Eurocopter AS-350 Ecureuil
| 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. |
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.
Specifications[change | change source]
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[change | change source]
- 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[change | change source]
- 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.