Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids AS350 Écureuil/AStar

An AS350BA Squirrel of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm at the 2008 Australian Grand Prix
Role	Light utility helicopter
National origin	France
Manufacturer	Aérospatiale Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters Helibras
First flight	27 June 1974
Introduction	1975
Status	In service
Primary users	Brazilian Air Force Pakistan Army Aviation Royal Jordanian Air Force
Produced	1975–present
Number built	7,000 (July 2022) 3,590 (AS350/AS550: 2009)
Variants	Eurocopter AS550 Fennec Eurocopter AS355 Écureuil 2
Developed into	Changhe Z-11 Eurocopter EC130

Flagler County Fire Rescue's FIREFLIGHT. The first AS350 B3 variant in North America.

AS350 Rainbow Helicopter in Hawaii, 2021

AS350 B2 Ecureuil, reg I-ALWE, of Elifly operator in Italy, 2018

The Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil (which means Squirrel in French), now called the Airbus Helicopters H125, is a super popular helicopter. It has just one engine and is used for many different jobs. It was first designed and built in France by companies like Aérospatiale and Eurocopter, which is now Airbus Helicopters.

In North America, this helicopter is known as the AStar. There's also a version with two engines called the AS355 Ecureuil 2, or TwinStar in North America. Another helicopter, the Eurocopter EC130, was built using parts of the AS350 design.

How the AS350 Helicopter Was Developed

In the early 1970s, a company called Aérospatiale wanted to create a new helicopter. They aimed to replace an older model called the Aérospatiale Alouette II. While their Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter was popular with military groups, they needed a new one for everyday civilian use.

Designing an Affordable Helicopter

The main goal for the new helicopter was to make it affordable and efficient. Engineers worked closely with the production and buying teams to keep costs down. They even used a special metal-shaping technique from the automotive industry! Another cool new feature was the Starflex main rotor, which is the big spinning part on top. They planned to make both civilian and military versions of the helicopter.

First Flights and Certifications

The very first AS350 helicopter, called the AS350C, flew on June 27, 1974, in France. It used a Lycoming LTS101 engine. A second test helicopter, the AS350B, flew in February 1975 with a different engine, the Turbomeca Arriel.

The AS350B was approved for use in France in 1977. The AS350C (AStar) was approved in the U.S. later that year. Deliveries to customers started in 1978.

Improvements Over Time

Over the years, the AS350 Écureuil/AStar has been constantly improved. While its basic shape stayed the same, parts like the rotor system, engines, and avionics (the electronic systems) got better. For example, in 1997, the AS350 B3 model flew for the first time with a more powerful engine.

Many companies also offer upgrades for the AS350. Newer models, like the B3, use more digital systems. This includes advanced Garmin screens and a system called FADEC that controls the engine.

Where AS350 Helicopters Are Built

For a long time, most AS350s were built in France. But to make more helicopters, Eurocopter started building them in Columbus, Mississippi, USA. The AStar became a huge seller in the U.S. market, sometimes selling one helicopter every business day! By 2015, the first U.S.-built AS350 B3e was approved for use.

What Makes the AS350 Special

The AS350 is a single-engine helicopter. It uses either a Lycoming LTS101 or Turbomeca Arriel engine. This engine powers a main rotor with three blades and a special Starflex rotor head. This helicopter is known for being able to fly well at high altitudes, even in places like mountains. Both the main and tail rotors are made from strong composite materials. This helps them last longer and need less maintenance.

Quiet and Comfortable Flights

The AS350 was designed to be quiet, especially important for flying over places like national parks. Inside the cabin, it's quiet enough for passengers to talk easily during the flight. It can also start up and shut down quickly, which is helpful for emergency medical services.

Advanced Controls and Systems

The helicopter has hydraulically-assisted flight controls, which make it easier to fly. Even if the hydraulic system fails, the pilot can still control the helicopter, though it takes more effort.

Many of the AS350's electronic systems come from Garmin. These include navigation tools and communication radios. The helicopter also has a special display called the Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD). This system helps the pilot monitor the engine and other important information, making flights safer. Newer models have even more advanced features like an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and glass cockpits with digital screens.

H125 cockpit

AS350B2, Switzerland, 2006

Flexible for Many Jobs

The AS350 is popular because it can be used for many different jobs. It can carry between four and six passengers. It also has large sliding doors on the sides, which makes it easy to load and unload. Some operators can quickly change the inside of the helicopter to switch between different tasks.

