Originally Posted by
as350nut
What is the chance (or has it happened) that the OH58D 4 blade (406) with c30R might ever be sold off?
Doubtful. The D model is a completely different animal than the A/C models. The main issue is there are a number of integrated systems that will leave the aircraft in an unflyable condition once it goes through the de-mil process. Best bet is the D models will be sold off to foreign governments that have a role for them.
However, as soon as the US Navy procures their next basic rotorwing trainer you'll probably see a number of TH-57s hit the surplus market. The 57 is an off-the-shelf 206BIII complete with a TC.
[QUOTE]
Originally Posted by Cyclic Hotline;
you can make all the parts you want]
True. But the costs of tooling up and certifying a small run of specialized components for 22 aircraft would probably not balance out. The better bet would be to substitute existing gearboxes, etc from 58s or civilian 206s and upgrade the B-1s under the new TC. In my opinion/experience modifying the B-1 airframe to accept a 206BIII drivetrain would be more doable considering Bell has upgraded that same airframe multiple times since the original 206A and has a number of approved OEM SIs and IIs that could serve as the basis for the swap under the new CASA TC.