The AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil is a single-engine, multi-purpose helicopter developed by the French aerospace manufacturer Airbus Helicopters. It is widely used for various roles, including law enforcement, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and corporate transport.
The AS-350 Ecureuil is known for its versatility, reliability, and performance. It features a spacious cabin, a powerful engine, and advanced avionics. The helicopter’s compact size and maneuverability make it suitable for operations in confined areas. The AS-350 Ecureuil has been exported to over 60 countries worldwide and has a proven track record of service in demanding environments.
The AS-350 Ecureuil’s specifications include:
- Length: 10.94 m (35 ft 11 in)
- Height: 3.14 m (10 ft 4 in)
- Width: 2.15 m (7 ft 1 in)
- Empty weight: 1,246 kg (2,747 lb)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)
- Engine: 1 Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine
- Power: 632 kW (848 shp)
- Maximum speed: 278 km/h (173 mph)
- Cruise speed: 240 km/h (150 mph)
- Range: 635 km (395 mi)
- Service ceiling: 5,486 m (18,000 ft)
AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil Specs
The AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil is a versatile, reliable, and high-performing single-engine helicopter. Its specifications encompass various crucial aspects that contribute to its effectiveness in diverse roles.
- Multi-purpose: The AS-350 Ecureuil excels in various missions, including law enforcement, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and corporate transport.
- Compact size: With a length of 10.94 meters and a width of 2.15 meters, the AS-350 Ecureuil is well-suited for operations in confined areas.
- Powerful engine: The Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine provides 632 kW of power, enabling the helicopter to lift heavy payloads and perform demanding maneuvers.
- Advanced avionics: The AS-350 Ecureuil features state-of-the-art avionics, enhancing situational awareness and reducing pilot workload.
- Proven track record: The AS-350 Ecureuil has been exported to over 60 countries and has a long history of successful operations in challenging environments.
- Global recognition: The AS-350 Ecureuil is renowned worldwide for its versatility, reliability, and performance, making it a preferred choice for operators around the globe.
These key aspects of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil Specs highlight its exceptional capabilities and suitability for a wide range of applications. Its versatility, compact size, powerful engine, advanced avionics, proven track record, and global recognition make the AS-350 Ecureuil a highly sought-after helicopter for both civilian and military operators.
Multi-purpose
The multi-purpose nature of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil is directly tied to its specifications. Its versatility stems from a combination of factors, including its compact size, powerful engine, advanced avionics, and proven track record.
- Adaptability: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s compact size and maneuverability make it suitable for a wide range of missions, from urban law enforcement to remote search and rescue operations.
- Payload capacity: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s powerful engine and robust airframe allow it to carry heavy payloads, including specialized equipment for medical evacuations or law enforcement operations.
- Avionics and technology: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s advanced avionics and navigation systems enhance situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it an effective tool for complex missions.
- Reliability and safety: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s proven track record and high safety standards make it a trusted choice for operators worldwide, ensuring mission success and crew safety.
In summary, the multi-purpose capabilities of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil are directly linked to its specifications, which provide the necessary combination of versatility, power, technology, and reliability to excel in diverse missions.
Compact size
The compact size of the AS-350 Ecureuil is a crucial aspect of its specifications, directly contributing to its versatility and effectiveness in various missions.
The helicopter’s small size provides several advantages:
- Maneuverability: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s compact dimensions and low profile make it highly maneuverable, allowing it to navigate through narrow spaces and perform complex maneuvers with precision.
- Urban operations: The helicopter’s small size makes it well-suited for urban environments, where it can easily maneuver between buildings and operate in congested areas.
- Confined spaces: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s compact size enables it to access and land in confined spaces, such as rooftops, small clearings, and ships, expanding its operational capabilities.
Real-life examples of the practical significance of the AS-350 Ecureuil’s compact size include:
- Law enforcement operations in urban areas, where the helicopter can quickly respond to incidents and access confined spaces.
- Search and rescue missions in mountainous or heavily forested areas, where the helicopter can maneuver through narrow valleys and land in small clearings.
- Medical evacuations from remote locations, where the helicopter’s small size allows it to land close to the patient and provide immediate assistance.
In summary, the compact size of the AS-350 Ecureuil is an essential component of its specifications, enabling it to perform effectively in a wide range of missions and environments. Its maneuverability, suitability for urban operations, and ability to access confined spaces make it a valuable asset for both civilian and military operators.
Powerful engine
The powerful engine of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil is a central component of its impressive specifications, directly contributing to its versatility and effectiveness in various missions.
The Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine provides 632 kW of power, which translates to several key advantages:
- Payload capacity: The powerful engine enables the AS-350 Ecureuil to lift heavy payloads, making it suitable for a wide range of missions, including cargo transport, construction support, and medical evacuations.
- Maneuverability: The engine’s power provides excellent maneuverability, allowing the helicopter to perform complex maneuvers, such as hovering, precision landings, and rapid acceleration.
- High-altitude performance: The powerful engine maintains its performance even at high altitudes, ensuring the helicopter’s effectiveness in mountainous regions and other challenging environments.
Real-life examples of the practical significance of the AS-350 Ecureuil’s powerful engine include:
- Transporting heavy equipment and supplies to remote construction sites, where the helicopter’s payload capacity and maneuverability are crucial.
- Medical evacuations from high-altitude areas, where the engine’s power ensures the helicopter can reach and lift patients quickly and safely.
- Search and rescue operations in mountainous terrain, where the helicopter’s maneuverability and high-altitude performance are essential for navigating complex landscapes and reaching stranded individuals.
In summary, the powerful engine of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil is a critical aspect of its specifications, empowering the helicopter to perform demanding maneuvers, lift heavy payloads, and operate effectively in challenging environments. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable asset for both civilian and military operators.
Advanced avionics
The advanced avionics of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil are an integral part of its specifications, contributing directly to its effectiveness in various missions. State-of-the-art avionics enhance situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, leading to increased safety, efficiency, and mission success.
Key components of the AS-350 Ecureuil’s avionics suite include:
- Glass cockpit with multi-function displays
- Integrated navigation and communication systems
- Advanced autopilot and flight management systems
These avionics systems provide the pilot with a comprehensive and intuitive view of the helicopter’s status, navigation information, and surrounding environment. The glass cockpit displays essential flight parameters, maps, and terrain data, enhancing situational awareness and reducing the risk of spatial disorientation.
The integrated navigation and communication systems allow the pilot to plan and execute complex flight plans efficiently. Advanced autopilot and flight management systems automate many routine tasks, such as altitude hold, course correction, and approach procedures, reducing pilot workload and increasing safety.
The practical significance of the AS-350 Ecureuil’s advanced avionics is evident in real-life operations:
- Search and rescue missions: The avionics systems provide accurate navigation and terrain mapping, aiding in locating stranded individuals in challenging environments.
- Medical evacuations: The integrated communication systems facilitate seamless coordination with medical personnel on the ground, ensuring timely and effective patient transport.
- Law enforcement operations: The avionics suite enhances situational awareness during surveillance and pursuit missions, providing real-time data on the helicopter’s position and the surrounding environment.
In summary, the advanced avionics of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil are a crucial aspect of its specifications, providing enhanced situational awareness, reduced pilot workload, and increased safety. These avionics systems play a vital role in the helicopter’s effectiveness across a wide range of missions, from search and rescue to law enforcement and medical evacuations.
Proven track record
The proven track record of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil is an integral component of its specifications, directly influencing its reputation and widespread adoption worldwide. This extensive operational history serves as a testament to the helicopter’s reliability, versatility, and effectiveness in diverse environments.
The AS-350 Ecureuil’s track record has been shaped by its consistent performance in demanding missions, including:
- Search and rescue operations in remote and mountainous regions
- Medical evacuations from conflict zones and disaster areas
- Law enforcement and surveillance missions in urban and rural settings
- Transportation of personnel and supplies to offshore platforms and remote communities
The helicopter’s ability to operate effectively in these challenging environments is attributed to its rugged construction, powerful engine, and advanced avionics. The AS-350 Ecureuil has consistently demonstrated its capability to withstand harsh weather conditions, high altitudes, and demanding terrain, making it a trusted choice for operators around the globe.
In summary, the proven track record of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil is a valuable asset that enhances its specifications. This extensive operational history provides confidence to potential buyers and users, demonstrating the helicopter’s reliability, versatility, and effectiveness in real-world conditions.
Global recognition
The global recognition of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil is a testament to its exceptional specifications and capabilities that have earned it a reputation for excellence among operators worldwide. This recognition stems from several key factors:
- Proven versatility: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s multi-purpose design and ability to perform a wide range of missions, from search and rescue to law enforcement and corporate transport, have made it a valuable asset for operators with diverse needs.
- Unwavering reliability: The helicopter’s robust construction, powerful engine, and advanced avionics contribute to its exceptional reliability, ensuring it can consistently perform its duties in demanding environments and challenging conditions.
- Superior performance: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s maneuverability, payload capacity, and high-altitude performance make it an ideal choice for operations in confined spaces, remote areas, and mountainous terrains, where other helicopters may struggle.