For example, law enforcement helicopters often have special cameras called forward looking infrared (FLIR) and other mission tools. Other optional equipment includes rescue hoists, cargo hooks for carrying things underneath, and search lights.

Modern AS350s have many improvements. They have better engines, more digital systems in the cockpit, and lower maintenance costs. Some even have a fancy Stylence interior for extra comfort! Older helicopters can also be updated with new features like the glass cockpit.

AS350 in Action Around the World

A French Gendarmerie AS350, 2005

The AS350 has achieved some amazing feats!

Record-Breaking Flights

On May 14, 2005, an AS350 B3 helicopter landed on top of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain! This was a new record confirmed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
On April 29, 2010, another AS350 B3 rescued three climbers from Annapurna I in Nepal. This rescue happened at a very high altitude, setting a new record for the highest helicopter rescue.
In 2013, this record was broken again during a rescue on Mount Everest.
In 2014, an AS350 B3e landed on Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's tallest mountain, setting a national record.

Popularity in the United States

The AS350 AStar has been very successful in the U.S. By 2015, it was the most popular helicopter used by American government agencies, especially for law enforcement. The United States Customs Service became the largest operator of the AS350 in the world. By 2012, over 780 AS350s were being used by operators in America.

Global Use

In Russia, the AS350 has been sold and supported by Eurocopter Vostok since 2006.
China has also become a big user, with a company ordering 100 Ecureuil-series helicopters in 2015.
Brazil uses many AS350s. By 2011, over 300 were operating there, including from the Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo. A company called Helibras builds AS350s in Brazil.
In the United Kingdom, the Defence Helicopter Flying School used 26 AS350s, called Squirrel HT1, to train military pilots.
The Royal Australian Navy has used AS350s since 1984.
The Danish Air Force used AS350s in Iraq for scouting missions.
Argentina ordered 12 H125s in 2015 to help with search and rescue.

AS350 B2, 2001

Different Versions of the AS350

AS 350 B3

Over the years, many different versions of the AS350 have been made. Here are some of them:

AS350: The very first test helicopter.
AS350 Firefighter: A special version for fighting fires.
AS350B: Powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1B engine.
AS350 B1: An improved AS350B with a different engine and main rotor blades.
AS350 B2: A heavier version with a more powerful engine.
AS350 B3: A high-performance version with an advanced engine. This is the helicopter that landed on Mount Everest! The AS350 B3e (from late 2011) has an even better engine and is now called the H125.
AS350 BA: Uses an Arriel 1B engine and wider main rotor blades.
AS350 BB: A version used for training pilots in the UK military.
Eurocopter Squirrel HT.1: The name for the AS350BB used by the British Military for training.
Eurocopter Squirrel HT.2: Another training helicopter for the British Army.
AS350 C: The first version made for the North American market, called the AStar.
AS350 D: Another AStar version for North America.
HB350 B Esquilo: An unarmed military version built in Brazil for the Brazilian Air Force.
HB350 B1 Esquilo: An unarmed military version for the Brazilian Navy, also built in Brazil.
HB350 L1: An armed military version for the Brazilian Army, built in Brazil.

Upgrades from Other Companies

Besides the official versions, other companies offer special upgrades for AS350s. These can change the engine or add new features to make the helicopter even better.

Who Uses the AS350?

The AS350 is used all over the world by many different groups. This includes private owners, companies that offer helicopter rides, emergency medical teams, governments, and law enforcement agencies.

Military and Government Users

Canadian AS350 BA AStar

Argentina: Argentine National Gendarmerie, Buenos Aires Province Police
Austria: Austrian Federal Police
Bolivia: Bolivian Air Force
Botswana: Botswana Defence Force Air Wing
Brazil: Brazilian Air Force, Brazilian Naval Aviation, Ibama, São Paulo State Police, Minas Gerais State Police

Oklahoma City Police Department's AS350 B3e, known as Air-One (or Air-Two)

Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso Air Force
Cambodia: Royal Cambodian Air Force
Canada: Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, York Regional Police
Central African Republic: Central African Republic Air Force
Chad: Chadian Air Force
Chile: Chilean Army, Chilean Navy, Investigations Police of Chile

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department AS350 B2

Denmark: Royal Danish Air Force
Ecuador: Ecuadorian Army
Egypt: Egyptian Air Force
France: Gendarmerie Nationale
Gabon: Gabonese Air Force
Georgia: Ministry of Internal Affairs

