HOME      Aerospatiale AS 350 Ecureuil

Click on the photo to hear the wav sound.

NOTE: RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.

The Aerospatiale AS 350 Ecureuil (Squirrel) is probably best known as a TV News helicopter. It is now being manufactured by Eurocopter. In addition to TV coverage, it has served with the military when equipped with guns, rockets and missiles. The aircraft has also been equipped as an air tanker for retardant and water drops.

The keys to the popularity of the Ecureuil are its low operating costs, ample power, uncomplicated flight systems, and overall responsiveness to control inputs. This enables its pilots, who are often the news reporters, to be able to concentrate on their camera work while simultaneously operating the helicopter.

For economy of operation, the Ecureuil only requires a crew of one. The helicopter has an outer skin of thermo-formed plastic, for ease of maintenance. A sensor pod, generally boom mounted just under the nose, is controlled by the pilot, and runs through the front of the cabin. A spotlight is usually mounted mid-ship, under the helicopter, that allows night camera work. A special harness to restrain the camera operator when working from an open door on the side of the aircraft, plus a wide foot rest, help maintain security.

The AS 355 twin engine version of the Ecureuil has plentiful engine power reserves and a wider chord tail rotor to allow heavier loads. A heavy duty electrical system in the aircraft can keep up with the power demands of TV reporting equipment. The helicopter uses the same airframe as the AS 350.

A version of the Ecureuil is marketed by Textron in North America under the name Astar. It is powered by a Lycoming engine.

The Aerospatiale AS 350 Ecureuil is sold in 43 countries around the world.


AS 350 B2 Ecureuil Specifications

    Primary Function:
    Crew:
    Engine:
    Horsepower:
    Length:
    Height:
    Rotor Diameter:
    Weight Empty:
    Max. Weight:
    Cruise Speed:
    Max. Speed:
    Initial Climb:
    Ceiling:
    Range:
    First Flight:
    Year Deployed:
utility
one
Ariel 1D1 turbine
724 h.p.
35' 10"
10' 4"
35' 0"
2,490 lbs.
4,950 lbs.
146 mph
178 mph
1,790 fpm
16,500 feet
428 miles
6/26/74
1975



Radio Control Helicopter
XHeli rc AS 350 Ecureuil.
Radio Control Helicopters
Their are a number of rc AS 350 Ecureuil helicopters available, from small size to giant scale.

Not pictured is the rc AS 350 Ecureuil 600 size fuselage from Skyhunter Hobby. The painted fiberglass fuselage is 54 1/2" long, 9" wide, and 9 3/4" high. It includes skids, cockpit seats and console.

Please email us about any rc AS 350 Ecureuil helicopter that you can recommend.


Radio Control Helicopter
MS Composite rc AS 350 Ecureuil.  It is 1/20 scale with a 22" rotor, length of 21 1/2", and includes a EM 300/34 Motor.  Weight is 14 oz.


Radio Control Helicopter
The Thunder Tiger rc AS 350 Ecureuil fuselage. Features painted fiberglass fuselage in red or blue.  Length is 54 1/2", width is 15 1/2" and height is 18".  It fits the Thunder Tiger R50 and is for .46 to .50 engines.  Weight is around 8 1/2 lbs.


Radio Control Helicopter
The rc AS 350 Ecureuil fuselage from Vario.  This is an eight piece fuselage kit that includes the drive shaft system and is available in Sky Fox mechanics or Benzin versions.  Length is 66", height is 12 1/2", and rotor diameter can be from 63" to 66".  Weight is around 21 lbs.


Radio Control Helicopter
The rc AS 350 Ecureuil fuselage for Trex 500 from Skyhunter Hobby. Length is 39", width 6", and height 9 1/2". The kit includes the fiberglass body, canopy, stab. and skids.