Eurocopter AS355 Écureuil 2

{{Short description|Utility helicopter in France}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}  {{Infobox aircraft |name= AS355 Écureuil 2/Twin Squirrel/TwinStar |image= File:Aérospatiale AS-355 F2 Ecureuil 2 Héli Béarn SARL F-HJLD - MSN 5064 (5387445580).jpg |caption= A AS355 departs Toulouse–Blagnac Airport. |type= Light utility helicopter |national_origin= France |manufacturer= Aérospatiale<br />Eurocopter<br />Airbus Helicopters<br />DaimlerChrysler Aerospace |designer= |first_flight= 28 September 1979 |introduction= |retired= |status= In service |primary_user= |more_users= |produced= 1975–2016 |number_built= |developed_from= Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil |variants= |developed_into= Eurocopter AS555 Fennec 2 }}

The '''Eurocopter''', later '''Airbus Helicopters''', '''AS355 Écureuil 2''', or '''Twin Squirrel''', is a twin-engine light utility helicopter developed and originally manufactured by Aérospatiale in France.

The Écureuil 2 was directly derived from the single-engined AS350 Écureuil, performing its maiden flight on 28 September 1979 and introduced to service shortly thereafter. The type was marketed in North America as the '''TwinStar'''. During the 1990s, Aérospatiale merged its helicopter interests into the multinational Eurocopter consortium; under this new entity, the Écureuil 2 continued to be manufactured. In 2016, shortly after Eurocopter's rebranding as Airbus Helicopters, the group ended production of the Écureuil 2.

==Design and development== During the early 1970s, Aérospatiale initiated a development programme to produce a replacement for the aging Aérospatiale Alouette II.<ref name = "euro his"/> While the Aérospatiale Gazelle, which had been developed in the 1960s and 1970s, had been met with numerous orders by military customers, commercial sales of the type had been less than anticipated, thus the need for a civil-oriented development was identified.<ref name = "euro his"/>

The development of the new rotorcraft, which was headed by Chief Engineer René Mouille, was focused on the production of an economic and cost-effective aerial vehicle. Both Aérospatiale's Production and Procurement departments were heavily involved in the design process.<ref name = "euro his"/> One such measure was the use of a rolled sheet structure, a manufacturing technique adapted from the automotive industry; another innovation was the newly developed ''Starflex'' main rotor. It was also decided that both civil and military variants of the emergent helicopter would be developed to conform with established military requirements.<ref name="euro his">[http://www.eurocopter.ir/site/en/ref/1974_-AS350-355-AS550-555-EC130_469-138.html?noeu_id=469 "1974: AS350/355 Ecureuil/AStar- AS550/555 Fennec – EC130."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226132245/http://www.eurocopter.ir/site/en/ref/1974_-AS350-355-AS550-555-EC130_469-138.html?noeu_id=469 |date=26 December 2015 }} ''Eurocopter'', Retrieved: 25 December 2015.</ref>

[[File:29.10.08 vôo SJC 036.jpg|thumb|left|Helibras-built AS355 Écureuil 2]] On 27 June 1974, the first prototype, an AS350C powered by a Lycoming LTS101 turboshaft engine, conducted its maiden flight at Marignane, France; the second prototype, powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1A, following on 14 February 1975.<ref name = "euro his"/><ref name="jawa03 p244">Jackson 2003, p. 244.</ref> On 28 September 1979, a twin-engined version of the rotorcraft made its first flight; it was subsequently released and marketed under the names ''Écureuil 2'', ''Twin Squirrel'' and in North America, ''TwinStar''.<ref name="Janes 88 p61">Taylor 1988, p. 61.</ref>

