Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil

{{Short description|Single engine series of the Ecureuil light helicopter family}} {{redirect|AStar|the algorithm|A* search algorithm|other uses|A* (disambiguation)|and|Astar (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = AS350 Écureuil/AStar H125 | image = File:RAN squirrel helicopter at melb GP 08.jpg | caption = An AS350BA Squirrel of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm at the 2008 Australian Grand Prix | type = Light utility helicopter | national_origin = France | manufacturer = Aérospatiale Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters Helibras Tata Advanced Systems (future) | designer = | first_flight = 27 June 1974 | introduction = 1975 | status = In service | primary_user = Brazilian Air Force | more_users = Pakistan Army Aviation Royal Jordanian Air Force | produced = since 1975 | number_built = 7,200 (for the Écureuil family)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/civil-helicopters/h125 | title=H125 | Civil helicopters | Airbus | date=29 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://air-cosmos.com/article/et-de-7-000-42646 | title=Et de 7.000 ! | date=12 July 2022 }}</ref> 3,590 (AS350/AS550: 2009)<ref>[http://airbushelicoptersinc.com/images/support/TechBriefings2010/AS350%20AS355-EC130-tech-briefing-Heli-Expo2010.pdf "Eurocopter AS350, AS355 & EC130 Technical Briefing] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112233459/http://airbushelicoptersinc.com/images/support/TechBriefings2010/AS350%20AS355-EC130-tech-briefing-Heli-Expo2010.pdf |date=12 January 2016 }}", ''Airbus Helicopters'', February 2010.</ref> | developed_from = | variants = Eurocopter AS550 Fennec Eurocopter AS355 Écureuil 2 | developed_into = Changhe Z-11 Eurocopter EC130 }} [[File:FIREFLIGHT.jpg|thumb|Flagler County Fire Rescue's FIREFLIGHT. The first AS350 B3 in North America.]] thumb|alt=AS350 Rainbow Helicopter in Hawaii, 2021|AS350 Rainbow Helicopter in Hawaii, 2021 thumb|AS350 B2 Ecureuil of Elifly operator in Italy, 2018

The '''Airbus Helicopters H125''' (previously the '''Eurocopter AS350''') '''Écureuil''', or '''Squirrel''', is a single-engine light utility helicopter designed and originally manufactured by the French corporation Aérospatiale, later by Eurocopter, which became Airbus Helicopters. In North America, the H125 is marketed as the '''AStar'''. The AS355 Ecureuil 2 is a twin-engine variant, marketed in North America as the TwinStar.

The Eurocopter EC130 is a derivative of the AS350 airframe and is considered by the manufacturer to be part of the Écureuil single-engine family.<ref>Fabre, François et al., [http://www.easa.europa.eu/system/files/dfu/EASA-OEB-Final-Report-Eurocopter_AS350_Family_(B3e)-04-06082012.pdf "Final Report: Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil/Single Engine Family, Revision 4.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227190913/http://www.easa.europa.eu/system/files/dfu/EASA-OEB-Final-Report-Eurocopter_AS350_Family_(B3e)-04-06082012.pdf |date=27 February 2015 }}", ''European Aviation Safety Agency'', 8 June 2012.</ref>

==Development== In the early 1970s, Aérospatiale initiated a development program 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, thus 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>

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> The Arriel-powered version, the AS350B, intended for sale throughout the world except for North America, was certified in France on 27 October 1977, while the Lycoming powered AS350C (or AStar) was certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration on 21 December 1977. In March 1978, deliveries to customers began for the AS350B, deliveries of the AS350C began in April 1978.<ref name="jawa82 p56">Taylor 1982, p. 56.</ref>

Over time, the AS350 Écureuil/AStar has received further development; while the aircraft's design remains broadly similar, aspects such as the rotor system, powerplants, and avionics have been progressively improved. On 6 February 1987, a prototype AS350 flew with a fenestron tail-rotor in the place of its conventional counterpart. On 1 March 1997, the first AS350 B3, equipped with an Arriel 2B engine, performed its first flight.<ref name = "euro his"/>

Conversion programs and addons for AS350s have been produced and are offered by third-party 'aftermarket' aerospace firms in addition to those available directly from the type's prime manufacturer. Variants of the Arriel-powered AS350B, AS350 BA, AS350 B1, AS350 B2, and AS350 B3, were progressively introduced; the later B3 differing from preceding models by the increasing use of digital systems, such as the Garmin-built G500H avionics suite and FADEC engine control system.<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>

