Who's launching what at Heli-expo, any guesses

[victor papa]

Just wondering what will we see at Heli-Expo this year. Last year was the EC175, Bell had the 429, Sikorsky the co-ax, etc. Will we see any new stuff this year? Any guesses?

My guess- a EC130 with a hoist on form EC's side.

[SASless]

Bell will roll out a new Jet Ranger....give it a fancy paint job and call it by yet another name.

[chopper2004]

Probably 76D fresh from flight testing maybe?

[Stan Switek]

After reading the article on Lynn Tilton of MD helicopters in this months Rotor & Wing, I am thinking there is a possibility she may announce the location of MD's new all under one roof location.

Hey SAS, think that new Jet Ranger will look like the R-66?

[nigelh]

Why not have a new name for all the Agusta Bell jetrangers that are now apparently flying illegally with bell parts Call it the Hybrid and get it certified

[R44-pilot]

Gotta show the R66.......

[victor papa]

Svenestron, I think leave it on the 145 for 2010/2011 and we might see 2 Arriel 2's? Now we are talking hot and high maybe?
All are talking about the Bell and/or Agusta thing. Other than a 206 in a new paint scheme, what can we expect from Agusta for instance? 139 SAR night autohover?
Do you think there will be the normal BIG purchase deals for anybody and for who?

[southerncanuck]

we will have our new bell 212/412/UH1N nose mount and AS-355 belly mircowave pod mounts on display

[RVDT]

EC 145 - 5 blades no ARIS mounts (already flying), fenestron, PWC engines not Arriel 2's.

[Ghostrider203]

You are kidding about the new 145? Many customers wonŽt be amused if
EC is launching a new powerful 145 at this time.
So weŽll see :-)

[PANews]

It may be a distraction from a show surprise but Robinson are advertising factory tours on the Tuesday - to enable visitors to see the R66 on its home ground.

Aside from 'new' old stuff from the latest noises coming out of Textron there may be an auction for the whole of Bell Helicopter, so pack a few tenners to take with you.... you could come back owning Bell...

OK the same axe is hanging over Cessna but we might expect the weaker one of the pair to be on offer.

[Phil77]

EC145: Don't you need a new type certificate for a structural change like a new tailrotor design? I was under the impression that was the reason it still runs under BK117C-2?

[Tango and Cash]

I'm sure Textron expects at least a few twenties for Bell!

[widgeon]

I can guarantee that Eurochopper will launch an new customer service initiative with some flashy acronym.

[Bitmonx]

This is more of a wish than a guess but an EC120B2.
Would be awesome if EC decides to give the EC120 an extra 100HP.
Maybe in a couple of years, who knows......

[widgeon]

Ec are careful not to have 2 models of their own competing. This is why the BA ceased production when they launched the EC120. I don't think those skinny blades would take much more power , so new gearbox , new head , new blades . Sounds like an expensive proposition . Maybe the Chinese will go for it.

[zalt]

Bristow Gulf of Mexico LLC

Air Log will be dead by lunch on day 1

[victor papa]

widgeon, I agree with your statement. The proof in the pudding is we will never see a twin EC130 as it will compete with the EC135. Pity though, I prefer the wide open cabin and a 130 with 2 engines for those who demand it would have been a winner in it's class?

Regarding the 120 issue. If they want I think they can give you at least 50-70shp more as is done with the B3 to B3+ without recertification. Thing is, in the class the 120 is in you would always want more. I have heard and seen 120's do some amazing things hot and high but yes it is always a choice of fuel or pax. I have also seen the 120 doing power lines when the 206 couldn't, so is she that out of place?

MD could be interesting to watch this year. In my opinuion this is their change to steal the limelight maybe with something new?