It was not long before overseas production of the type commenced. The Brazilian helicopter manufacturer Helibras' most numerous product in its lineup has been the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/article/20121002/DEFREG02/310020007/Eurocopter-Unit-Inaugurates-Chopper-Plant-Brazil "Eurocopter Unit Inaugurates Chopper Plant in Brazil.]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}", ''defensenews'', 2 October 2012.</ref><ref name = "hebr upgr">[http://www.helicoptermaintenancemagazine.com/article/eurocopter%E2%80%99s-helibras-subsidiary-modernize-36-as350-ecureuil-helicopters-operated-brazilian- "Eurocopter's Helibras Subsidiary to Modernize 36 AS350 Ecureuil Helicopters Operated by the Brazilian Army Aviation Command.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617055110/http://www.helicoptermaintenancemagazine.com/article/eurocopter%E2%80%99s-helibras-subsidiary-modernize-36-as350-ecureuil-helicopters-operated-brazilian- |date=17 June 2015 }}", ''Helicopter Maintenance'', 1 February 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newszentech-to-support-brazilian-aircraft-carrier-sao-paulos-upgrade-programme-4571216 "Zentech to support Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo’s upgrade programme.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614232732/http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newszentech-to-support-brazilian-aircraft-carrier-sao-paulos-upgrade-programme-4571216 |date=14 June 2015 }}", ''naval-technology'', 7 May 2015.</ref> The company had licence-assembled both the AS350 and AS355 from kits shipped from Eurocopter main production line for the family in Marignane, France; Brazilian AS355s contain a level of indigenously developed content as well.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/buoyed-in-brazil/59845.article |title = Buoyed in Brazil |work= Flight International |date = 19 April 2005 |first = Justin |last = Wastnage}}</ref> During the 2000s, Eurocopter was reportedly in talks to open up an additional AS355 production line in China.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/western-firms-wrestle-for-chinese-market/53768.article |title = Western firms wrestle for Chinese market |work= Flight International |first = Paul |last = Derby |date = 25 February 2004}}</ref>

Despite the introduction of the Eurocopter EC130 in 2001, production of both the AS350 and AS355, and of their AS550 and AS555 ''Fennec'' militarized counterparts, was continued for some time. During 2007, the more capable ''AS355 NP'' variant, was introduced to service.<ref name = "2007 upgrade"/> According to aerospace periodical ''Flight International'', the decision to develop the AS355 NP, which Eurocopter stated was aimed at the corporate transport and utility operators, had been the firm's response to American competitor Bell Helicopter's launch of the Bell 417.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/eurocopter-launches-heavier-twin-squirrel-and-ec135-variants/66021.article |title = Eurocopter launches heavier Twin Squirrel and EC135 variants |work= Flight International |date = 1 March 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-launches-honeywell-hts900-powered-417-to-rival-eurocopter-squirrel/65999.article |title = Bell launches Honeywell HTS900-powered 417 to rival Eurocopter Squirrel |work= Flight International |date = 27 February 2006}}</ref>

In addition to Eurocopter's internal efforts to enhance the Écureuil 2, third parties developed their own modifications and upgrades specifically for the type.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/away-from-the-wires/73852.article |title = Away from the wires |work= Flight International |date = 23 May 2007}}</ref> Conversion programs and addons for the AS350 family have been produced and are offered by numerous 'aftermarket' specialists; many upgrade and refit programmes have involved the increasing use of digital systems, such as the Garmin-built G500H avionics suite.<ref name = "Lombardi">Lombardi, Frank. [http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/AStar-Evolution_84871.html "AStar Evolution.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226065911/http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/AStar-Evolution_84871.html |date=26 December 2015 }}", ''Aviation Today'', 12 May 2015.</ref> thumb|A parked Ecureuil 2. During September 2015, Airbus Helicopters announced that the company had decided to terminate the manufacture of the AS355 as part of an effort to focus on stronger-selling rotorcraft. Production of the AS355 continued through 2016 until the existing order backlog had been fulfilled.<ref name = "as355 end">Perry, Dominic. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-helicopters-ditches-as355-light-twin-416423/ "Airbus Helicopters ditches AS355 light twin."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905115219/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-helicopters-ditches-as355-light-twin-416423/ |date=5 September 2015 }} ''Flight International'', 4 September 2015.</ref> Despite the termination of the AS355 programme, production of its AS350 siblings has continued and even been expanded around the same timeframe.<ref>[http://www.onlineamd.com/airbus-helicopters-us-made-as350-030415.aspx "First US-made Airbus Helicopters AS350 certified.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706094023/http://www.onlineamd.com/airbus-helicopters-us-made-as350-030415.aspx |date=6 July 2015 }}", ''Aerospace Manufacturing and Design'', 3 March 2015.</ref><ref>Forrest, Ben. [http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Airbus-aims-to-ramp-up-H125-production-in-Mississippi "Airbus aims to ramp up H125 production in Mississippi."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226093552/http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Airbus-aims-to-ramp-up-H125-production-in-Mississippi |date=26 December 2015 }} ''Vertical Magazine'', 22 December 2015.</ref>