Prior to 2013, the type had been manufactured principally at Eurocopter's Marignane facility, near Marseille, France; Eurocopter opted to, as part of a move to disperse its helicopter production activities, begin AS350 production and final assembly activities at its factory in Columbus, Mississippi, for deliveries to U.S. commercial helicopter market. The Astar has been Eurocopter's biggest-selling product in the US commercial market, at one point selling roughly one AS350 every business day.<ref>Osborne, Tony. [http://aviationweek.com/aerospace-manufacturing/french-unions-dislike-eurocopter-s-us-as350-plan "French Unions Dislike Eurocopter's U.S. AS350 Plan.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226022722/http://aviationweek.com/aerospace-manufacturing/french-unions-dislike-eurocopter-s-us-as350-plan |date=26 December 2015 }}", ''Aviation Week'', 30 September 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2013/09/23/Eurocopter-to-assemble-AS350-aircraft-in-Mississippi/97301379951889/ "Eurocopter to assemble AS350 aircraft in Mississippi.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328193340/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2013/09/23/Eurocopter-to-assemble-AS350-aircraft-in-Mississippi/97301379951889/ |date=28 March 2015 }}", United Press International, 23 September 2013.</ref> In March 2015, the first Columbus-assembled AS350 B3e received its FAA certification.<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> In December 2015, Airbus Helicopters reported their intention to double the rate of AS350 production at Columbus in 2016 over the previous year, and that the facility is capable of producing up to 65 AS350s per year.<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>

=== Indian assembly line === On 26 January 2024, while the French president, Emmanuel Macron, was in India as the chief guest of the Republic Day parade, Airbus Helicopters announced its partnership with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India for helicopter production. The FAL would deliver the H125 for civilian markets in India and South Asia. The facility would be set up by the Tata Advanced Systems along with Airbus within 24 months with the first Made in India helicopter, with EASA-certified quality assurance, expected to be produced in 2026. The facility's location was yet to be decided by the companies.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=PTI |date=2024-01-26 |title=Airbus, Tata Group to jointly set up helicopter manufacturing facility |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2024/Jan/26/airbus-tata-group-to-jointly-set-up-helicopter-manufacturing-facility-2 |access-date=2026-02-14 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=Airbus partners with Tata Group to set up India’s first helicopter Final Assembly Line in the private sector |date=2024-01-26 |publisher=Airbus |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-01-airbus-partners-with-tata-group-to-set-up-indias-first-helicopter |access-date=2026-02-14}}</ref> Ten helicopters will be assembled each year, potentially increasing to 20, 30, or 50 in the future. As of July 2024, 500 units are expected to be produced in 20 years. The H125 base variant produced in India, will cost above Euro 3.2 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jalhotra |first=Ravi |date=21 July 2024 |title=Made in India Airbus H-125 choppers to cost above Euro 3.2 million per unit, assembly line construction to start by winters this year |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/business/made-in-india-airbus-h-125-choppers-to-cost-above-euro-32-million-per-unit-assembly-line-construction-to-start-by-winters-this-year20240721141734/ |access-date=21 July 2024 |website=ANI}}</ref>

On 23 July 2024, TASL and Airbus signed the deal for production. The H125's engine and gearbox will come from France, the main airframe from Germany, and the tail boom from Spain. The component assemblies to be done in India include avionics and mission systems, flight controls, hydraulic circuits, fuel system and the engine.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 July 2024 |title=Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Airbus seal contract to establish H125 helicopter assembly unit in India |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/tata-advanced-systems-ltd-airbus-seal-contract-to-establish-h125-helicopter-assembly-unit-in-india/articleshow/111959505.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

