A massive makeshift “helicopter-saw” is slated to swing through Massachusetts this week. The 10-blade saw hangs suspended 90 to 120-feet from a roving helicopter.
As incredibly dangerous and alarming as this sounds, the company behind the flying saw, Eversource, is taking this measure as a “safety” and efficiency precaution.
As New England’s largest energy company, Eversource is looking to make its power grid more accessible. The helicopter-saw will be used to trim trees from the sky in Western Massachusetts communities through April 6. This will enable crews to access the grid with ease.
According to Eversource, “Using rotating blades suspended beneath a helicopter, a highly skilled pilot can safely complete in one day work that would take several crews weeks to complete.” They also note it reduces the risk of injury from sawing and climbing on the ground.
Where will this helicopter-saw fly?
It’s not the first time Eversource deploys a helicopter-saw to trim trees. They’ve used this tactic around New England.
This particular project affects these towns in Western Massachusetts:
- Hampden
- Wilbraham
- Ludlow
- Agawam
- Longmeadow
- East Longmeadow
- South Hadley
- Holyoke
- Westfield
- West Springfield
- Chicopee
How fast does it fly?
The chopper may reach speeds up to 25 miles per hour. It flies about 200 feet above the ground.
When will Eversource fly?
Copter-saw missions will take place between 7:30 AM and 5 PM through April 6.