==Variants==

;AS355 :Prototype of the twin-engined ''Écureuil 2'' or ''Twin Squirrel'' ;AS355 E :Initial production version, with single hydraulics, powered by two Allison 250-C20F turboshaft engines ;AS355 F :Improved version, with dual hydraulics and increased maximum weight of 2,300 kg (5,070 lb) ;{{visible anchor|AS355 F1}} :Powered by two Allison 250-C20F engines; 2,400 kg (5,291 lb) maximum weight ;AS355 F2 :Powered by two Allison 250-C20F engines; 2,540 kg (5,600 lb) maximum weight and a yaw compensation system ;AS355 M :Initial armed version of AS355 F1 ;AS355 M2 :Armed version of AS355 F2. Superseded by AS555 Fennec ;{{visible anchor|AS355 N Ecureuil 2}} :Version fitted with two Turbomeca Arrius 1A engines and a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system for better M.T.O.W (2,600 kg or 5,732 lb) and better single engine performance, tail rotor strake added along starboard side of tail boom for better yaw authority ;AS355 NP Ecureuil 2 :Introduced in 2007, this version is fitted with two Turbomeca Arrius 1A1 turboshaft engines and a new AS350 B3-based main gearbox, increasing maximum take-off weight to 2,800 kg (6,173 lb).<ref name = "2007 upgrade">[http://www.eurocopter.com/publications/FO/scripts/newsFO_complet.php?lang=EN&news_id=463 "Eurocopter Upgrades Its Most Affordable Twin, The AS355 Ecureuil/TwinStar"]. ''Eurocopter''. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223034943/http://www.eurocopter.com/publications/FO/scripts/newsFO_complet.php?lang=EN&news_id=463 |date=23 December 2008 }}</ref> ;HB.355F Esquilo Bi :Assembled in Brazil by Helibras (part of Eurocopter). Designated '''UH-13''' by the Brazilian Navy. Cargo and VIP transport variants are respectively designated '''CH-55''' and '''VH-55''' by the Brazilian Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/brazil.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref> ;HB.355N Esquilo Bi :Assembled in Brazil by Helibras

===Aftermarket conversions=== ;Heli-Lynx 355FX1 :Powered by the Allison C20F engine. FAA, TC, and EASA approved ;Heli-Lynx 355FX2 :Powered by the Allison C20F engine. FAA, TC and EASA approved ;Heli-Lynx 355FX2R :Powered by the Allison C20R engine. FAA and TC approved ;Starflex AS355F1R :AS355 F1 powered by the Allison C20R engine. FAA, TC and EASA approved ;Starflex AS355F2R :AS355 F2 Powered by the Allison C20R engine with optimised tail rotor blades. FAA, TC and EASA approved

==Operators== The AS355 Écureuil 2 is used by both private individuals and companies, helicopter charter and training organizations as well as law enforcement and government use.

