Skycam 16Skycam 16 with SkyZoom

Skycam 16 is the only station-owned helicopter in the state of Pennsylvania, and it lets us bring you news as no one else can. Skycam 16 allows us to get to the story faster and cover it from a different angle.

SkyZoom is a new high-tech stabilized zoom lens and camera that takes you to breaking news fast, right into the action, with steady rock-solid pictures.

Download SkyZoom movies:
Wilkes-Barre from SkyZoom (2,674 KB)
Freeland from SkyZoom (1,947 KB)
Skycam 16 with SkyZoom (411 KB)
(WARNING: These files are large and could take a long time to download)

Skycam Cityscapes:
All three images were taken by SkyZoom on 2/28/02 from a single location, above Delaware Water Gap. Click the thumbnails for bigger images.
The contrast in these images has beed digitally enhanced to remove haze.

Empire State Building
Verrazano Narrows Bridge
Philadelphia

SkyZoom 2:1 to 66:1
SkyZoom brings you rock-steady video even zoomed in 66 times normal.

Many times Skycam 16 with SkyZoom provides the ONLY angle to cover a story. For over 20 years Skycam 16 has flown more than 8000 hours gathering news and doing aerial photography in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

Skycam 16This Skycam 16 is the second Skycam 16 helicopter owned by WNEP-TV. Randy Freeman is the Chief Pilot of Skycam 16 and Bill Schultz is the chief operator of SkyZoom.

Downtown Scranton

Aerial Images

Aerial images of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania taken from Skycam 16 are available as Wallpaper for your computer.

Skycam Specifications:

  • Model: Bell 206B Jetranger III
  • Manufactured in Fort Worth, Texas in 1980
  • Purchased by WNEP-TV in June 1984
  • Engine: Allison 250-C20B, 420 SHP
  • Empty Weight: 1990 lbs.
  • Fuel: 76 gallons jet A (510 lbs.) 3 hour endurance
  • Crew: WNEP-TV pilot, SkyZoom operator, reporter
  • Max. Gross Weight: 3200 lbs.
  • Special Equipment: SkyZoom Gyro-Stabilized camera, CockpitCam, TailCam, Video-effects switcher, microwave transmitter and antennas
  • Top Speed: 130 kts (150 mph)
  • Cruise Speed: 100 kts (115 mph)
  • Range: Approximately 285 statute miles

Skycam 16 Controls
Skycam 16 Control Panels

SkyZoom Specifications:

  • Model: UltraMedia II by FSI FLIR Systems
  • Purchased by WNEP-TV in July 2000
  • Pan Range: 360° continuous
  • Tilt Range: 125°
  • Camera: Ikegami HL-55 NAS/H
  • Lens: Canon J33 X 11B IAS
  • Zoom Ratio: 33:1 (66:1 w/ motorized 2X extender)

SkyZoom Controls
SkyZoom Control Panels

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