50 Years of SkyHigh Success - The Untold Story of the AS350 Helicopter's Legendary Journey!

Today, 27 June we mark a momentous milestone in aviation history - the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil prototype. On this day, half a century ago, a modest helicopter took to the skies from the Aerospatiale factory in Marignane, France, and the world has never been the same since. Let’s take a light-hearted flight through the history and impact of this remarkable aircraft, now known as the Airbus Helicopters H125, affectionately nicknamed the Squirrel.

A Brief History Lesson

Once upon a time, in the early 1970s, the folks at Aérospatiale decided it was high time to develop a new helicopter to replace the aging Alouette II. They figured, "Why not make something that actually sells?" They had their hopes dashed by the less-than-stellar commercial success of the Aérospatiale Gazelle, which, despite its military appeal, wasn't exactly flying off the shelves in civilian markets. Enter Chief Engineer René Mouille and his dream team, who were tasked with creating a helicopter that was economical, cost-effective, and capable of wooing both civilian and military operators.

The Maiden Flight

On June 27, 1974, the first prototype of the AS350C, powered by a Lycoming LTS101 turboshaft engine, took to the skies. Not wanting to be left behind, the second prototype, powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1A, followed suit on February 14, 1975. By the end of 1977, both versions had received certification, and in 1978, they began rolling out to customers like hotcakes.

Evolution and Innovation

The AS350 Écureuil didn't just sit back and rest on its laurels. No, this helicopter was all about self-improvement. Over the years, it received numerous upgrades to its rotor system, powerplants, and avionics. It even flirted with a fenestron tail-rotor in 1987 and saw the birth of the AS350 B3, equipped with an Arriel 2B engine, in 1997. Talk about a glow-up!

Facts and Figures

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty with some bulleted facts and figures for those who prefer their history served with a side of specs:

Helicopter Specifications:

• Names: Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil (Squirrel), Airbus Helicopters H125, AStar (North America)

• Manufacturer: Originally Aérospatiale and Eurocopter, now Airbus Helicopters

• Variants:

  • Single-Engine: AS350B, AS350 BA, AS350 B1, AS350 B2, AS350 B3

  • Twin-Engine: AS355 Ecureuil 2 (TwinStar in North America)

• Derivative: Eurocopter EC130 (Airbus Helicopters H130)

• Engine Options: Lycoming LTS101 or Turbomeca Arriel

• Rotor: Three-blade main rotor with Starflex rotor head

• Materials: Composite materials for main and tail rotors

• Upgrades: Dual-channel FADEC engines, digital avionics, glass cockpit, AFCS, autopilot

• Number built : 7,000 (July 2022 for Écureuil family // 3,590 (AS350/AS550: 2009)

• Avionics: G500H TXi, GTN 650Xi, GNC 255, GMA 350, GI 275

Global Impact

The AS350 has been a global sensation, proving its worth from the peaks of Mount Everest to the jungles of Brazil. Here's a whirlwind tour of its illustrious career:

Milestones:

• Everest Landing: On May 14, 2005, an AS350 B3 landed on Mount Everest, setting a world record.

• High-Altitude Rescues: Achieved multiple high-altitude rescue records, including a rescue at 7,800 meters on Everest in 2013.

• US Popularity: The AStar has been a top-seller in the US commercial market, particularly among law enforcement and governmental agencies.

• Global Reach: From the Brazilian Navy to the UK's Defence Helicopter Flying School, the AS350 has found fans in over 100 countries.

A Squirrel’s Legacy

As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, let's raise a toast to the AS350 Écureuil. This little helicopter that could has not only revolutionized the rotorcraft industry but also captured the hearts of pilots, passengers, and aviation enthusiasts worldwide. Its blend of innovation, reliability, and versatility has set a high bar for helicopters everywhere.

So here's to 50 years of soaring high, setting records, and proving that even a Squirrel can conquer the skies. Cheers to the AS350 - may your rotors keep spinning for many more years to come!