Originally Posted by
Phoinix
Bell429 vs H135... too expensive for the same or even less useful load,
Bell429 vs H145... price wise there-there, but 500 kg less useful load.
What exactly is the point of the 429? The current TCDS still states 3175 kg internal load.
Have often thought the same thing - unless you have the IGW kit it is pointless. IGW kit not happening in EASA land. Look up what is in the IGW kit and ask yourself just how exactly it makes any difference.
I guess people get suckered by the large cabin or something. Granted the 135 cabin is smaller but we had a 135 P2+ with WSPS, DP/SP IFR, A/C and floats - useful was about 1080 kg. Good truthful little helicopter.
Have now moved on to H145 which is a rocket. We keep the empty weight to essentials.
The 429 was going to "wag the dog" and they expected the authorities to bend over under Part 27. It is that heavy it should be a Part 29 aircraft.
And the dumb thing is it could be a Part 29 aircraft except it only has only one cooler blower!