Originally Posted by
belly tank
They are still restricted category, so no better than a K-Max or a 214 or any other restricted machine in my opinion ,maybe a tad faster but still can't carry Pax or winch crew. I'd love to see it work to be able to carry crew as it would be hands down a fantastic machine if we're unrestricted, but I think it will be a long haul given US and Aus restrictions on military types.
Same thoughts over here in the US when UH60's first came on the scene. They've had absolutely no problems getting picked up on contracts or CWN work.
I don't think that at the moment ITAR are allowing end user certificates to foreign companies/entities for used UH60's, so it may well be a race to for which ever Aussie companies ink operating deals with US operators on discreet AOC's.
Also food for thought are all the Billings and Colombia CH47's that are ousting all the S64's on the fire front, especially now that a reliable tank has been built and tested.