AS 350 B3e - anyone flown one yet?
 

I think they have delivered a few of them by now....?

I'll bite, what is an AS350B3E?????

Read more about the new features of the latest AS 350 B3e http://www.helibizgoldcoast.com.au/r...s/AS350b3E.pdf

go - that turnout.

So looking at the presentation, not much different to the B3, only one less passenger......................

And I wonder how much bigger the price tag......

It can seat exactly the same number as a B3, the interior has been redesigned not reduced, and comparably it has the same price tag

... and if you order one now you'll be waiting at least two years ... so the story goes ...

As Tallguy says, standard seating capacity is unchanged (though the seats themselves have been reupholstered); the five-place interior depicted in TET's pack is the Stylence corporate configuration.

Pricing is unchanged, with the B3e simply superseding the B3 on the production line.

Aside from the interior improvements, TR/hyd mods and the extended MX program, the main benefit is hidden away on page 3 of the B3e's Tech Data:

http://i.imgur.com/1umQKGG.jpg

While Eurocopter has - at this stage - retained the B3's existing installed power ratings, this 100-130 shp power margin associated with the 6,000 hr TBO Arriel 2D is noticeable at hot/high conditions, as evidenced by the B3e's updated Fast Cruise perf charts.

I/C

The biggest improovement is not in the engine TBO and power margin(although excellent) but in the removal of the Tail Rotor yaw compensator which is replaced with additional boss weights on the TR Blades to assist the pilot with RH pedal incase of hydraulic failure. This eliminates the risk of playing with the wrong switch during flight causing the tail rotor to go hard when all the hydraulic fluid drains from the yaw load compensator nullifying it's ability to assist. Purchase price the same but running cost lower due the engine TBO. Also the engine will do its own maintenance checks now via a 3rd computer to further lower maint requirements.

The wait: True, deliveries of the first aircraft ordered have already been delayed 8 + months.

So I guess the answer is "NO"?

Hello,
The answer is YES : Air Grischa Helikopter adds AS350B3e | Helihub - the Helicopter Industry Data Source

An EC Add with the test pilot (and the real French accent ;)) : Eurocopter AS-350 B3 e - Helico-Fascination


Edit : First delivery in June 2011 to Mafate Helicopteres (Reunion island)

A few more:

Air Zermatt adds new AS350B3e to fleet

American Eurocopter Delivers First AS350 B3e

Eurocopter Chile Delivers the First Ecureuil AS350 B3e for the Americas to Servicios Aéreos Kipreos

Heli-Gotthard adds new AS350B3e to fleet

UTair takes delivery of first aircraft from AS350/AS355 order

Plus another one - equipped with G500H and GTN750 - already up on Controller.

I/C

I would like Eurocopter to beef up the B3 transmission a bit to increase the torque. I personally haven't overtorqued one but it does come up pretty quickly at the upper range.

Kenya Police take delivery of AS350B3e
 

The Kenya Police Air-Wing is expanding its airborne law enforcement and crime prevention unit with the delivery of a Eurocopter AS350 B3e Ecureuil helicopter.

http://str8talkchronicle.com/wp-cont...AS350B3eNW.jpg

Kenya’s selection of the AS350 B3e, which is the enhanced version of Eurocopter’s successful AS350 model, follows an open and competitive tender won earlier this year by Eurocopter Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, the Group subsidiary in charge of Southern Africa markets.

The new helicopter, which was handed over to the Kenya Police, in Nairobi will be dedicated to police law enforcement and crime prevention missions including anti-poaching, anti-terrorism operations. It will also be deployed in search & rescue, casualty evacuation, personnel transport and various other civic protection roles.

The Kenya Police Air-Wing is the first African customer for the AS350 B3e, which boasts several enhancements over previous AS350 variants, including an uprated Turbomeca Arriel 2D turbine engine allowing better take-off performances while decreasing maintenance costs.

Kenya Police Air Wing, first African customer to operate Eurocopter

There will be a few in Vegas/Grand Canyon in the coming months.

I flew one in Fort Lauderdale 2 weeks ago - impresssed me
The aircraft had plenty of power and a well 'sorted' avionics suite including synthetic vision.

CHL buys new AS350B3e
 

Does anybody know if CHL will be buying more new A/C in the near future?

Largest Helicopter Operator in Canada Uses New AS350 B3e to Promote Corporate Rebranding | Eurocopter Canada Limited

bitmonx

Nepali-based Simrik Air are about to take delivery of the country's first AS350B3e below:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v...tlett%2529.jpg
Simrik Air's new AS350B3e at the Singapore Airshow last week. This is the first of two 3e's ordered by the operator (Photo: Trevor Bartlett)

Heli Bernina in Switzerland added a B3e this week too.

As 350 b3 e ad note or service bulletin
 

Hello,

Anyone here knows about an AD Note or Service Bulletin regarding vibration at the tail rotor?
Note that the Q. pertains only to the E model which just recently came into the market.
Heard it was issued this september due to a severe vibration case in Brazil but unable to find it so far.

Any leads will be appreciated.

Wbrgs.

Manuel