===Military and government operators=== ;{{ALG}} *Algerian Air Force<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016 ">{{cite web |url =https://flightglobal.com/asset/6297/waf/ |title =World Air Forces 2016 |publisher =Flightglobal Insight |year =2016 |access-date =28 May 2016 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160119005850/https://flightglobal.com/asset/6297/waf/ |archive-date =19 January 2016 |url-status =live |df =dmy-all}}</ref> ;{{ARG}} *Argentine Naval Prefecture<ref>{{cite magazine |title= Argentine Coast Guard Receives its First Ecureuil |magazine= Air International |date=March 2011 | volume=80 |issue= 3| page=28 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref> ;{{flag|Australia}} ;* Bernie Wainscott Helicopters ;* Surf Life Saving South Australia ;{{AUT}} * Austrian Federal Police<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bmi.gv.at/202/Flugpolizei/Typenuebersicht.aspx |title= Austrian Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs |publisher= bmi.gv.at |access-date= 5 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180905175601/https://www.bmi.gv.at/202/Flugpolizei/Typenuebersicht.aspx |archive-date= 5 September 2018 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref> ;{{BLR}} * Border Guard<ref>{{cite web |url= http://news.tut.by/society/170932.html |title= Государственный пограничный комитет вооружается европейскими вертолетами |publisher= news.tut.by |access-date= 1 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517090844/http://news.tut.by/society/170932.html |archive-date= 17 May 2013 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all}}</ref> *Ministry of Emergency Situations<ref>{{cite web |url=https://avia.mchs.gov.by/park-vozdushnykh-sudov/ |title=Парк воздушных судов |publisher=mchs.gov.by |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013175354/https://avia.mchs.gov.by/park-vozdushnykh-sudov/ |archive-date=13 October 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ;{{BRA}} *Brazilian Air Force<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016 "/> *Brazilian Naval Aviation<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016 "/> ;{{CAM}} *Royal Cambodian Air Force<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016 "/> ;{{CAN}} * International Test Pilots School<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aircraft – ITPS Canada|url=http://www.itpscanada.com/aircraft/|access-date=2020-10-09}}</ref> * Ontario Provincial Police<ref>{{cite web |url= http://helihub.com/2011/02/04/ontario-provincial-police-upgrade-from-as355f2-to-ec135p2/ |title= Ontario Provincial Police upgrade from AS355F2 to EC135P2+ |date= 4 February 2011 |publisher= helihub.com |access-date= 1 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130604011838/http://helihub.com/2011/02/04/ontario-provincial-police-upgrade-from-as355f2-to-ec135p2/ |archive-date= 4 June 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Ontario-Provincial-Police/Aerospatiale-AS-355F-2-TwinStar/1212353/L/&sid=dea016e47f91e4b491408010653d4b1c |title=Ontario Provincial Police AS-355F |publisher=Demand media |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061757/http://www.airliners.net/photo/Ontario-Provincial-Police/Aerospatiale-AS-355F-2-TwinStar/1212353/L/%26sid%3Ddea016e47f91e4b491408010653d4b1c |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> ;{{CHL}} *Chilean Army<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|work= Flightglobal |year= 2022 |doi = |accessdate= 14 July 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref> ;{{DJI}} *Djibouti Air Force<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016 "/> ;{{JAM}} * Jamaica Defence Force<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jdfmil.org/equipment/aircraft/aircraft_home_ecurieul.php |title= JDF AS-355 |publisher= jdfmil.org |access-date= 1 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131224195358/http://jdfmil.org/equipment/aircraft/aircraft_home_ecurieul.php |archive-date= 24 December 2013 |url-status= usurped |df= dmy-all}}</ref> ;{{flag|Malawi}} *Malawi Air Wing<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016 "/> ;{{MYS}} * Royal Malaysia Police<ref>{{cite web |url= http://helihub.com/2012/10/23/royal-malaysian-police-wants-more-helicopters/ |title= Royal Malaysian Police wants more helicopters |date= 23 October 2012 |publisher= helihub.com |access-date= 1 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130603221517/http://helihub.com/2012/10/23/royal-malaysian-police-wants-more-helicopters/ |archive-date= 3 June 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref> [[File:West Midlands Police helicopter G-WMPA.jpg|thumb|West Midlands Police's G-WMPA]] ;{{RUS}} * Ministry of Interior{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} ;{{URY}} *National Navy of Uruguay<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016 "/> ;{{USA}} * Massachusetts State Police<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.eurocopterusa.com/products/AS355-overview.asp |title= AS355 NP Overview |publisher= eurocopterusa.com |access-date= 1 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120919233659/http://www.eurocopterusa.com/products/AS355-overview.asp |archive-date= 19 September 2012 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref>