- Global support network: Airbus Helicopters’ extensive global presence and support network provide operators with access to maintenance, spare parts, and technical expertise, ensuring the AS-350 Ecureuil’s continued performance and longevity.
The global recognition of the AS-350 Ecureuil is a direct reflection of its specifications, which have been meticulously designed to meet the demands of operators around the world. Its versatility, reliability, and performance have made it a preferred choice for a wide range of missions, solidifying its position as a leading helicopter in its class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil Specs
This section addresses common inquiries and misconceptions surrounding the specifications of the AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil helicopter.
Question 1: What are the key specifications of the AS-350 Ecureuil?
Answer: The AS-350 Ecureuil features a compact size, with a length of 10.94 meters and a width of 2.15 meters. It is powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, providing 632 kW of power. The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,250 kg and a range of 635 km.
Question 2: What makes the AS-350 Ecureuil a versatile aircraft?
Answer: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s versatility stems from its multi-purpose design, allowing it to perform a wide range of missions, including law enforcement, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and corporate transport.
Question 3: How does the AS-350 Ecureuil’s compact size benefit its operations?
Answer: The compact size of the AS-350 Ecureuil enhances its maneuverability and allows it to operate effectively in confined spaces and urban environments.
Question 4: What is the payload capacity of the AS-350 Ecureuil?
Answer: The AS-350 Ecureuil has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,250 kg, which includes its payload capacity. The helicopter can carry a significant payload, making it suitable for transporting personnel, equipment, or supplies.
Question 5: What are the safety features of the AS-350 Ecureuil?
Answer: The AS-350 Ecureuil incorporates advanced safety features, such as a crash-resistant fuel system, energy-absorbing seats, and a robust airframe, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
Question 6: How does the AS-350 Ecureuil’s avionics system enhance its performance?
Answer: The AS-350 Ecureuil’s advanced avionics system, including a glass cockpit and integrated navigation systems, provides pilots with enhanced situational awareness, reduces workload, and improves overall mission effectiveness.
Summary: The AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil’s specifications, including its compact size, powerful engine, advanced avionics, and proven track record, make it a highly capable and versatile helicopter, suitable for a wide range of missions and operating environments.
Transition to the next article section: To delve deeper into the capabilities and applications of the AS-350 Ecureuil, explore the following sections:
Tips Related to “AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil Specs”
To maximize the effectiveness and longevity of your AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil, consider the following tips:
Tip 1: Regular Maintenance: Adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer. Regular inspections, servicing, and component replacements ensure optimal performance and safety.
Tip 2: Pilot Training: Invest in comprehensive pilot training programs to enhance proficiency and situational awareness. Well-trained pilots can effectively handle emergencies and operate the helicopter within its specified limits.
Tip 3: Payload Management: Carefully plan and distribute the payload to maintain the helicopter’s center of gravity within the allowable range. Proper payload management ensures stability and prevents excessive strain on the airframe.
Tip 4: Environmental Considerations: Be aware of the operating environment and its potential impact on the helicopter. Factors such as high altitudes, extreme temperatures, and strong winds can affect performance and safety.
Tip 5: Flight Planning: Plan flights meticulously, considering factors such as weather conditions, route optimization, and potential obstacles. Thorough flight planning enhances safety and mission success.
Tip 6: Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the helicopter’s emergency procedures and practice them regularly. Prompt and effective responses to emergencies can save lives and minimize damage.
Tip 7: Avionics Utilization: Make full use of the AS-350 Ecureuil’s advanced avionics systems. These systems provide valuable information, enhance situational awareness, and reduce pilot workload.
Tip 8: Component Monitoring: Monitor the condition of critical components, such as the engine, transmission, and rotor blades. Regular inspections and timely replacements ensure reliability and prevent unexpected failures.
Conclusion
The AEROSPATIALE AS-350 Ecureuil stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the aviation industry. Its meticulously designed specifications, including its compact size, powerful engine, advanced avionics, and proven track record, make it a versatile and highly capable helicopter that excels in a wide range of missions.
From its role in search and rescue operations, where its maneuverability and payload capacity are crucial, to its use in law enforcement and corporate transport, the AS-350 Ecureuil has consistently proven its worth. Its global recognition and extensive operator base are a reflection of its exceptional performance and reliability.
Understanding the specifications of the AS-350 Ecureuil is essential for maximizing its capabilities and ensuring its longevity. By adhering to recommended maintenance practices, investing in pilot training, and utilizing the helicopter’s advanced avionics, operators can harness the full potential of this remarkable aircraft.
The AS-350 Ecureuil continues to be a cornerstone of aviation fleets worldwide, providing invaluable services and contributing to the safety, efficiency, and success of countless missions.