Turbine Helicopter Startup & Takeoff - Eurocopter Dauphin 2 Ambulance / Police Helicopter (AS365 N3)

Engine startup then takeoff of a Eurocopter Dauphin 2 (model AS365 N3) helicopter. The helicopter had unexpectedly landed right next to my house and shutdown before I'd had time to grab the camera and run outside but at least I was able to film the takeoff.

Quick links to the action:
0:00 Engine one start sequence
0:45 Engine start successful, revs quickly increase. Engine two start sequence would be at around 1:00
1:45 3rd crew member who observed startup from outside helicopter confirms all OK and boards aircraft.
3:00 getting airborne
3:15 Helicopter turns then low level flight past me
3:35 Helicopter turns again
3:45 slow vertical climb
4:20 heading away...
Filmed with a Sony PMW-EX3 XDCAM 1080p@25fps.

General information about this helicopter:
In early 2001 the Victorian Government (Australia) purchased two brand new AS365N3 Dauphin 2 helicopters for Police and Ambulance rescue work. In late 2001, the first of these (VH-PVG, shown in this video) came on line as the frontline Air Ambulance in Victoria, Australia. The aircraft emergency codename is "HEMS 1", and its standard crew of three consists of a Police pilot, Police observer, and MICA paramedic. The aircraft has the following equipment/specifications:
150 knot cruising speed
Flying radius of 430 km or 200 mins flying time
1135 Litre fuel capacity using 392 litres per hour
Retractable undercarriage
Full IFR all weather capability
TV/FLIR imaging
Color weather radar display
30 million candlepower Nitesun searchlight
76 m rescue winch with 272 kg capacity
Standard Ambulance equipment carried by the helicopter includes:
Single Ambulance Stretcher (with a Paraguard stretcher available as a second stretcher).
Oxygen & resuscitation equipment
Oxygen Ventilator
Propac Obs Monitor
Defibrillator

The high-performance AS365 N3 was developed for operations in 'hot and high' climates, and introduced 635 kW (851 shp) Arriel 2C turboshafts equipped with a single channel DECU (Digital Engine Control Unit) with manual reversion, mated to an uprated main transmission for better single engine performance. The AS365 N3 also features a redesigned ten blade composite Fenestron anti-torque device with asymimmetic blade distribution, offering a further reduction in noise signature. The AS365 N3's gross weight is 4,300 kg (9,480 lb).

Further information about the Victoria Air Ambulance serice is available on their website http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/ .


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