How much is the Hummingbird 300L helicopter?

The Hummingbird 300L helicopter is a popular light utility helicopter produced by Hummingbird Helicopters Inc. With a maximum takeoff weight of 3,175 kg (7,000 lb), it is an extremely versatile helicopter used for a variety of civilian and military applications. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Hummingbird 300L, including its price, features, specifications, and common uses.

What is the Hummingbird 300L helicopter used for?

The Hummingbird 300L is a multi-purpose helicopter suitable for a wide range of roles. Here are some of its most common applications:

• Passenger and VIP transport – With comfortable seating for up to 7 passengers, the 300L is ideal for civilian passenger transport and corporate/VIP travel.
• Tourism – The 300L is commonly used for aerial tours and sightseeing flights thanks to its excellent visibility, reliability, and capacity.
• Police and law enforcement – Police and law enforcement agencies often use the 300L for tasks such as surveillance, search and rescue, and tactical operations.
• Emergency medical services – The 300L serves as an air ambulance for medical evacuations, able to transport 2 stretchers.
• Military utility – Militaries operate the 300L for troop transport, supply delivery, medivac, and other utility purposes.
• Offshore transport – In the oil, gas and mining industries, the 300L transports crews to offshore platforms and remote worksites.
• Agriculture – Large farms use the 300L for aerial spraying, surveying crops, and monitoring livestock.

With its versatility, power, and capacity, the Hummingbird 300L tackles a diverse range of civil and military roles around the world.

Key features of the Hummingbird 300L

What makes the Hummingbird 300L so popular across commercial and public service sectors? Here are some of its most important features:

• Spacious cabin – With 23.6 cubic meters of cabin space, the 300L provides ample room for personnel, equipment, and cargo.
• Long range – It has a maximum range of 370 nautical miles, providing extended operational capabilities.
• Hoist provisions – External cargo hook with hoist allows sling load operations for increased utility.
• High altitude performance – Powerful Honeywell engines allow operations up to 20,000 feet density altitude.
• Rear clamshell doors – Rear doors open wide for straight-in cargo loading and hoist operations.
• Fixed landing gear – Fixed tricycle landing gear allows flexible operations from unprepared sites.
• Advanced avionics – Modern digital glass cockpit with autopilot and GPS navigation aids.

Hummingbird 300L specifications

Here are some key specifications for the Hummingbird 300L:

How much does the Hummingbird 300L cost?

The purchase price of a new Hummingbird 300L typically ranges from $2.5 – $3.5 million, with an average cost of around $2.8 million.

This includes the base helicopter and standard equipment. Additional options, customizations, spare parts packages, and other add-ons will increase the final sales price.

Some of the major factors that influence the exact price include:

• Manufacturing year – Later models cost more than earlier units.
• Avionics and options – Advanced digital cockpits, navigation systems, and amenities add cost.
• Operational equipment – Special mission kits for utility, medevac, law enforcement roles, etc.
• Customer location – Shipping and import costs to certain countries.
• Order size – Bulk orders may qualify for discounts from the manufacturer.
• Custom paint schemes and interior – Non-standard cosmetic modifications are extra.

In addition to the purchase price, buyers also need to factor in other significant long-term costs associated with owning, operating, and maintaining the helicopter throughout its service life.

Operating costs per flight hour

The Hummingbird 300L costs around $650 – $850 per flight hour to operate, when fuel, maintenance, inspections, insurance, crew salaries, and other direct operating costs are included.

For an operator flying the helicopter around 600 hours per year, this translates to $390,000 – $510,000 in annual operating expenses. These per-hour costs ultimately depend on many variables, such as:

• Fuel costs – A major direct cost, varies by global oil prices.
• Pilot salaries – Affected by regional averages and pilot experience.
• Maintenance programs – Scheduled inspections and repairs are essential.
• Insurance rates – Depending on intended use and operational risk factors.
• Hangar and landing fees – For basing and parking the helicopter.
• Depreciation – Spreading the purchase cost over the useful life.

Careful budgeting and cost control are imperative for 300L owners and operators to maintain steady profitability.