As of July 2024, Airbus identified 8 locations to become potential sites for the FAL,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Airbus shortlists 8 sites for making H125 choppers in India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/airbus-shortlists-8-sites-for-making-h125-choppers-in-india-101721555597969.html |access-date=21 July 2024 |website=Hindustan Times|date=21 July 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 July 2024 |title=Airbus shortlists 8 sites for H125 helicopter final assembly line in India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/airbus-shortlists-8-sites-for-h125-helicopter-final-assembly-line-in-india/articleshow/111902428.cms |access-date=21 July 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> which was shortlisted to four by January 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 January 2025 |title=Airbus shortlists four states for copter unit |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/airbus-shortlists-four-states-for-copter-unit-101737139024073-amp.html |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref> The sites were located in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-02-26 |title=Army chief Gen Dwivedi visits Airbus’ helicopter facility in France |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-chief-gen-dwivedi-visits-airbus-helicopter-facility-in-france-101740576937605.html |access-date=2026-02-14 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> In May, it was decided the new site will be erected in the Vemagal Industrial Area of Kolar, Karnataka.<ref>{{cite web |date = 27 May 2025 | title = Tata-Airbus to set up India's first private helicopter assembly line in Karnataka | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/tata-airbus-to-set-up-indias-first-private-helicopter-assembly-line-in-karnataka/articleshow/121443423.cms | website = The Times of India | access-date = 8 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Majumder |first=Arindam |date=26 May 2025 |title=Karnataka wins Tata- Airbus helicopter manufacturing unit |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/karnataka-wins-tata-airbus-helicopter-manufacturing-unit/articleshow/121419379.cms?from=mdr |access-date=27 May 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> This would be the fourth such assembly line for the helicopter in the world.<ref name=":2" /> The first helicopter is expected to be delivered in early 2027.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Airbus, Tata Advanced Systems Limited launch a new era: ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopter to take flight from Karnataka |date=1 October 2025 |publisher=Airbus |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-10-airbus-tata-advanced-systems-limited-launch-a-new-era-made-in-india |access-date=4 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 October 2025 |title=Made in India H125 helicopter to roll out from Kolar factory in 2027 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/made-in-india-airbus-h125-helicopter-from-tata-advanced-systems-limited-to-roll-out-from-vemagal-in-kolar-district-in-2027/article70117010.ece |access-date=6 October 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

On 26 February 2025, the Indian Army chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, visited the Airbus facility in France where he was demonstrated the military capabilities of the helicopter.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1894723466395283800 |user=adgpi |title=#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS visited the Airbus Facility at Marseille where he was briefed on cutting edge aviation technology... |date=2025-02-26 |access-date=2026-02-14}}</ref> On 28 August, Airbus Helicopters signed a contract with Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. (MAPL) as part of which MAPL will supply the main fuselage of the H125 helicopter. The manufacturing is expected to begin immediately at MAPL's existing plant in Bengaluru with the first unit scheduled to be delivered in 2027.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 August 2025 |title=Airbus Helicopters awards H125 Fuselage contract to Mahindra Aerostructures |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/airbus-helicopters-awards-h125-fuselage-contract-to-mahindra-aerostructures/articleshow/123559485.cms |access-date=28 August 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

The H125 is reportedly one of the frontrunner in the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters (RSH) tender launched in August 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajkumar |first=Mike |date=2025-09-19 |title=India revives army and air force light helicopter requirement |url=https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2025/09/india-revives-army-and-air-force-light-helicopter-requirement-foc/ |access-date=2026-02-14 |website=Asian Military Review |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 17 February 2026, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, virtually inaugurated the Final Assembly Line at Vemegal from Mumbai. The investment in the programme will likely exceed {{INRConvert|1000|b|lk=on|year=2026}}.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Prime Minister & French President virtually inaugurate Final Assembly Line of H-125 Light Utility Helicopter at Vemagal, Karnataka |date=2026-02-17 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2229395&reg=3&lang=1 |access-date=2026-02-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=Tata Advanced Systems inaugurates Airbus H125 helicopter production line to boost India’s vertical-lift capabilities |date=2026-02-17 |publisher=Airbus |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-02-tata-advanced-systems-inaugurates-airbus-h125-helicopter-production-line-to-boost-indias-vertical |access-date=2026-02-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-02-17 |title=Tata-Airbus aircraft: Modi, Macron unveil the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters in Karnataka |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/tata-airbus-aircraft-modi-macron-unveil-the-final-assembly-line-of-h-125-helicopters-in-karnataka/articleshow/128463061.cms |access-date=2026-02-17 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

==Design== The AS350 is a single engine helicopter, powered either by a Lycoming LTS101 or Turbomeca Arriel powerplant that drives a three-blade main rotor, which is furnished with a ''Starflex'' rotor head. The type is known for its high-altitude performance and has seen use by operators in such environments.<ref name="Lombardi" /> Both the main and tail rotors make use of composite material and are designed to minimize corrosion and maintenance requirements.<ref name="r&w 07" />

The AS350 was also developed to comply with the noise requirements in place in locations such as national parks; the in-cabin noise levels are such that passengers may also readily converse during flight. The aircraft can also be quickly started up and shut down, which is often useful during emergency medical services roles.<ref name="r&w 07" /> It is equipped with hydraulically-assisted flight controls; these controls remain operational, albeit operated with greater physical effort, in the event of a hydraulic failure.<ref>[http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/personal-corporate/executive-transport/AS350-Hydraulics-Out-Fly-the-Procedure_12161.html "AS350: Hydraulics Out? Fly the Procedure.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226161803/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/personal-corporate/executive-transport/AS350-Hydraulics-Out-Fly-the-Procedure_12161.html |date=26 December 2015 }}", ''Rotor & Wing'', 1 June 2007.</ref>

