Eurocopter AS 350 B2 Ecureuil N945AE

1997 Eurocopter AS 350 B2 (C/N): 3004 N945AE

Markings: Phi Inc. Lafayette, LA United States

 

The Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil ("Squirrel") is a single-engined light helicopter originally manufactured by Aérospatiale (now part of Eurocopter Group). The AS350 is marketed in North America as the AStar. The AS355 Ecureuil 2 is a twin-engined variant, while the Eurocopter EC130 is a much-improved version of the AS350 airframe

Number of Seats: 6

Number of Engines: 1

Engine Manufacturer and Model: Turbomeca ARRIEL 1SER

 

AS350

Prototype.

AS350 Firefighter

Fire fighting version.

AS350B

Powered by one Turbomeca Arriel 1B engine.

AS350 B1

Powered by one Turbomeca Arriel 1D engine.

AS350 B2

Higher gross weight version powered by one Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine.

AS350 B3

High-performance version, is powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. This helicopter is the first ever to land on Mount Everest. Recently introduced AS350 B3/2B1 variant introduces enhanced engine with dual digital FADEC, dual hydraulics and a 2,370 kg (5,225 lb) M.T.O.W.

AS350 BA

Powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1B engine and fitted with wider chord main rotor blades.

AS350 BB

AS350 B2 variant selected to meet rotary-wing training needs of UK MoD, through its Defence Helicopter Flying School in 1996. Powered by a derated Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine to improve the helicopters' life cycle.

Eurocopter Squirrel HT.1

Designation of AS350BB in operation with British RAF as a training helicopter.

Eurocopter Squirrel HT.2

Designation of AS350BB in operation with British Army Air Corps as a training helicopter.

AS350 C

Initial variant of Lycoming LTS-101-600A2 powered version developed for the North American market as the AStar. Quickly superseded by AS350D.

AS350 D

Powered by one Lycoming LTS-101 engine for the North American market as the AStar. At one stage marketed as AStar 'Mark III.'

AS350 L1

Military derivative of AS350 B1, powered by a 510-kW (684-shp) Turbomeca Arriel 1D turboshaft engine. Superseded by AS350 L2.

AS350 L2

Military derivative of AS350 B2, powered by a 546-kW (732-shp) Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 turboshaft engine. Designation superseded by AS550 C2.

HB350 B Esquilo

Unarmed military version for the Brazilian Air Force. Brazilian designations CH-50 and TH-50. Built under licence by Helibras in Brazil.

HB350 B1 Esquilo

Unarmed military version for the Brazilian Navy. Brazilian designation UH-12. Built under licence by Helibras in Brazil.

HB350 L1

Armed military version for the Brazilian Army. Brazilian designation HA-1. Built under licence by Helibras in Brazil.

 

Specifications (AS350 B3)

General characteristics

 

Crew: 1

Capacity: 6

Length: 12.94 m (42.45 ft)

Rotor diameter: 10.69 m (35.07 ft)

Height: 3.24 m (10.63 ft)

Empty weight: 1,241 kg (2,736 lbs)

Max takeoff weight: 2,250/2,570 kg (4,960/5,225 lbs)

Powerplant: 1× Turbomeca Arriel 2B or 2B1 turboshaft, 632 kW (847 shp)

Performance

 

Never exceed speed: 287 km/h (155 knots, 178 mph)

Cruise speed: 259 km/h (140 knots, 161 mph - Fast cruise (127 knots normal cruise speed).)

Range: 657 km (355 nm, 408 mi)

Service ceiling: 5,044 m (16,550 ft)

Rate of climb: 10.0 m/s (1,959 ft/min)

Done