HB350B Esquilo

The HB350B Esquilo, built by Brazilian aerospace firm Helibras, is a versatile light utility helicopter that traces its origins to the early 1990s. Developed under license from the Eurocopter SA 360 Dauphin, the Esquilo was adapted to meet the specific demands of the Brazilian market, including hot‑and‑high performance and robust operating conditions. First flight occurred in 1992 and series production began shortly thereafter, delivering a total of more than 150 units to civil, governmental, and military customers.

Key features of the HB350B include a twin‑engine configuration powered by Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 turboshafts, a fully composite main rotor, and a spacious cabin capable of carrying up to seven passengers or a variety of cargo loads. Modern avionics suites, optional night‑vision equipment, and a reinforced airframe give the aircraft excellent reliability in roles such as aerial surveillance, medevac, police patrol, and offshore support.

The Esquilo’s significance lies in its contribution to Brazil’s aerospace independence, providing a domestically produced platform that reduced reliance on foreign imports. Its operational record has cemented Helibras’s reputation and helped expand the regional helicopter market throughout South America.

Helibras

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Design & Classification