11/16/2004: Helicopter carries tree

[Undertoad]

How do they get the "Nation's Holiday Tree" into Washington DC? They use a Boeing Vertol 107-II, according to the text with this image sent along by xoxoxoBruce. You'd figure this is a pretty specialized operation, because they have to haul a TREE into that highly-controlled zone and then hover for a long while, and not do something really stupid like crash into the White House. I bet they wait until it's windless...

I just like the composition here, too, because once you look at it, you realize you have to seek out and find the wire.

[Leah]

I can see the wire, I can see the wire. Why don't they just use a fake one. Here in Sydney in Martin Place they have a huge fake Christmas tree, and it's kinda like a tradition for many Sydney siders and their families to watch the lights switch on for the very first time each Christmas. It's huge

[Bullitt]

I'd think they'd use a Skycrane for that sort of heavy lifting, since its basically two huge engines and a cockpit. The helicopter pictured is more for troop and equipment transport.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Because Skycranes suck. :p
That old 107 is basically the same as the Sea Knight the Navy/Marines use shipboard. It's one of a fleet owned and operated by Columbia Helicopters They are used around the world for logging, oil exploration, mining and construction. They even tow boats with them.
Oh...Skycranes don't really suck. They're made by Sikorsky

If the cable breaks it's all over.

[zippyt]

bruce is that a cable breaking shot above ?????

[Elspode]

I would describe that photo as depicting a "nonoptimal flight orientation."

[Elspode]

Nope...it is apparently part of a barge towing operation. Cool.

[dar512]

That's gotta be pretty scary for the guy driving that rig. Well, I'd be afraid, anyway. Talk about a need for attitude adjustment.

[Bullitt]

I would describe that photo as coast guard implimenting new ice cutting technique.

[glatt]

Wow, Bruce. Just, wow.

That front rotor looks like it is just inches off the ice as it swings around. I'd like to see a side view to guage it better, but I think it's safe to say the pilot is taking huge risks there.

[xoxoxoBruce]

From the above link;

........ACT -100 (hover barge) was loaded with 40 tons of cargo for another close-in test run. Once more, the helicopter showed it could move the barge despite the additional weight.
The final aspect of the test was to tow the hover barge over a 50-mile course to a drill site named Alaska Island where Sohio had just completed an oil well.
During the tow to the island, headwinds over 30 knots were encountered, and snow and ice buildup were also factors. Regardless, the Vertol was able to bring the empty barge to the island successfully. On the return trip to Prudhoe Bay, when this photo was taken, the barge carried 50 tons of cargo, bringing the total weight to 220 tons. As with the previous tests, this task was accomplished successfully.
This photograph is one of longtime Columbia Helicopters' photographer Ted Veal's most famous photographs. The use of a powerful telephoto lens makes it appear as though the helicopter is closer to the ice than is actually the case.

This was in 1982 with the smaller of the Vertol (Boeing) models. This model is now being phased out but it's big brother, the CH-47 Chinook, is at least 5 times as powerful as this old CH-46.

[Wombat]

Nice helicopter pics.

Every year Norway donates a 23m tree to Britain, as thanks for the help Britain gave Norway in WWII. The tree gets sent across the North Sea by ship, and is then trucked into Trafalgar Square and decorated with white lights.

[Bullitt]

I think it's high time we called France and told them we want a G-Damn tree too!

[xoxoxoBruce]

Screw france, we don't need no stinkin tree.
We got BUSH.

[York]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Screw france, we don't need no stinkin tree.
We got BUSH.

thats nice, if you trim it or shave it all off!