I represent an owner who is in the process of designing a smallish yacht with the capability of being able to land (on the flybridge deck) a Eurocopter EC130 on a 135-140' yacht. Not for transportation, just on-off load. I am after anyone comments and thought (and links too) as to what to be aware of design wise.
Hi, There are of course many safety considerations but here are some thoughts. Landing on the flybridge deck on a small yacht might not be a good idea, but it depends on the overall design. Make the landing deck so it can be approached from behind when the yacht is underway. This will make the yacht more stable through the stabilizers and going towards the wind is also what the heli-pilot would like. Have the deck covering the deck below so nothing like ropes and furniture will fly overboard by the helis turbulence. Instead of fancy side rails that are removed or folded prior to landing I would make solid and foldable bulwarks that will extend the decks surface. On some yachts they have developed systems that catches the heli when landed which seems to be a good idea. I have made an example for you;
While it may not be so stylish, I would think that moving the mast ahead (further from the stern) is not a bad idea either? Kelly Cook
The yacht Samara has a hydraulic moving helipad and radar arch to it can accommodate a decent size helicopter without wasting space on the rotor clearance area. The helipad moves aft, arch moves forward and railings move down for helicopter operations.