Much of the AS350's avionics are provided by Garmin, such as the GI 106A course-deviation indicator, GNS 430 VHF/VOR/localizer/glideslope indicator/Global Positioning System receiver, GTX 327 Mode A and C transponder, and GMA 340H intercom.<ref name="r&w 07">Stephens, Ernie, and James T. McKenna. [http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/personal-corporate/executive-transport/The-AS350-Versatility-and-Power_11987.html "The AS350 — Versatility and Power.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216212821/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/personal-corporate/executive-transport/The-AS350-Versatility-and-Power_11987.html |date=16 December 2015 }}", ''Rotor & Wing'', 1 June 2007.</ref> The Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) and the First Limit Indicator (FLI) both serve to increase the aircraft's safety during flight, reducing the number of gauges that need to be monitored by the pilot and thereby reducing their workload.<ref name="air civ" /> For increased smoothness in flight, which positively affects passenger comfort as well as safety, stability augmentation systems can be installed. Later-production aircraft feature new avionics and systems such as the integration of an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and autopilot, a glass cockpit featuring three liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) and digital avionics, such as the synthetic-vision terrain mapping system and Airbus's ''Multibloc'' center console upon which radios may be mounted.<ref name="Lombardi" /><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 Magazine'', 1 February 2011.</ref>

The AS350 has proven popular in a range of roles; multiple cabin configurations can be used, between four and six passengers in a typical seating configuration, and large sliding doors can be fitted to either side of the cabin. In some operators' fleets, the furnishings of the cabin has been designed to enable the internal space and/or equipment fit-out to be rapidly reconfigured to enable aircraft to be switched between roles.<ref name="Lombardi" />

Public service operators, such as those in law enforcement, often have forward looking infrared (FLIR) cameras and other mission systems installed on their aircraft. Other optional equipment on offer to operates had included real-time data links, rescue hoists, underslung cargo hooks, electrical external mirrors, search lights, tactical consoles, night vision goggle-compatibility, moving-map system, internal cabin tie-downs, second battery kit, sand filters, wire strike protection system, 4-channel radio, tail rotor arch, cabin floor windows, and removable seats.<ref name="Lombardi" /><ref name="air civ">[https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/docs_wsw/RUB_29/tile_2658/Broch_H125-2015.pdf "Civil: H125."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911141604/https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/docs_wsw/RUB_29/tile_2658/Broch_H125-2015.pdf |date=11 September 2015 }} ''Airbus Helicopters'', 2015.</ref>thumb|H125 cockpit

[[File:Aerospatiale AS-350B-2 Ecureuil, Heli Partner AN1013302.jpg|thumb|AS350B2, Switzerland, 2006]]

Modern aircraft have refinements beyond those featuring on older models; these changes include dual-channel FADEC-equipped engines, increasing use of digital avionics in the cockpit, decreased maintenance costs, a re-designed cabin, and a comfortable ''Stylence'' interior (optional).<ref name = "Lombardi"/><ref name = "air civ"/> Older aircraft often undergo refurbishment programs to install aftermarket features, or for the addition of functionality common to newer production aircraft, such as retrofitting of the glass cockpit.<ref name = "hebr upgr"/>

==Operational history== {{expand section|date=June 2015}} [[File:Helicopter rescue sancy takeoff.jpg|thumb|A French Gendarmerie AS350, 2005]]

