Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil – Photos & Videos

Nniiden Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil (tai Orava), nyt Airbus Helicopters H125, on yksimoottorinen kevyt helikopteri, jonka alun perin suunnittelivat ja valmistivat Ranskassa Aérospatiale ja Eurocopter (nykyään Airbus Helicopters). Pohjois-Amerikassa AS350:tä markkinoidaan nimellä AStar. AS355 Ecureuil 2 on kaksimoottorinen versio, jota markkinoidaan Pohjois-Amerikassa TwinStarina. Eurocopter EC130 on johdannainen AS350-lentokoneen rungosta, ja valmistaja pitää sitä osana Écureuil-yksimoottoriperhettä.

The Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil is a versatile and reliable helicopter that can perform a variety of missions in different environments. It was developed by the French company Aérospatiale, which later became part of Eurocopter and then Airbus Helicopters. The AS350 Écureuil is also known as the AStar in North America, where it is widely used for law enforcement, emergency medical services, aerial work and tourism.
The AS350 Écureuil has a single-engine design that offers low operating costs and high performance. It can carry up to six passengers and one pilot, depending on the configuration. The helicopter has a spacious cabin with large windows that provide excellent visibility for both passengers and crew. The AS350 Écureuil also features a Starflex main rotor system that reduces vibration and noise levels.
The AS350 Écureuil has been in service since 1975 and has accumulated more than 30 million flight hours worldwide. It has proven its capabilities in various climates and altitudes, from hot deserts to cold mountains. The helicopter can operate at up to 7,000 meters above sea level and can reach speeds of up to 287 km/h. The AS350 Écureuil has also been adapted for military use as the AS550 Fennec, which can be armed with rockets, guns and missiles.
The Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil is one of the most successful light helicopters in history, with more than 7,000 units produced as of July 2022. It is still in production today as the Airbus Helicopters H125, which incorporates new technologies and improvements to enhance safety, comfort and performance.