Give me a Bell 205 anyday. No one has made an a/c that competes with it. Sure there are a/c that can out lift it on the hook, but can you put the same load internally ?? I think not. I would like to see a newer generation engine in it though, say a GE T700. Fuel burn that is over 30% less, engine weighs less, more power. The 205 is a great a/c that is proven, and fairly easily maintained in the field. Besides I get paid by the hour, not the mile so I don't mind going a little more sedately.
Besides it still has the best sounding rotor system in the world !!! You just can't beat that sound !!!
TwinHueyMan I know from my perspective, I sure wouldn't want another "new" (read old) Allison. Ask anyone in western Canada about how the 250-C-47 is stacking up against it's competitors. It's got power, but it is not seeing the lifespan that it should have (so higher operating costs). The 250 design is almost 40 years old now, and there are many newer, and proven engines that are better. The PWC 200 series is about the same physical size, yet more powerful, and fuel burn is less (per hp that is).
Cheers
Randy_G
