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| Eurocopter/Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel | |
|---|---|
| Name | Eurocopter/Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel |
| Type | Light utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale/Eurocopter |
| Introduced | 1975 |
| Status | In service |
Eurocopter/Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel is a single-engine light utility helicopter developed in France during the 1970s. It served civil and military operators worldwide and became a competitor to models produced by Bell Helicopter, Sikorsky Aircraft, AgustaWestland and Robinson Helicopter Company. The type is noted for its versatility in roles from search and rescue to aerial work and law enforcement across continents including Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and South America.
The rotorcraft originated at Aérospatiale as part of efforts led by engineers influenced by earlier designs from Société Nationale Industrielle Aérospatiale initiatives and partnerships with suppliers such as Turbomeca and Rolls-Royce plc. Early flight testing occurred during the 1970s alongside programs like the Eurocopter Tiger development and paralleled contemporaneous models from Bell 206 projects. The airframe used a conventional single‑engine layout with a three‑bladed main rotor, a fenestron‑adjacent tail rotor concept evaluated against designs from MBB and Westland Helicopters. Avionics suites were upgraded over time incorporating equipment compatible with ICAO standards and navigation systems used by operators such as Lufthansa and Air France subsidiaries. Structural design emphasized a modular cabin, influenced by standards set in collaborations with European Aviation Safety Agency and requirements from operators including Électricité de France and Telefónica for utility work.
Multiple variants evolved to meet diverse customer requirements. Early production included prototypes and civil variants analogous to upgrades seen in Aérospatiale Gazelle lineage. Powerplant options involved engines from Turbomeca Arriel families and later alternative installations similar to Pratt & Whitney Canada practices. Military and law enforcement adaptations mirrored conversion patterns used by units such as Royal Air Force and Gendarmerie Nationale, while high‑altitude and performance versions paralleled improvements introduced in AS355 twin‑engine derivatives. Specialized kits enabled configurations for VIP transport used by ministries in nations like France, Spain, and Chile.
The type entered widespread civil service during the late 1970s and expanded globally through sales and licensed manufacture akin to distribution models employed by McDonnell Douglas and Lockheed. Operators ranged from commercial airlines’ heliporter services associated with companies like British Airways to energy sector contractors working for Shell and BP. The helicopter participated in prominent events such as air support during festivals and emergency response during incidents similar to historical responses by SAS and FBI aviation units. Fleet upgrades occurred through retrofit programs following operational patterns set by NATO interoperability efforts and civilian maintenance regimes used by Sikorsky Support Services analogues.
Armed forces, police units, and governmental agencies adopted armed and utility configurations reflecting doctrines of organizations like United States Army aviation units and French Army reconnaissance squadrons. The platform served in roles comparable to those filled by helicopters in deployments by United Nations peacekeeping missions and domestic emergency management by entities such as Civil Defence organizations in countries like Australia and Canada. Coastguard, customs, and border patrol services modeled their missions on tactics practiced by Royal Navy helicopter units and international law enforcement aviation groups.
Civil operators employed the model for tasks including aerial work, surveying, firefighting support, passenger transport, and media coverage similar to assignments by broadcasters like BBC and CNN. Utility operators performed pipeline patrols for companies like TransCanada and aerial crane operations paralleling services provided by CHC Helicopter. Mountain rescue teams in the Alps and Andes used high‑altitude capable variants analogous to assets fielded by Swiss Air-Rescue and New Zealand Search and Rescue. Corporate and executive transport versions followed fitment trends used by Shell Aviation and airline helicopter divisions.
Typical single‑engine configuration (representative figures): - Crew: 1–2 pilots drawn from organizations such as Air Traffic Control licensed personnel and private operators like Bristow Helicopters. - Capacity: up to 5 passengers similar to capacities in Bell 206 family transports. - Powerplant: single Turbomeca Arriel type as used in regional rotorcraft and turboprops by ATR partners. - Performance: cruise and hover performance comparable to contemporaries sold to HeliTech and leased by Airwork.
The type has been involved in accidents investigated by authorities such as BEA and NTSB, with high‑profile incidents prompting safety directives issued in line with practices by European Union Aviation Safety Agency and national aviation authorities like DGAC (France) and Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom). Investigations frequently referenced procedures established by ICAO and operational guidance from organizations like International Association of Oil & Gas Producers for offshore flight safety.
Category:Helicopters