Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil / AStar
Eurocopter · International (France) · first flew 1974 · helicopter
The AS350 Ecureuil, marketed as the AStar in North America, is a light single-turboshaft utility helicopter known for good hot-and-high performance and low operating cost.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.93 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine light helicopter, three-blade Starflex rotor
- Streamlined glazed nose and slim tail boom
- Skid landing gear
Look for a compact single-engine light helicopter with a three-blade main rotor and a smoothly glazed cabin front. It rides on skids, with a slim tapering tail boom carrying the anti-torque rotor.
Specifications
- The Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil / AStar has a length of 10.93 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.69 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 287 km/h (178 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 (up to 6 passengers).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Aerospatiale developed the type as a modern single-engine light helicopter, and it first flew in 1974 using a simple, maintainable Starflex rotor head. It became one of the best-selling helicopters of its class worldwide. The militarised AS550 Fennec followed for armed and armed-scout roles.
Variants
Successive versions from early models through the high-performance B3 introduced more powerful engines and improved altitude capability. The AS550 Fennec adds weapons and mission equipment for military users. A twin-engine AS355 derivative broadened the family.
Where you'll see it
In the UK the type is common in police, air-ambulance, utility and tourism roles rather than front-line military service. It is widely used for aerial work, filming and law enforcement across many countries. Its reliability and altitude performance made it a mountain-rescue and utility favourite.
Related aircraft
- Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin
- TAI/Eurocopter Cougar Mk I
- Eurocopter AS 355 Ecureuil 2 / AS 555 Fennec
- Eurocopter EC 120 B Colibri
- Aérospatiale AS350 Écureuil
- Aérospatiale AS350B Écureuil
- Airbus H125
- Bell 206L LongRanger
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