Our Helicopters We rely on our aircraft to cover all of Wales 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. They need to handle challenging conditions and be able to land in different environments such as mountain ranges, busy motorways and built-up areas. Thankfully, we've got just the helicopter for the job... What type of Aircraft are they? We have four H145 helicopters plus one reserve, which are based at our helipads in Dafen, Cardiff, Welshpool and Caernarfon. They can carry two flight crew, three clinicians and a patient, whilst providing a considerable increase in cabin space and performance. Our helicopters, pilots, and engineers are provided by Gama Aviation but are funded by the Wales Air Ambulance. The average cruising speed of the H145 is 120kts (138mph), which is twice the legal motorway speed limit, although its top speed it up to 145kts (167mph). The aircraft is 14ft high and 38ft 3in long and can hold up to 900 litres of fuel. Operationally, we normally fuel to about 750 litres, enough to fly the length of Wales and back. When empty, the H145 weigh approximately 2 tonnes, the same as a white Rhinoceros. Once fully loaded with equipment, crew, fuel and a patient, the aircraft can weigh a maximum of 3700kgs or 3.7 tonnes. Our helicopters need an area of 28 meters in length to land during the day, which is about half the height of The Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, when flying at night we need double that amount. Do the helicopters have names? As a proud Welsh Charity, we are passionate about the Welsh language. Our aircraft registrations pay tribute to that, and are all Welsh words that represent the service provided by the lifesaving Charity. They are: G-WENU (meaning smile) G-WYDN (meaning resilient) G-LOYW (meaning bright/shining) G-WOBR (prize) G-WROL (brave) Did you know? An aircraft registration, similar to a vehicle number plate, identifies a civil aircraft. The G at the start of the registration shows that the aircraft is registered in the UK. Helicopter History Several aircraft have flown for the Charity over the years, and they’ve varied in shape and size as well as varying liveries. The Wales Air Ambulance launched on St David’s Day in 2001 with a distinct AA yellow and black Bolkow 105 DB helicopter, with the registration G-AZOR The Bolkow 105 DB helicopters were upgraded to the EC135 helicopters and then later it operated three H145 helicopters and one smaller H135. When the new contract with Gama Aviation, The H135 was upgraded so that we have a full fleet of H145 aircraft. Manage Cookie Preferences