On 14 May 2005, an AS350 B3 piloted by Eurocopter test pilot Didier Delsalle touched down on the top of Mount Everest, at {{convert|8848|m|abbr=on|sigfig=4}},<ref name="everestnet">{{cite web |url=http://www.mounteverest.net/story/FrenchEverestMysteryChoppersUtopiasummit-VIDEOMay272005.shtml |title=French Everest Mystery Chopper's Utopia summit |publisher=MountEverest.net |date=27 June 2005 |access-date=20 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113192323/http://www.mounteverest.net/story/FrenchEverestMysteryChoppersUtopiasummit-VIDEOMay272005.shtml |archive-date=13 January 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.everestnews.com/stories2005/everestcopter05272005.htm|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120224042457/http://www.everestnews.com/stories2005/everestcopter05272005.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 February 2012|title=Everest 2005: The Helicopter land on Everest with video: But it is good?|website=wayback.archive-it.org}}</ref><ref name="as350ng">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0509/whats_new/helicopter_everest.html |title=Landing on Air |publisher=National Geographic Adventure |date=1 September 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802071837/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0509/whats_new/helicopter_everest.html |archive-date=2 August 2009 }}</ref> a record that has been confirmed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.<ref name=alt>"[http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=11596 FAI Record ID #11596 – Highest take-off] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305113002/http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=11596 |date=5 March 2014 }}" ''Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).'' Retrieved: 20 September 2014.</ref> Although Delsalle used a standard version of the Eurocopter, he removed unnecessary elements, such as passenger seats, to reduce the standard weight by 120 kg and increase the fuel range by an additional hour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krasner |first=Helen |date=29 March 2022 |title=Can a Helicopter Fly to the Top of Mount Everest? |url=https://executiveflyers.com/can-a-helicopter-fly-to-the-top-of-mount-everest/ |access-date=12 April 2025 |website=Executive Flyers |language=en-US}}</ref> On 29 April 2010, a stripped-down AS350 B3 rescued three Spanish alpinists, one at a time, from the slopes of Annapurna I, Nepal at an altitude of {{convert|6900|m|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}; this set a new record for the highest such rescue.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.alanarnette.com/news/2010/05/11/helicopter-rescues-in-everests-western-cwm/ | title=Helicopter Rescues in Everest's Western CWM? | access-date=28 February 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723073009/http://www.alanarnette.com/news/2010/05/11/helicopter-rescues-in-everests-western-cwm/ | archive-date=23 July 2012 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The record was increased to {{convert|7800|m|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}, during the rescue of Sudarshan Gautam between Camps III & IV in Everest's Yellow Band on the morning of 20 May 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bierling|first1=Billi|title=The height of folly?|url=http://actionasia.com/articles/the-height-of-folly|publisher=Action Asia Magazine|date=October 2013|quote=When he fell at the Yellow Band during his descent, Gautam then set another landmark: for the highest helicopter rescue in the world. The Italian pilot Maurizio Folini took on the daring task and used a 'long line' from 7,800 metres to pull the 30-year-old off the mountain. The rescue may also cost Gautam his place in the Himalayan Database as, according to Hawley's criteria, his climb is not complete.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620183748/http://actionasia.com/articles/the-height-of-folly|archive-date=20 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Arnette|first1=Alan|title=Everest 2014: Can I be Rescued on Everest?|url=http://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2014/02/28/everest-2014-can-rescued-everest/|date=28 February 2014|access-date=28 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620183827/http://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2014/02/28/everest-2014-can-rescued-everest/|archive-date=20 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Sottocornola|first1=Sara|title=Everest, record superato: incredibile recupero vicino a campo 4 per Maurizio Folini|url=http://www.montagna.tv/cms/47806/everest-record-superato-incredibile-recupero-vicino-a-campo-4-per-maurizio-folini|website=montagna.tv|language=pt|date=23 May 2013|access-date=28 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620184039/http://www.montagna.tv/cms/47806/everest-record-superato-incredibile-recupero-vicino-a-campo-4-per-maurizio-folini|archive-date=20 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Wright|first1=Brian|title=Daring High Altitude Rescue on Everest Sets Record|url=http://www.rockandice.com/lates-news/daring-high-altitude-rescue-on-everest-sets-records|publisher=Rock and Ice, The Climber's Magazine|date=10 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417092915/http://www.rockandice.com/lates-news/daring-high-altitude-rescue-on-everest-sets-records|archive-date=17 April 2015}}</ref> On 2 June 2014, an AS350 B3e broke a national record in Mexico by successfully landing on the peak of Pico de Orizaba, at {{convert|5636|m|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}, the nation's tallest mountain.<ref>[http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/AS350B3ebreaksrecordonMexicoshighestmountain "AS350 B3e breaks record on Mexico's highest mountain.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028232618/http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/AS350B3ebreaksrecordonMexicoshighestmountain |date=28 October 2015 }}", ''Vertical Magazine'', 2 June 2014.</ref>

