AS350 B2 vs SD2

[BH06L3]

As350 Sd2

I've flown the BA, B2, FX2, D1, D2. The FX2 is basically the same as D2 but converted by heli lynx. Favourite and best performance was the D2 only because I hate the FX2 gauges. Done sling work with and found in the summer hot days on the FX2 I flew between 5000-10000 was limited by T4 could only get about 95 Tq. Some days. The SD2's I flew 1000-3000 and never had temp issues on hot days but some engines would come very close to max T4. i think it really depends if you have a good engine on the D2's. the D2's Could easily lift more than our B2. And was preferred by all pilots in our company for heavy sling jobs. The D2 is usually a little lighter than the B2, and a little better on the fuel and is a great helicopter.

[heli_79]

AS350B2 vs AS350SD2

Hi all,

With many operators now using the SD2, does anyone have more info on how they perform, cost for private op's and commercial?

Understand lower operating costs compared to Turbomecca 1D1, but there should be more SD2's in Australia and NZ.

Just looking at options.

[Gemini Twin]

heli_79, see post number 15 of this thread, it's still valid.


There are 8 Soloy SD's (700D-2 powered AS350B2) in NZ and 14 in Australia.

[krypton_john]

Island Hoppers in Fiji are running a Helilynx LTS101 conversion so will be seeing some hot but not much high with their work. Anyone from there with any comments?

[heli_79]

Thanks Gemini Twin

Some valid points made there.

The Fuel saving alone is a real strong point and less overheads. It seems more of them are being used and more improvements compared to 5-6years ago.

Cheers