HB355F Esquilo Bi

The HB355F Esquilo Bi is a twin‑engine light utility helicopter produced by Helibras, the Brazilian subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters. Developed from the single‑engine Esquilo (a licensed version of the Eurocopter AS350) in the early 2000s, the Bi variant entered service in 2007, offering the same aerodynamic efficiency with added redundancy and increased payload. Its two Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 turboshafts deliver a combined 630 shaft horsepower, giving a maximum cruise speed of 240 km/h and a range of roughly 650 km. The aircraft features a composite‑rich airframe, a spacious cabin configurable for up to eight passengers, medical evacuation stretchers, or cargo pods, and modern avionics including a glass cockpit, GPS‑based navigation, and dual‑redundant flight control systems. Because of its versatility, the Esquilo Bi quickly became a staple for Brazilian civil operators, offshore oil‑rig support, and the Brazilian Army Aviation, where it is valued for low‑cost operation, ease of maintenance, and capability to operate from unprepared pads. Its introduction marked a significant milestone for Brazil’s aerospace industry, showcasing domestic production of a reliable twin‑engine rotorcraft and reducing dependence on imported models in the region.