AS350B-3 Ecureui over Lauberhorn, Switzerland

Greenland: Air Greenland
Guatemala: Guatemalan Air Force
Guinea: Guinea Air Force
Hungary: Hungarian Air Force
Iceland: Icelandic Coast Guard
Indonesia: Municipal Government of Mimika Regency
Israel: Israel Police
Jordan: Royal Jordanian Air Force
Kenya: Kenya Air Force
Lesotho: Lesotho Defence Force

Anaheim Police Department's AS350 B2, known Angel

Madagascar: Malagasy Air Force
Malawi: Malawi Army Air Wing
Namibia: Namibian Police Force
Nepal: Nepalese Army Air Service
Pakistan: Pakistan Army Aviation
Paraguay: Paraguayan Air Force, Paraguayan Naval Aviation

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department AS350 B3

Philippines: Philippine National Police
Portugal: Ministry of Internal Administration (National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority)
Qatar: Qatar Ministry of Defence
Russia: Russian Aerospace Forces
South Africa: South African Police Service, South African National Parks Air Wing
Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces
United Kingdom: Empire Test Pilots School
United States: Alaska State Troopers, Anaheim Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Flagler County Fire Rescue, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, Birmingham, AL, Memphis Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department - Washington D.C., Miami Police Department, Miami-Dade Police Department, Oakland County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma City Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Placer County Sheriff's Office, Phoenix Police Department, San Diego Police Department, San Jose Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

AS350 B3 FIREFLIGHT conducting wildland firefighting. (Flagler County Fire Rescue)

Ukraine: Ministry of Internal Affairs

An AS350 of the LAPD

Former Users

Australia: Royal Australian Navy
United Kingdom: Defence Helicopter Flying School

AS.350BB Squirrel HT1 of the (UK) Defence Helicopter Flying School

Notable Incidents Involving the AS350

The AS350 has been involved in several incidents over the years. These events are carefully investigated to learn more about helicopter safety.

In 2007, two AS-350 helicopters from news stations in Phoenix, Arizona, had a mid-air collision while covering a police chase.
Also in 2007, a famous rally car driver's AS350 B2 Squirrel crashed in Scotland.
In 2009, an AS350 collided with another aircraft over the Hudson River in New York.
In 2012, an AS350 B3e belonging to the Kenya Police Air Wing crashed in Kenya.
In 2013, an Alaska State Troopers AS350 B3 crashed during a search and rescue flight.
In 2014, a Helibrás HB-350BA crashed after takeoff in Brazil.
In 2015, two AS350 B3s collided mid-air in Argentina during the filming of a TV show.
Later in 2015, an AS350BA crashed near Fox Glacier, New Zealand, due to very poor visibility.
In 2016, an AS350 crashed in Sarawak, Malaysia.
In 2018, an AS350 operated by Liberty Helicopters crashed into New York City's East River.
In 2019, an Air Dynasty AS350 B3e helicopter crashed in Nepal shortly after takeoff.
Also in 2019, an AS350 crashed in Norway. After this incident, Airbus made crash-resistant fuel systems a standard feature for the aircraft.
In 2021, an AS350 carrying a French politician crashed on takeoff in Normandy.
Later in 2021, an AS350 carrying a Czech billionaire crashed at Knik Glacier, Alaska.
In 2022, an AS350 B3 crashed in Verdal, Norway.

Specifications (AS350 B3)

The cockpit of an AS350 B2, 2006

Here are some facts and figures about the AS350 B3 model:

Data from Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Capacity: 5 pax

4, 5, & 6 passengers options available. The 6 passenger configuration replaces the single passenger forward seat with a two-person bench seat

Length: 10.93 m (35 ft 10 in) (fuselage)
Height: 3.145 m (10 ft 4 in)
Empty weight: 1,174 kg (2,588 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Arriel 2B turboshaft engine, 632 kW (848 hp)
Main rotor diameter: 10.7 m (35 ft 1 in)
Main rotor area: 89.75 m² (966.1 sq ft)

Performance

Cruise speed: 245 km/h (152 mph; 132 kn)
Never exceed speed: 287 km/h (178 mph; 155 kn)
Range: 662 km (411 mi; 357 nmi)
Endurance: 4 hours 6 minutes
Service ceiling: 4,600 m (15,100 ft)
Rate of climb: 8.5 m/s (1,670 ft/min)

Avionics
Vehicle and Engine Monitoring Display (VEMD) with First Limit Indicator (FLI) fitted as standard.