MV Alucia

Science Operations

Helicopters

There are two helicopters available in the Dalio Fleet for use on either ship: Papa Alpha and Mike Delta.  The helicopters are available for mission support upon request and have the following capabilities:

Papa Alpha

Papa Alpha’s panoramic visibility, exceptional maneuverability, twin-engine performance and safety and large V.I.P. cabin make the helicopter perfectly suited for a full range of operational requirements.

General Specifications: 

  • Empty weight: 4,481 lbs
  • Maximum takeoff weight: 6,415 lbs
  • Useful load: 1,934 lbs
  • Usable fuel capacity (standard tank): 185 gallons

Performance Data:

  • Maximum speed: 140 knots
  • Cruising speed: 137 knots
  • Maximum range: 342 nm
  • Maximum endurance: 3.6 hours
  • Hover in ground effect ceiling (5 ft. skid height): 10,000 ft
  • Hover out of ground effect ceiling: 6,600 ft
  • Takeoff power per engine: 667 shp
  • Rate of climb (all engines operative, MCP): 1,500 fpm

Seating:

  • 5 passengers in the rear cabin
  • 1 captain and 1 co-pilot/safety pilot in cockpit

Communications Systems: 

  • Airband VHF Radio 
  • VHF FM Radio
  • Satellite phone

Emergency Equipment: 

  • Apical flotation equipment with onboard life rafts
  • Emergency Locator Transmitter (including underwater transmitter)
  • Automatic Flight Following Tracking
  • Engine Fire Detection and Extinguishing System

Mike Delta

Mike Delta is a single-engine workhorse with the best performance in its category. High performance, enhanced maneuverability, faster cruise speeds, and lower fuel consumption make this a great option for a variety of work oriented missions, performing well even in the extremes of temperature and altitude.

General Specifications:

  • Empty weight: 3,280 lbs
  • Maximum takeoff weight: 5,225 lbs
  • Useful load: 1,945 lbs
  • Maximum takeoff weight (with external load): 6,172 lbs
  • Usable fuel capacity (standard tank): 143 gallons (reserve tank: additional 34 gallons)

 Performance Data: 

  • Maximum speed: 155 knots
  • Cruising speed: 137 knots
  • Maximum range: 349 nm (reserve tank extends to 436 nm) 
  • Maximum endurance: 4.2 hrs (reserve tank extends range by 25%)
  • Hover in ground effect ceiling (5 ft. skid height): 11,600 ft
  • Hover out of ground effect ceiling: 9,450 ft
  • Takeoff power per engine: 847 shp
  • Rate of climb: 1,818 fpm

Seating:

  • 4 passengers in the rear cabin
  • 1 captain and 1 co-pilot/safety pilot in cockpit

Communications Systems:

  • Airband VHF Radio 
  • VHF FM Radio
  • Satellite phone

Emergency Equipment: 

  • Apical flotation equipment with onboard life raft
  • Emergency Locator Transmitter (including underwater transmitter)
  • Automatic Flight Following Tracking
  • Engine Fire Detection System
  • Auxillary fuel tank

Last updated: September 24, 2015