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Bell 214B compared to a Super Huey


mudkow60

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Does anyone have knowledge of the pros and cons of operating a Bell 214B compared to a Super Huey on fires?

 

Thanks!

 

That’s a very broad question, you need to be more specific; however, here’s some general numbers. Also, the term “Super Huey” has been grossly misused with respect to its specific and actual configuration. You’ll need to be more specific with respect to the actual helicopter’s upgrades and engine type.

 

The TCDS for both rate the minimum crew as 1 pilot; however, most fly the 214B with two pilots. Also the 214B gross wt. @ 13,800 requires a type rating.

 

Maximum weight

12,500 lbs. for 214B-1 (See Note 10)

13,800 lbs. for 214B

16,000 lbs. for 214B and 214B-1 external cargo operations (See Note 4)

 

Bell 214B / 214B-1 TCDS

 

Yn18acx.jpg

Edited by iChris
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Type II (medium) helicopters in the restricted category are basically assigned bucket or longline missions. That being the case, you going to be limited to around a 324-gallon water bucket for most of your fire work and maybe a 420-gallon working down at sea-level. Most Bell type II ship fall within 200 - 300 pounds of each other on the load calc., so for fire, trying to compare them is largely academic.

 

The USFS Type II exclusive contracts were already awarded, link below, they were all Standard Category helicopters. The new USFS CWN contract coming soon. That’s what’s left for Restricted Category UH-1s along with some state contracts like Cal fire CWN and ODF.

 

(1) Minimum USFS Performance HOGE Standard and Restricted Category Type II

 

Helicopters. Capability of hovering out-of-ground effect (HOGE) with a minimum 1600 pound jettisonable payload, in the following conditions:

 

•200 lbs. for each required flight crewmember

• 1½ hours of fuel (includes reserve). Use 7-lbs per gallon to compute weight of Jet A.

• 5,000’ Pressure Altitude (PA) Dependent on Solicitation

• 30°C (86ºF) Dependent on Solicitation

 

(2) Example Bell 205A-1 working-load calculation (water bucket mission) at the same conditions:

 

8,500 Lbs. - Gross HOGE 5,000 PA@30°C

-5,200 Lbs. - BEW

-924 Lbs. - 1½ hours of fuel

-200 Lbs. - Pilot

-2,036Lbs. - 324-gallon water bucket @ 70% (226-gal x 8.33 + 154 Lbs. bucket wt.)

---------------

163 Lbs. - Useful load remaining

 

Type I (Heavy) Helicopter: A helicopter with a certified internal gross weight of over 14,001 pounds. Under the ICS helicopter typing system, a heavy helicopter is a Type 1 helicopter and has 10 + passenger seats (unless restricted category).

 

Type II (Medium) Helicopter: A helicopter with a certified internal gross weight between 7,001 and 14,000 pounds. Under the ICS helicopter typing system, a medium helicopter is a Type 2 helicopter and has 9 or less passenger seats (unless restricted category).

 

Type III (Light) Helicopter: A helicopter with a certified internal gross weight of less than 7,000 pounds. Under the ICS helicopter typing system, a light helicopter is a Type 3 helicopter and has 9 or less passenger seats.

 

Type IV (Extra Light) Helicopter: Between 2-3 passenger seats or 600 to 1,199 lbs. payload and 75 to 99 gallons retardant capacity.

 

Awarded Exclusive Use - Type II Helicopter Contracts - Initial Attack

 

National Call When Needed (CWN) Type I and II Helicopter Specifications

 

Questions submitted and responses to upcoming National Call When Needed (CWN) Type I and II Helicopter Contract.

Edited by iChris
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