The AS350 AStar has been successful in the US market, having become the most popular helicopter platform in use with American governmental agencies, law enforcement being a typical use of the type, by 2015.<ref>[http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/topstories/Several-California-Law-Enforcement-Agencies-to-Use-New-AStar-Model_84643.html "Several California Law Enforcement Agencies to Use New AStar Model.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606082509/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/topstories/Several-California-Law-Enforcement-Agencies-to-Use-New-AStar-Model_84643.html |date=6 June 2015 }}", ''Rotor & Wing'', 3 March 2015.</ref> By 1999, the AS350 had become the prime helicopter being used by the United States Customs Service for light enforcement operations;<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=3iJ2-MFx9E4C&pg=PA15192 "Congressional Record, V. 145, Pt. 11, July 1, 1999 to July 15, 1999.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801124814/https://books.google.com/books?id=3iJ2-MFx9E4C&pg=PA15192 |date=1 August 2017 }}", ''Government Printing Office'', pp. 15192-15193. Retrieved 5 June 2015.</ref> by 2007, the agency had become the single largest operator of the type in the world.<ref>Schmidt-Creton, Vanessa. [http://www.airbushelicopters.com/w1/jrotor/73/helisul.html "Largest Astar Operator in the US.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112233459/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/w1/jrotor/73/helisul.html |date=12 January 2016 }}", ''Airbus Helicopters'', 12 July 2007.</ref> By 2012, out of the 3,300 AS350s in operation across the world, 783 of them were in service with American-based operators.<ref>[http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/10782913/american-eurocopter-celebrates-200th-american-made-as350-helicopter "American Eurocopter Celebrates 200th American-Made AS350 Helicopter.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112233459/http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/10782913/american-eurocopter-celebrates-200th-american-made-as350-helicopter |date=12 January 2016 }}", ''AviationPros'', 20 September 2012.</ref>

In the Russian market since 2006, the AS350 and other helicopters built by the manufacturer have been sold and supported by wholly owned subsidiary ''Eurocopter Vostok''; UTair Aviation soon emerged as the largest Russian operator of the AS350 B3e with a fleet of at least 20 of the type.<ref>"Eurocopter Vostok Delivers First Enhanced AS350 B3e Helicopters for Utair Aviation, Which Will Become the Largest Ecureuil Operator in Russia and CIS." ''Eurocopter'', 12 January 2012.</ref>

In December 2014, EASA validation was issued for Airbus Helicopters China to conduct training and support activity at their facility in Shenzhen, China; various components of the AS350 (such as the main and tail gearboxes) are now maintained locally.<ref>[http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/Airbus-Helicopters-Receives-EASA-Approval-for-Joint-Venture-Training-and-Support-in-China_83720.html "Airbus Helicopters Receives EASA Approval for Joint-Venture Training and Support in China."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004141840/http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/Airbus-Helicopters-Receives-EASA-Approval-for-Joint-Venture-Training-and-Support-in-China_83720.html |date=4 October 2015 }}, ''Aviation Today'', 15 December 2014.</ref> On 9 September 2015, China's first helicopter leasing company, CM International Financial Leasing Corp Ltd (CMIFL), placed an order for 100 Ecureuil-series helicopters, these are to be a mix of H125 and H130 helicopters.<ref>Wen, Wang. [http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2015-09/09/content_21834886.htm "Heli-Expo launches with huge order for Airbus."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112233459/http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2015-09/09/content_21834886.htm |date=12 January 2016 }}, ''China Daily'', 9 September 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.avionews.com/index.php?corpo=see_news_home.php&news_id=1170274&pagina_chiamante=index.php "China Heli-Expo 2015" (3): "Chinese CMIFL sign agreement for 100 H-125/H-130 helicopters over five years."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005145427/http://www.avionews.com/index.php?corpo=see_news_home.php&news_id=1170274&pagina_chiamante=index.php |date=5 October 2015 }}, ''AvioNews'', 9 September 2015.</ref> thumb|An airbus H125 (Eurocoptes As350) operated by Rotortec Brazil has been an extensive operator of the AS350; by 2011 more than 300 helicopters were operating in the country, including from the flight deck of the Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo.<ref name = "hebr upgr"/><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> Since 1984, the Brazilian Navy has used AS350s to support the Brazilian Antarctic Program.<ref>Morant, Belen. [http://www.airbushelicopters.com/w1/jrotor/80/fidae%20(5).html "The Brazilian Navy: The Ecureuil in Antarctica.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614122305/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/w1/jrotor/80/fidae%20(5).html |date=14 June 2015 }}", ''Rotor Online'', April 2009.</ref> Helibras, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurocopter, operates in the country; of the 600 helicopters it had domestically manufactured for the Brazilian market by 2012, 70% were AS350s.<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> In January 2011, Helibras signed a contract with the Brazilian Army to substantially upgrade and refurbish their existing fleet of 36 AS350 Ecureuils.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110108170159/http://www.savunmasanayi.net/as350lere-genclik-iksiri/as350lere-genclik-iksiri/ Article title]}} "Elixir of Youth for AS350] {{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}", ''SavunmaSanayi.Net'', 6 January 2011.</ref>

