HB355N Esquilo Bi

The HB355N Esquilo Bi is a twin‑engine version of the Brazilian‑built Esquilo series, produced by Helibras, the aerospace arm of Airbus Helicopters in Brazil. Development began in the early 1990s as Helibras sought to replace aging light utility helicopters with a modern, locally supported platform. The first prototype flew in 1995 and certification was achieved in 1998, marking the first Brazilian‑designed twin‑engine helicopter to enter series production. Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 turbines delivering a combined 730 shaft horsepower, the Esquilo Bi offers a maximum take‑off weight of 2 530 kg and a useful load of roughly 900 kg, allowing transport of up to eight passengers or mixed cargo‑personnel missions. Its composite rotor blades and fully articulated main rotor grant high maneuverability and reduced vibration, while the glass‑cockpit avionics suite includes dual EFIS displays, GPS navigation, and integrated health‑monitoring systems. The aircraft’s twin‑engine redundancy, low operating cost, and robust airframe have made it popular with Brazilian civil operators, the army, and police forces, contributing to regional connectivity in remote areas. The HB355N thus represents a milestone in Brazil’s aviation industry, demonstrating self‑reliance and fostering growth of domestic aerospace capabilities.