AS350B Écureuil

The AS350B Écureuil is a single‑engine light utility helicopter developed by Aérospatiale in France during the early 1970s. First flown on 10 June 1974, the aircraft entered service the following year and quickly became a benchmark for versatility and performance in the emerging market for high‑altitude, short‑range rotorcraft. Powered by the Turbomeca Arriel 1D turbine, the AS350B delivers up to 650 shaft horsepower, allowing a maximum cruising speed of around 230 km/h and a service ceiling exceeding 6,500 meters, which made it popular for mountain rescue, law‑enforcement patrols, and offshore transport. Its three‑bladed fully articulated main rotor provides excellent maneuverability and reduced vibration, while the spacious cabin can be configured for up to six passengers, cargo, or medevac stretcher layouts. Over 2,400 units have been produced, and the type has been licensed for production by several countries, cementing its legacy as one of the most widely used helicopters in civilian and parapublic operations worldwide. The AS350B’s reliability, low operating cost, and ability to operate from unprepared sites have ensured its lasting significance in aviation history. Today it continues to serve in over 30 nations, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Aérospatiale’s engineering.

Aérospatiale

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Design & Classification