thumb|AS350 B2, 2001

In the United Kingdom, the Defence Helicopter Flying School operated 26 AS350, designated ''Squirrel HT1'', for the training of pilots of Britain's armed forces; the type was introduced from 1997 onwards as a replacement for the Aérospatiale Gazelle.<ref>[http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/Squirrelht1.cfm "Squirrel HT1.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613150315/http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/Squirrelht1.cfm |date=13 June 2015 }}", ''Royal Air Force''. Retrieved 6 June 2015.</ref> In September 2014, the UK's Ministry of Defence issued a request for proposals to replace the Squirrel HT1; Airbus Helicopters has already announced its intention to offer a mixed fleet of Eurocopter EC130s and Eurocopter EC135s in response.<ref>Perry, Dominic. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-mod-begins-training-helicopter-acquisition-403559/ "UK MoD begins training helicopter acquisition.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714180349/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-mod-begins-training-helicopter-acquisition-403559/ |date=14 July 2015 }}", ''Flight International'', 10 September 2014.</ref> Since May 1984, the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Air Arm has operated a fleet of AS350s, these were upgraded to the AS350 BA standard in 1995; the Royal Australian Air Force had previously operated the AS350 for training purposes, and briefly for search and rescue missions, but these were later transferred to the Australian Army.<ref>[http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/05/navys-battle-budgie-turns-30/ "Navy's ‘Battle Budgie’ turns 30.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619080603/http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/05/navys-battle-budgie-turns-30/ |date=19 June 2015 }}", australianaviation.com.au, 30 May 2014.</ref> In 2017, the AS350 was retired from Australian Navy service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.helis.com/database/news/ran-farewell/|title=Royal Australian Navy Retires S-70B-2 and AS350|website=Helis.com}}</ref>

Between June 2007 and December 2007, the Danish Air Force operated a deployment of four AS350 helicopters at Basra International Airport, Iraq, to perform liaison and reconnaissance missions in support of coalition forces during the Iraq War.<ref>Ripley 2010, p. 297.</ref> In June 2015, the Argentine Defense Ministry ordered 12 H125s to replace their 1970s era Aérospatiale SA 315B Lamas for para-public support missions, such as search and rescue operations, inside Argentina.<ref>Guevara, Inigo. [http://www.janes.com/article/52635/argentina-signs-mou-for-12-airbus-helicopters-h125s "Argentina signs MoU for 12 Airbus Helicopters H125s.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702043546/http://www.janes.com/article/52635/argentina-signs-mou-for-12-airbus-helicopters-h125s |date=2 July 2015 }}", ''IHS Jane's Defence Weekly'', 29 June 2015.</ref> By June 2020, 3,663 H125 were operational, the largest number of any type.<ref>{{cite web |title=The global helicopter market in numbers |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopter-report/the-global-helicopter-market-in-numbers/141414.article |website=Flight Global |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201218163835/https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopter-report/the-global-helicopter-market-in-numbers/141414.article |archive-date=18 December 2020 |language=en |date=18 December 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 1978, Transport Canada (TC) issued the Canadian type certificate for the AS 350 C model, marking it as the first of the AS 350 series certified in Canada. The AS 350 B was added to the type certificate's data sheet in February 1980, and the AS 350 B1 received certification from TC in July 1988. AS350s are widely utilized in Canada for fire suppression and mountain operations. This versatile helicopter is frequently equipped with a Bambi Bucket, capable of carrying up to 1,500 liters of water, making it an effective tool for aerial firefighting. The AS350's agility, power, and ability to operate in challenging terrains, such as dense forests and mountainous regions, make it invaluable for combating wildfires.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiahelicopters.ca/airbus-as350-sd2 | title=Airbus AS350 SD2 }}</ref>

