Have any of the 139 operators considered replacing the Ni-cad batteries with CONCORDE sealed lead acid batteries ?
They ( CONCORDE ) have numerous STC's for 'other' type / models helicopters but haven't seen one for the 139. Perhaps the right time to put pressure on AW to evaluate and approve
One of the advantages -of sealed lead acids- over Ni-cads is that one will not have any more problems with -defective- battery temp warning systems that warns you for a thermal runaway .
A phenonemon invented by MARATHON, probably triggered by the MARATHON 'bossom buddies' that used to 'parade' around the annual HAI shows in the eighties....