Helibras HB355N Esquilo Bi
Helibras · Brazil · first flew 1984 · helicopter
The HB355N Esquilo Bi is the Turbomeca Arrius-engined version of the twin-engine Esquilo Bi family, offering improved performance over the Allison-powered HB355F.
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:
- Uprated twin-engine Écureuil with Turbomeca Arrius engines
- Brazilian designation for AS355N Twin Écureuil
- Twin turboshaft cowlings flanking the rotor mast
Externally identical to the HB355F — distinguished from the single-engine HB350 by the twin engine cowlings; from the F only by engine manufacturer markings.
Specifications
- The Helibras HB355N 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
The N variant replaced the earlier F with more modern Turbomeca Arrius turboshafts, improving fuel efficiency and hot-and-high performance. Helibras continued production for the Brazilian armed forces and civil market.
Variants
The HB355N corresponds to the AS355N; earlier HB355F used Allison 250-C20F engines.
Where you'll see it
In service with Brazilian military and civil operators; widely used for offshore, police, and utility duties in Brazil.
Related aircraft
- Helibras HB355F Esquilo Bi
- Helibras HB350B Esquilo
- Airbus Helicopters AS565 Panther
- Bell 400 TwinRanger
- IAR 317 Airfox
- Sikorsky S-75
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