===Former operators=== ;{{flag|Bophuthatswana}} *Bophuthatswana Air Force<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202494.html |title=World's Air Forces 1987 pg. 28 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516075641/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202494.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> ;{{IRL}} * Garda Air Support Unit<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx?Page=36 |title= About the Air Support Unit |publisher= garda.ie |access-date= 1 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120222034619/http://www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx?Page=36&Lang=1 |archive-date= 22 February 2012 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref> ;{{NZL}} * New Zealand Police<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nzcivair.blogspot.com/2009/11/helilink-helicopters-at-mechanics-bay.html |title=NZ Civil Aircraft |date=16 November 2009 |publisher=nzcivair.com |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304133042/http://nzcivair.blogspot.com/2009/11/helilink-helicopters-at-mechanics-bay.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==

* On 8 May 1992, the Western Australian Police Polair One helicopter crashed while attempting to land on a sports oval for a public display in Kelmscott. The helicopter was destroyed after a fire started in the engine bay following ground impact. The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation report determined "The helicopter probably entered a vortex ring state during the final approach".<ref name="ATSBVHNJL">{{cite web |title=Aerospatiale AS355F1, VH-NJL, Kelmscott WA, 8 May 1992 |url=https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/1992/aair/aair199203840/ |website=Australian Transport Safety Bureau: Aviation safety investigations & reports |publisher=Australian Transport Safety Bureau |access-date=27 January 2021}}</ref> The pilot and crewman received minor injuries, and the two passengers serious injuries, as a result of the accident. * On 22 October 1996, an AS355 F1 Squirrel, registration G-CFLT, crashed in bad weather near Middlewich, Cheshire, England, killing all five on board. The people on board included Matthew Harding, a businessman and vice chairman of English football club Chelsea F.C. (the flight was returning to London from a Chelsea match in Bolton). The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch found that the pilot had insufficient qualifications and experience to fly in such poor conditions;<ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/35087.stm | title = Pilot disorientated on impact | work = BBC News | access-date = 17 September 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5422f2ebe5274a131700044f/4-1997_G-CFLT.pdf |title=Aircraft Accident Report 4/97 |access-date=7 December 2019 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> the agency also recommended a ban on commercial VFR helicopter night flying.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/aaib-advises-ban-on-vfr-night-flights/18629.article |title = AAIB advises ban on VFR night flights|work= Flight International |date = 3 December 1997}}</ref> * In July 1998, the Kent Air Ambulance, an AS355 F1 Squirrel, crashed in good weather after colliding with power cables near Burham whilst returning to Rochester Airport following an aborted call to attend a road accident.<ref name=aaib>{{cite web |url=http://www.aaib.gov.uk/sites/aaib/cms_resources/dft_avsafety_pdf_500724.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090317070926/http%3A//www.aaib.gov.uk/sites/aaib/cms_resources/dft_avsafety_pdf_500724.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 March 2009 |publisher=Air Accident Investigation Board |title=Bulletin No:2/2000 Aerospatiale AS355 F1 Ecureuil II G-MASK |access-date=14 May 2009}}</ref> All three crew – the pilot, Graham Budden, and two paramedics, Tony Richardson and Mark Darby – were killed on impact.<ref>{{cite news |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/139680.stm |date=27 July 1998 |title=UK Helicopter crash kills three |access-date=4 January 2010}}</ref> * On 2 May 2007, Chelsea Football Club Vice President Philip Carter, founder of training company Carter and Carter, crashed in his part-owned Twin Squirrel registration G-BYPA returning from Liverpool John Lennon Airport after watching Chelsea play Liverpool F.C.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/6614347.stm|title = Wealthy fan and son die in crash|date = 2 May 2007}}</ref> thumb|VH-NTV in December 2010 * On 18 August 2011, an AS-355F-2 (reg No/ VH-NTV) crashed near Lake Eyre in South Australia, resulting in three fatalities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Collision with terrain – Aérospatiale Industries helicopter, VH-NTV, near Lake Eyre, SA, 18 August 2011 |url=http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2011/aair/ao-2011-102.aspx |work=Australian Transport Safety Bureau |access-date=20 August 2011 |date=19 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821155909/http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2011/aair/ao-2011-102.aspx |archive-date=21 August 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The helicopter was owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. On board were Gary Ticehurst (ABC chief helicopter pilot for 25 years), John Bean (cameraman) and Paul Lockyer (journalist).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-19/investigators-head-to-abc-chopper-crash-site/2847074 |title=ABC chopper crash probe could take a year|work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 August 2011 |access-date=20 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820090614/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-19/investigators-head-to-abc-chopper-crash-site/2847074 |archive-date=20 August 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In response to the accident, Australia tightened the rules governing helicopter night flights.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/australia-tightens-rules-for-helicopter-night-flying/111816.article |title = Australia tightens rules for helicopter night flying |work= Flight International |first = David |last = Learmount |date = 25 November 2013}}</ref> * On 20 October 2011, a Belarus border patrol Eurocopter twin-engine helicopter crashed close to the village of Vileity near the Lithuanian border and burst into flames, killing all five people on board, including three members of a television crew.<ref>[http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/2011/10/helicopter-crash-belarus-kills-5 Helicopter crash in Belarus kills 5]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> * On 29 March 2017, a Eurocopter AS-355F-1 Ecureuil 2 was lost over the Snowdonia National Park in Wales whilst en route from Luton to Dublin, carrying five people on board.<ref>{{cite news |work=BBC News |title=Missing helicopter: Police launch Snowdonia ground search |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-39440755 |access-date=22 June 2018 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Specifications (AS355F2)== thumb|right|Cockpit of AS355 F1 Ecureuil 2

