EC130B4 Bags of Power
Not sure if you are still after users comments on EC130s??
I own and fly an EC130 Stylence out of London G-SASY. I bought it new, after going to numerous trade shows, HeliExpo, Paris Airshow, Farborough etc. looking for the ideal private helicopter.
It is without peer as a modern, comfortable aircraft where all pax have an excellent view. The large cabin has 3 in front and 4 in back, facing forward on raised seats that give very clear view over the heads of those in front. Its like a flying greenhouse. The only competitor really is a Bell 407 which looks (and is) a 1960s riveted pre-obsolete looking thing. Worst thing about the 407 is (like the Longranger), all but one passenger are jammed in the back facing each other, and can only see out the sides. The EC130 has more power and is lighter than the 407. I regularly carry full fuel and 7 people. Last weekend I flew into and out of Paris Issy le Moulineaux which is very steep departure, surrounded by buildings, but the EC130 has so much power (870hp) that it can climb fast fully laden. I have done all variations of C of G cals and she is hard to put out of unless you are carrying a football team.
Not sure about hooks, but def available to 1,200kg from memory. Dart Helicopter have "squirrel cheeks" bulging baggage extenders and a long range fuel tank with STCs that increase endurance from 3.5hrs to 4.4hrs.
One thing you should know is that the main rotor, gearbox and engine are AS350B3, and are optimised for hot high humid heavy operation. It is "over rotored and overpowered at sea level, and optimised I am told for flight at 12000ft. The true fuel consumption is a regular 180lt\hr at 120kts at sea level, less higher. Yes they say the cruise is 130kts and you can but 120 feels more all day. I did one trip at 14,500ft (really confused French ATC) and achieved fuel consumption of 130lt/hr flying a leg of 370nm with 20 min reserve. What a hoot.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Roderick