Helibras HB350B Esquilo
Helibras · Brazil · first flew 1978 · helicopter
The HB350B Esquilo is the Brazilian licence-built version of the Aérospatiale AS350B Écureuil, produced by Helibras (Helibrás) in Itajubá, Brazil.
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:
- Brazilian licence-built AS350 Écureuil
- Esquilo (Squirrel) name for the Brazilian market
- Operated by Brazilian Army and Air Force as well as civil operators
Externally identical to an AS350B — the large wrap-around windscreen, three-blade Starflex rotor, and skid undercarriage are the hallmarks.
Specifications
- The Helibras HB350B Esquilo has a length of 10.93 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.69 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 234 km/h (145 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + up to 5 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Aérospatiale established Helibras in Brazil in 1978 to produce the Écureuil locally, providing a domestic source for the Brazilian armed forces and civil market. The HB350 series became the backbone of Brazilian military light helicopter fleets.
Variants
The HB350 family mirrors the AS350 family; the HB355 (twin-engine) is the Esquilo Bi.
Where you'll see it
Widely operated by the Brazilian Army, Air Force, Navy, and police forces, as well as civil operators throughout Brazil and South America.
Related aircraft
- Helibras HB355F Esquilo Bi
- Helibras HB355N Esquilo Bi
- Airbus AS332 Super Puma
- Aérospatiale AS355 Écureuil 2
- Agusta-Bell AB412 Grifone
- Bell 214ST
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