AS350B1 Écureuil

The Aérospatiale AS350B1 Écureuil is a single‑engine light utility helicopter that entered service in the mid‑1970s. Developed from the original AS350 AStar, the B1 variant was introduced in 1978 to meet demand for a higher‑performance machine capable of operating in hot‑and‑high conditions. Powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine delivering roughly 550 shaft horsepower, the aircraft features a fully articulated main rotor, a spacious cabin for up to six passengers, and optional external loads such as cargo hooks or search‑and‑rescue winches. Its low‑profile fuselage and retractable landing gear give it a distinctive silhouette, while composite materials reduce weight and improve corrosion resistance. Over the decades the AS350B1 has been adopted by civilian operators, law‑enforcement agencies, and military forces worldwide, proving versatile in roles ranging from aerial photography and tourism to fire‑fighting and utility transport. The helicopter’s reliability, simplicity of maintenance, and excellent maneuverability at altitude have cemented its reputation as a workhorse in vertical‑flight aviation, influencing the design of later Eurocopter models and maintaining a strong presence in the global rotorcraft fleet. Today more than 1,200 units are still flying, underscoring its enduring legacy.