History
Narrative Summary
Helicopter Service of the Republic of Srpska was established in 2008, at the initiative of a group of former military pilots, and with the support of the Government of the Republic of Srpska, in order to serve all citizens of the Republic of Srpska. It began with only one helicopter, but has now expanded to four helicopters.
Key Dates
| 2008 | Helicopter Service established. | |
| 2014 | Dedicated EMS helicopter delivered. |
Current Status
The Helicopter Service is used primarily for air medical transport, VIP transport and special police operations.
Future Plans
None known.
Markings
Special Markings
Helicopter Service machines operate in a very neat burgundy red and silver colour scheme. The Gazelles carry the insignia of the Sprska Police on the fuselage sides, and the Bosnian flag on the fin, while the Bell 206 has a winged ‘RC’ insignia on the fuselage and Serbian red/blue/white stripes on the fin.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Helicopter Service machines carry civil registrations, e.g. E7-SHB.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
| Aircraft Type | Total Del’d | Total Active | Still on Order | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale SA.341H Gazelle (HO-42) | 1 | 1 | 0 | Policing/EMS |
| Aerospatiale SA.341H Gazelle (HN-42M) | 1 | 1 | 0 | Policing/EMS |
| Aerospatiale SA.342L Gazelle (HN-45M) | 1 | 1 | 0 | Policing/EMS |
| Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III | 1 | 1 | 0 | EMS |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale SA.341H Gazelle (HO-42) | 1 | 2008 | current | Sprska AF |
| Aerospatiale SA.341H Gazelle (HN-42M) | 1 | ? | current | Sprska AF |
| Aerospatiale SA.342L Gazelle (HN-45M) | 1 | ? | current | Sprska AF |
| Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III | 1 | 2014 | current | USA |
Aircraft NOT Used
False reports of aircraft on order or in service – none known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Helicopter Service of the Republic of Srpska, Square of the Republic of Srpska 1, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska.
Organisational Structure
There are no subordinate aviation units.
Current Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The helicopters operate from the IKAR factory in the southern outskirts of Banja Luka.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
Bosnia and Hercegovina Aviation Bibliography – to be added
Magazines
No feature articles known.
Websites
Helicopter service of the RS
Medical Helicopter Presented