S-70i
Industry Insider and Hilife,
In talking to some acquaintances, it seems as if this may a situation overcome by events.
( BTW, the comments re the HIIRS and basic weight are correct )
It now appears that the Ti-composite blades will not be delivered, which in turn allows the FADEC*. So, depending on how the customer specs out his/her 70i, it may well have a bit better performance than an M, simply due to being lighter, and not having the HIIRS engine back pressure related losses ( though relatively small ).
* So why does the basic 70i spec reflect a 701D with 701C controls? I couldn't find anyone this morning who had the specific answer here, but this is my educated guess: there had never been an engine/airframe test program done for the combination: Ti-composite blades and 701D FADEC engines. This is not a trivial subject.If interested, send a PM and I can provide a textbook example about the initial attempt to install Woodward HMU's on the Hawk.
Anyhow, after a second look at the 70i spec, I'd hardly use the pejorative " lower trim grade " to describe the aircraft. The other comment that I'd add is that the SA Test Pilot on station at PZL is highly impressed with the workmanship in their shops.
Thanks,
John Dixson