HB355 Esquilo Bi

The HB355 Esquilo Bi is a light twin‑engine helicopter produced by Helibras, the Brazilian subsidiary of Bell Helicopter. Launched in the mid‑1990s, the Esquilo Bi was developed from the successful single‑engine Esquilo (Bell 206B‑3) to meet a growing demand for higher reliability in operating‑theater environments such as offshore oil platforms, police patrols, and utility work across Brazil’s vast terrain. Its first flight took place in 1994 and series production began two years later, establishing a domestic supply chain that incorporated locally sourced avionics, composite airframe components and an all‑metal rotor system. Powered by two Lycoming T53 turboshafts delivering a combined 880 shp, the HB355 offers a maximum take‑off weight of 2 150 kg, a cruising speed of 225 km/h, and a range exceeding 650 km, while accommodating up to six passengers or an equivalent cargo load. Key features include dual redundant fuel and hydraulic systems, a fully digital flight‑control suite, and optional equipment such as FLIR imaging, external hoist, and medical‑evacuation kits. The Esquilo Bi’s indigenous production reinforced Brazil’s aerospace autonomy, provided a cost‑effective platform for governmental and commercial operators, and cemented Helibras’s reputation as a pivotal player in South‑American vertical‑flight technology.