"These "Rich" mountaineers will continue climbing mountains, rescue helicopter or not!"
So correct Aesir, but in the states its the Taxpayer who foots the bill for these "Rich" mountaineers. Not high on my priority list. Having met some in Alaska who preform these missions and risk their necks, Im not sure we shouldnt let the climbers make progress with the glaciers.... They come out at the bottom eventually.
As to the record, all well and good, but what is the normal working enviornment for a Helicopter. Normally in mountainous terrain Im sure the average will be about 6000-8000'.. Yes many work higher, but they are not the norm..
So then we ask, what will a Manufacturer target as his market. I dont think its going to be Mt Everest.
Yes, Eurocopter has shown us what a B3 can do, Im still betting that a rescue at that or near that altitude would make that Helicopter into a sled......