Who are the main users of the Hummingbird 300L?

A wide variety of civilian, government, and military operators around the world rely on the Hummingbird 300L to fulfill key aviation missions. Some of the top users include:

Commercial operators

• Offshore oil/gas transport
• Tourism and sightseeing companies
• Regional passenger airlines
• News gathering and media organizations
• Agricultural spraying and survey contractors

Government agencies

• Law enforcement – Police, customs, border control
• Coast guard and maritime agencies
• Disaster relief and emergency response
• Environmental and wildlife monitoring

Military forces

• Light utility transport
• Passenger and cargo movement
• Casualty evacuation (casevac)
• Search and rescue (SAR)
• Reconnaissance and observation

Key military operators include the US Army, Royal Saudi Land Forces, Philippine Air Force, and the Iraqi Army Aviation Command.

What are the advantages of the Hummingbird 300L helicopter?

Here are some of the main benefits that make the Hummingbird 300L an appealing choice for many operators:

• Versatility – Performs well in a wide variety of civilian and military roles.
• Cabin space – Comfortably carries up to 7 passengers or cargo.
• Range – 370 nm range allows missions beyond 300 nm typical of light helicopters.
• Hoisting capability – Ready for external load and sling operations.
• Ruggedness – Proven reliability in demanding conditions.
• Fixed gear – Allows flexible operations from remote unprepared sites.
• Modern systems – Incorporates latest digital avionics for enhanced situational awareness.
• Reasonable acquisition cost – Less expensive than larger medium helicopters.
• Strong support – Backed by Hummingbird’s global customer service and support network.

For commercial, public service, and military users needing significant capability from a helicopter in the 6-7 ton class, the 300L represents an optimal solution.

Passenger comfort

An advantage for passenger transport roles is the 300L’s spacious, comfortable cabin. Features focused on passenger amenity include:

• Large windows for excellent exterior views
• Climate control system
• Soundproofing to reduce noise levels
• Ergonomic seating with ample leg room
• Cabin lighting options for reading or relaxed travel
• Maximum seating for up to 7 passengers
• Optional creature comforts like refreshment consoles

Safety record

The 300L maintains a very good safety record in its class after accumulating over 800,000 global flight hours across private, commercial and military sectors since its introduction in 2015.

Key factors supporting its safety profile include:

• Dual redundant HTS900 engines
• Damage tolerant rotor blades
• Fire suppression systems in engine bays and cabin
• Rigorous factory testing prior to delivery
• Full maintenance data for proactive care
• Excellent autorotative properties if power lost
• Flight data monitoring provisions
• Strong airframe and crashworthiness

Hummingbird also provides extensive pilot and maintenance training along with field service support, improving customer safety.

What are the disadvantages or limitations of the Hummingbird 300L?

For all its capabilities, the 300L does have some disadvantages and limitations to factor in:

• Operating costs – Per hour costs higher than smaller light helicopters.
• Complexity – More maintenance requirements than basic light models.
• Weak high/hot performance – Maximum takeoff weight restrictions at higher densities.
• Rotor instability at low speeds – Restricted from certain maneuvers.
• Center of gravity limitations – Load positioning affects handling.
• Vibration – More pronounced vibration levels than newer designs.
• Main rotor RPM rate limits – Possible overspeed with abrupt collective application.
• No IFR approval – Cannot be used for full instrument flight in clouds.

While none of these disadvantages are inherently unsafe or prevent worthwhile operations, they must be taken into account during planning and mitigated through proper procedures and conservative piloting.

Conclusion

With a $2.8 million average purchase price and $650-$850 per hour operating costs, the Hummingbird 300L represents a serious investment for any organization. However, its rugged reliability, ample cabin, modern systems and hoisting capabilities make it a versatile asset across a range of civilian and military roles.

Careful evaluation of mission requirements, operating budgets, pilot skills, and maintenance capabilities allows potential 300L buyers to determine if this model is the right fit for their needs. Over 400 operators have decided in favor of this popular helicopter, benefiting from its balance of substantial lifting power and reasonable acquisition and lifecycle costs compared to larger medium twins.