03.11.2011

Rescue from a turbine

The RAF performed a rescue training exercise on the Wind Turbine recently while the operator of a 100 metre lift was working on it.

The unit the 103 metre Palfinger/Wumag WT1000, owned by UK based Blade Access was working on a wind farm in a remote part of Scotland near to Inverness. Taking technicians up to perform inspection and repair works on the rotor blades.

The wind speed was a fresh 20mph/32kph or 8.8 metres a second, while windy it was well within the machines capability.

The RAF Sea King Helicopter was drafted in to perform a live rescue training mission from the top of the wind turbine nacelle that the lift was working on.

In such remote locations, with heights of up to 100 metres, rescue alternatives are limited, should a man suffer an injury or medical problem while working on the nacelle. So a helicopter is often the only option available.

With the large helicopter coming in close to the turbine the lift operator had to monitor the effect on the wind speeds making sure that it remained safely below the maximum of 12.5 metres a second and chose to lower the platform a little. It also provided him with a fine opportunity to capture the rescue on video.
Please register to see all images

The helicopter comes in for the rescue

For its rescue role, the aircraft is equipped with a hydraulically-operated main rescue hoist, an electrically-operated emergency rescue hoist and electrical connections suitable for powering medical equipment such as incubators. The Search And Rescue (SAR) fleet of Sea Kings are fitted with a video/infrared detection pod, which is similar to the equipment used by police helicopters, to help search for casualties.
Please register to see all images

The casualty is winched to safety

The Westland Sea King HAR3 entered RAF service in 1978 and the 3A in 1996, both are used in the SAR role, operating from six locations around the UK, with two aircraft in each location.
Click here to view a clip of the training rescue mission

The Wumag WT1000 also includes a new Gravity Powered Drive System GPD that allows full operation of the boom using the power of gravity, offering users an additional emergency descent option should the machine malfunction.

The GPD system was originally developed within the Petrochemical industry, where a gas leak means no engine or electrical motor can be used due to the risk of explosion. It serves as a welcome back up though in case the main and emergency systems fail for some reason.