VIP medium twin
 

Have been asked to think about another machine for a private A109E owner. He is thinking about AW139, I'm inclined to AS365N3. He needs 6 or 7 seats in VIP configuration but more room than that in the 109, anybody care to comment, suggest alternatives?

How about the AW169?

412 EPI
 

Get a 412 EPI in exec. configuration.

Depends where you want to base it and what sort of flying you want to do with it?

VIP medium twin
 

AW139 hands down over 365N3, definitely not 412EPi...

You can't have a VIP helicopter with skids!

EC145 T2 ?

Oh come on Shy - I cut my teeth in VIP Corporate flying with an AS355F1 at 450 hrs a year.

I do take your point though

I much preferred your gorgeous A109S.

Why not a Bell 214ST on skids?

Now there is downwash ! UG:cool:

Dauphin all the way. You surrender all control of maintenance and aftermarket parts support with AW.

A139, A169 or S-76. Since he already has employees familiar with the Agusta way of doing things, I would give their products a slight advantage.

hmm..becoming dependent on one manufacturer. Maybe cheaper but not wiser?

Who says the ancient only has skids?
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviatio.../4/1217431.jpg

It'ssecondary use is that of shopping cart.

Unless you're somewhere desperate to always be ready to go... I wouldn't go with a 412 at all.

I agree... I'd go with a AW139 (pricey) or find a nice used S-76.

If you can wait, I'd go for the AW169. Depends how urgently you need it.

The 365 N3 has the same sized cabin as the N2 and for 7 people in VIP configuration it would be very cramped. The ones I flew in VIP role were configured for 4 people, with the possibility of increasing to 5 by folding away the video screen. The advantage is better single engine power than the S76, smoother ride and the fenestron is good for going into bush sites, villages etc., where there is always the danger of people walking into the tail rotor.
The 412 requires far too much maintenance and is slow and rough!
If you want something currently available go for the AW139. That's very comfortable for 6 or 7. If you're willing to wait, as 212 man says, think about the AW 169.

Have been told last week, that 169 certification is matter of couple weeks. Production run already started.
Within 2-3 months must be one available for customer DEMO in Cascina Costa....

Yep 169
 

All depends on what you want the machine to do, we are in talks with a couple of customers, whom are interested in the 169.

If you wish to discuss further, options etc...... send me a PM

Regards

Keepitup

U-G, I actually thought that it was YOUR quote from some long time ago when we saw something quite posh but on metal planks, clattering to the tarmac at EGLW! ;)

But Skids are multi purpose multi conditions landing surface, plus the don' get any punctures..?

Unless its purely a totty delivery machine..:ok:

Here'a novel idea from Bell.

http://lotnictwo.net/pic/0401/0401130021.jpg