{{Aircraft specs |ref= ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89''<ref name="Janes 88 p6062">Taylor 1988, pp. 60–62.</ref> |prime units?= met  |crew= 1 |capacity= 6 / |length m= 12.94 |length note= inc. main and tail rotors ::::{{cvt|10.93|m|0}} fuselage and tail rotor only |height m= 3.14 |height note= |empty weight kg= 1305 |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg= 2540 |max takeoff weight note= internal load ::::{{cvt|2600|kg|0}} with max. slung load |fuel capacity= {{cvt|730|L|USgal impgal}} usable, in two tanks |more general=  |eng1 number= 2 |eng1 name= Allison 250-C20F |eng1 type= turboshaft engines |eng1 kw= 313 |eng1 note=

|rot number= 1 |rot dia m= 10.69 |rot area sqm= 89.75 |rot area note=<br> *'''Blade aerofoil section:''' ONERA OA211 : '''root'''; ONERA OA209/OA207 : '''tip'''<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>  |max speed kmh= |max speed note= |cruise speed kmh= 224 |cruise speed note= (max cruise) |never exceed speed kmh= 278 |never exceed speed note= |range km= 703 |range note= with max fuel no reserve |ferry range km= |ferry range note= |endurance= |ceiling m= 3400 |ceiling note= |g limits= |roll rate= |climb rate ms= 6.5 |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |wing loading kg/m2= |wing loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |power/mass= |more performance=

|avionics= }}

==See also== {{Portal|Aviation|France}} {{Aircontent |related= * Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil * Eurocopter AS555 Fennec * Eurocopter EC130 |similar aircraft= * Bell 427 * MD Helicopters MD Explorer * HAL Light Utility Helicopter |lists= * List of active United Kingdom military aircraft |see also= }}

==References== ===Citations=== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

===Bibliography=== *{{cite journal |last1=Elliott|first1=Bryn|title=On the Beat: The First 60 Years of Britain's Air Police, Part Two|journal=Air Enthusiast|date=May–June 1999|issue=81|pages=64–69 |issn=0143-5450}} * {{cite book |editor-last=Jackson |editor-first=Paul |title=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004 |year=2003 |location=Coulsdon, Surry, UK |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=0-7106-2537-5}} * {{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988–89 |year=1988 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=London |isbn=0-7106-0867-5 |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W.R. |edition=79th |pages=60–62}}

==Further reading== * {{cite journal |title=Directory: World Air Forces |journal=Flight International |date=11 November 2008 |pages=52–76 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getasset.aspx?ItemID=26061 |access-date=7 December 2019}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Airbus Helicopters AS355 Ecureuil 2}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140927180702/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/ref/Overview_80.html AS355 page on manufacturer's website]

Category:Airbus Helicopters aircraft Category:Aérospatiale aircraft Category:1970s French helicopters Category:1970s French civil utility aircraft Category:Twin-turbine helicopters Category:Aircraft first flown in 1979