Difference Between AS350 B3 and B3 +

[jiggyman524]

What are the differences between these 2 ? Is the power output different too ?

[Vertical Freedom]

same ship just the B3+ is dual channel & fully digital. The B3 is single channel & part analog plus the start button is different locations. + is a bit lighter too.

[Ian Corrigible]

There is no B3+ as such: the AS350B3/2B1 has the Arriel 2B1, as described by Vertical Freedom, with dual (vs. single) FADEC plus backup electrical control system. Engine ratings are unchanged, but the MR RRPM range expands slightly, from 390 +4/-5 to 390 +15/-15.

B3s with dual hydraulics are also sometimes referred to as B3+s. EC still builds B3s with both the simplex and the dual hyd system, but all B3s delivered in the States are now AS350B3/2B1 configuration with dual hyd and high skid gear.

Per this (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/229370-as350-astar-squirrel-31.html#post4922337) post on the AS350 thread, the use of dual hyd and high gear also allows the use of the higher 5,225 lb (vs. 4,961 lb) MTOW, which is again sometimes associated with the B3+ designation.

I/C

[aegir]

the use of dual hyd and high gear also (that allows the use of the higher MTOW) it's an optional available for the B3+.
The main difference between B3 and B3+ it's the dual channels+backup for the FADEC.

But the B3+ is the evolution of the B3 that isn't still in production.

[Nubian]

Basically an enginecontroll-diffrence.

No increased power.
You can't controll the engine RPM manually as with the straight B3, as it has a digital backup system called EBCAU to take over if the Fadec fails on you.
The B3 has a 3 stage start-selector(can be found all over the cockpit, diffrence from ship to ship), Off/Gnd/Fight as you use to select your config. and leave the "throttle" alone, whereas the B3+ has a simple ON/OFF switch (in the ceiling) and you select Gnd/Flight with your "throttle".

Dual hyd (don't know if it is required by the FAA)is still Optional, so you can very well have B3+ single Hyd-ship. If you have a single Hyd system, your internal AUW is still 2250kgs, whereas in the Dual ships is increased to 2370kgs

The + have the MR-RPM-range expanded, controlled by your tail-rotor pitch. A potensiometer, in the T/R system will increase your MR-rpm if needed, (i.e in a hover or less than 40 ktIAS at a high AOA on the t/r)this is done automatical and not to be compared with the Beeping the NR on a 206.

Besides of those things and a few cosmetic changes(buttons, controll-paneldesign etc.) they're the same.

[victor papa]

Nubian, a very good summary.

Just a note. The "B3+" is a direct application of the EC130B4 onto the 350 B3. The EC130B4 was certified with dual channel FADEC and EBCAU due to the design request(ap the dual hydraulics ala 355) and it was applied to the b3 which is why all later models are B3+.

The performance is the same but the characteristics different due to the dual fadec vs single. Little things like when GOV warnings will come on inflight and when not is the big difference. on the B3+ the amber or flashing will come on on shutdown where as for the same failure on the B3 it will come on inflight due to no redundant channel to take over ap the B3+. Due to the rotor rpm variance power demands and delivery differs. On the b3+ one seldom see the rotor rpm range fully utilised due to the smaller TR inputs, on the Ec130b4 it is a lot more noticeable.

Most important difference-DO NOT TOUCH THE TWIST GRIP IN A OLD B3 WITH THE BATT OFF!!!!!! Due to single channel DECU it can not self calibrate and confirm the metering valve is in a known position-the b3+ with it's dual channels can check, dispute and confirm as there is 2.

[sherpa]

i know it is basically the same aircraft and engine, but the B3+ do to the higher RRPM at high alt. will lift about 100 kg more.