Giovanni
When you quote AS350B-3 EEW of 1232Kgs (High skids, NVFR) is that figure from a machine you know or the EADS brochure?
Any B-3 I have flown weighs in at closer to 1300kgs minimum in this configuration.
As for flying in the heat/turbulence of a fire at 2800kgs all day - I think they're dreaming about that too!