fires I only ever saw two carrying buckets from the sea to the mountains.

AJ

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
15/10/2010 15:17

They look like Super Pumas to me, although there is a Vietnam War era Huey (The GIs friend) still clattering about.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
15/10/2010 16:09

Thanks Vaughan

I have flown in Super Pumas before but of course in military guise they look nothing like the people carrier that were/are used in the North Sea. Interesting about the Huey and wonder whether it is based at the same location as the two Pumas.

AJ

basil


Joined: 10/04/2009
Posts: 168

Message Posted:
16/10/2010 19:45

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AS-532_Cougar_kzlsngr3.JPG



The Turkish Military (Türk Kara Kuvvetleri) use Cougars as a combat search and rescue helicopter. (Cougar is the military variant of the Super Puma).



Turkey used to build UH-1 H Hueys under license, and had over 150 of them so they may well still have a few knocking about. If you ever watched a Vietnam war movie (and who hasn't) you may well recognise the sound of those old birds even if you don't see them.



Fairly sure there is at least one Blackhawk knocking around as well.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/10/2010 09:44

basil,



Anorak time - do you know why Hueys make that signature "taka-taka-taka" noise?

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
17/10/2010 10:38

I thought the helicopters used in last year's forest fires were sent over from Mersin, AJ. I seem to remember there being discussion at the time about having fire fighting helicopters based here. I may be mistaken, as my memory does not function quite so efficiently now as it used to in my younger days.

basil


Joined: 10/04/2009
Posts: 168

Message Posted:
17/10/2010 19:02

Vaughan;

Two blade rotor, as opposed to the four and five blades which are more common.

I'll get me coat ...

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
18/10/2010 11:01

basil is right - only 2 bloody great blades on the rotor.