Helibras HB355F Esquilo Bi
Helibras · Brazil · first flew 1980 · helicopter
The HB355F Esquilo Bi is the Brazilian Helibras licence-built version of the Aérospatiale AS355F Twin Écureuil, adding a second turboshaft engine for improved safety and performance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.98 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Brazilian twin-engine Écureuil licence-built by Helibras
- Twin turboshafts on each side of the rotor mast
- Esquilo Bi (Twin Squirrel) for the Brazilian market
Virtually identical to the single-engine HB350 in fuselage shape and rotor but has two visible engine cowlings on either side of the transmission deck, which is the key distinguishing feature.
Specifications
- The Helibras HB355F Esquilo Bi has a length of 10.98 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.69 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 278 km/h (173 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + up to 5 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Helibras produced twin-engine Esquilo variants alongside the single-engine HB350 series to meet Brazilian military and offshore requirements for enhanced single-engine failure safety margins. The twin-engine installation used two Allison 250 turboshafts.
Variants
The HB355F and HB355N differ in their engine variants; both are produced by Helibras for the Brazilian market.
Where you'll see it
Operated by Brazilian armed forces and offshore operators in Brazil and across South America.
Related aircraft
- Helibras HB350B Esquilo
- Helibras HB355N Esquilo Bi
- Aérospatiale HH-65 Dolphin
- Ka-32
- Aérospatiale AS355 Écureuil 2
- Agusta-Bell AB412 Grifone
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