Eurocopter AS-350 Ecureuil

The Eurocopter AS-350 Ecureuil is a light helicopter designed and built in France by Aérospatiale, and later produced by Eurocopter. It is one of the most important civilian helicopters in the world, like the United States' Bell 206. Many are used by militaries.

Eurocopter AS-350 Écureuil
Eurocopter AS-350 Écureuil from Monaco.
Role Light helicopter
National origin France & Germany
Manufacturer Aérospatiale, and after Eurocopter.
First flight 1974
Introduction 1975
Status Active
Number built more than 5000 examples.

Specifications

It is a single-turboshaft helicopter built entirely of metal. It can carry a pilot and at least five passengers. Some are used for aerial work. AS-350B3 is a variant for flying at high altitudes.

Variants
  • Aérospatiale AS-350Z is an experimental variant with a Fenestron tail rotor, like on the Aérospatiale SA-342 Gazelle.
  • Eurocopter AS-550 Fennec is a military variant.
  • Eurocopter AS-355 Ecureuil 2 is a twin-turboshaft variant.

Bibliography
  • Jackson, Robert, Helicopters: Military, Civilian, and Rescue Rotorcraft (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books Ltd, 2005. ISBN 1-84013-812-2.
  • Gaillard, Pierre, Avions et hélicoptères militaires d'aujourd'hui Paris, France : Larivière éditions, 1999. ISBN 2-907051-24-5.
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