Good Morning
Sorry, did not want to sound "negative" on the 429!
But it is still brand new, got certificated only a couple of monthīs ago and I donīt think, there is one flying in Europe already (please correct me, if Iīm wrong)
This is what I received from a very experienced pilot
Hi, Peter!
Just had a quick look at the Bell 429 info and from their published brochure comes the following.....
Max Endurance is 4.2 hours. This, however, is at a 60 knot loiter speed and while it may of some interest to those who maight wish to loiter somewhere for possible police/Search missions, it is of little or no value to you.
One chart gives fluel flow information from which I take the following example. Long Range Cruise Speed of 120 knots at Max Take Off weight of 3175kgs at a typical helicopter combination of 11'C and 2000ft draws fuel at the rate of 230kgs/hr. With a 20 minute reserve (I always preferred 30 when aiming at a landing point a long way away), that gives 2 hours and 45 mins flying but at a speed of 120 knots. Distance traveeled in still air comes to 330nm.
Bring the speed in the same conditions to 137 knots (typical cruise speed in the A109E Power) and the burn goes up to 270kgs/hr. At that burn it'll fly for 2 hours and 20 mins flying to cover a distance in still air of 320nm.
Their Std configuration weighs 2007kgs.
Assuming a VIP/Corporate fit with some nice cabinetry and a few gadgets as well as auxiliary fuel tank adds another 150 kgs to that, then with full fuel of 750kgs, the available space for passengers and crew, by weight, is 275kgs.
I'm 90kgs, two of me would be 180kgs and.........whoops, the remaining 95 kgs allows the Boss to travel without his good lady, and he can't bring any bags with him!!!! Of course, one pilot frees up another 90kgs so Mrs. Boss COULD travel, and, if she's a trim lady, they might be able to bring some hand luggage.
I'm reminded of a story I heard from an aircraft salesman in the UK years ago when he made a little fun of his colleague at a meeting we were having.
"I know he's lying cos his lips are moving!"
Have fun with Bell!!
Anyway, we decided on another brand, so, to be honest, we donīt care about the Bell anymore
Thank you
Peter