==Variants==

thumb|AS 350 B3

;AS350 :Prototype. ;AS350 Firefighter :Fire fighting version. ;{{Visible anchor|AS350B}} :Powered by one Turbomeca Arriel 1B engine. ;AS350 B1 :Improved version of the original AS350B, which is powered by one Arriel 1D engine, type also fitted with AS355 main rotor blades, AS355 tail rotor with tabs and a tail rotor servo. ;{{Visible anchor|AS350 B2}} :Higher gross weight version powered by one Arriel 1D1 engine over the B1 version with aerodynamic strake fitted to tail boom along the starboard side and angled engine exhaust duct for better yaw control. ;{{Visible anchor|AS350 B3}} :High-performance version, is powered by an Arriel 2B engine equipped with a single channel Digital Engine Control Unit (DECU) with a mechanical backup system. This helicopter is the first ever to land on the summit of Mount Everest. AS350 B3/2B1 variant introduces enhanced engine with dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), dual hydraulics and a 2,370 kg (5,225 lb) Maximum Take Off Weight. ;{{Visible anchor|AS350 B3e/H125}} :AS350 B3e (introduced late 2011) equipped with the Arriel 2D engine producing 952 horsepower; AS350 B3e renamed H125.<ref>{{cite web|title= H125|url=http://www.airbus.com/helicopters/civil-helicopters/light-single/h125.html|publisher=Airbus S.A.S.|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180223235825/http://www.airbus.com/helicopters/civil-helicopters/light-single/h125.html|archive-date=23 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ;{{Visible anchor|AS350 BA}} :Powered by an Arriel 1B engine and fitted with wider chord AS355 main rotor blades and tail rotor servo. ;AS350 BB :AS350 B2 variant selected to meet rotary-wing training needs of UK MoD, through its Defence Helicopter Flying School in 1996. Powered by a derated Arriel 1D1 engine to improve the helicopters' life cycle. ;Eurocopter Squirrel HT.1 :Designation of ''AS350BB'' formally operated by the British Military, through the Defence Helicopter Flying School as a training helicopter. ;Eurocopter Squirrel HT.2 :Designation of ''AS350BB'' formally operated by the British Army Air Corps as a training helicopter, based at Middle Wallop. Now retired. ;AS350 C :Initial variant of Lycoming LTS-101-600A2 powered version developed for the North American market as the ''AStar''. Quickly superseded by AS350D. ;AS350 D :Powered by one Lycoming LTS-101 engine for the North American market as the ''AStar''. At one stage marketed as AStar 'Mark III.' ;AS350 L1 :Military derivative of AS350 B1, powered by a 510kW (684shp) Turbomeca Arriel 1D turboshaft engine. Superseded by AS350 L2. ;AS350 L2 :Military derivative of AS350 B2, powered by a 546 kW (732shp) Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 turboshaft engine. Designation superseded by AS550 C2. ;HB350 B Esquilo :Unarmed military version for the Brazilian Air Force. Brazilian designations '''CH-50''' and '''TH-50'''. Built under licence by Helibras in Brazil. ;HB350 B1 Esquilo :Unarmed military version for the Brazilian Navy. Brazilian designation '''UH-12'''. Built under licence by Helibras in Brazil. ;HB350 L1 :Armed military version for the Brazilian Army. Brazilian designation '''HA-1'''. Built under licence by Helibras in Brazil. ;IH-18 :Brazilian Navy designation of the Airbus H125.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Military Aircraft Designations |url= https://designation-systems.net/non-us/brazil.html |access-date=16 March 2025 |website= Designation systems}}</ref>

===Aftermarket conversions=== ;Soloy SD1, Super D :AS350 BA, D powered by an LTS101-600A-3A engine. ;Soloy AllStar :AS350 BA powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engine. ;Soloy SD2 :AS350 B2 powered by an LTS101-700D-2 engine. thumb|alt=An Airbus AS350 SD2 operated by Columbia Helicopters|An Airbus AS350 SD2 operated by Columbia Helicopters ;Heli-Lynx 350FX1 :AS350 BA powered by an LTS101-600A-3A engine. ;Heli-Lynx 350FX2 :AS350 BA or AS350 B2 powered by an LTS101-700D-2 engine. ;Otech AS350BA+ :AS350 BA powered by an LTS101-600A-3A engine.<ref>Reyno, Mike, "Power Play", ''Vertical'' December 2006</ref>

==Operators== The AS350 is in service around the world operated by private individuals, airline and charter operators, emergency medical teams, governments and law enforcement agencies. [[File:Fênix 01 (5373669348).jpg|thumb|right|An AS350 of the PMDF in Brazil]]

===Military and government operators=== ''' {{ARG}}''' * Argentine National Gendarmerie<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurocopter.com/w1/jrotor/75/argentine.html |title=Ecureuil scores success in South America |publisher=eurocopter.com |access-date=17 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224020144/http://www.eurocopter.com/w1/jrotor/75/argentine.html |archive-date=24 December 2012 }}</ref> * Buenos Aires Province Police<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airbushelicopters.com/w1/jrotor/69/buenosaires.html |title= Control and Prevention |access-date= 18 December 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140221161457/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/w1/jrotor/69/buenosaires.html |archive-date= 21 February 2014 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref> ''' {{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> ;{{BOL}} * Bolivian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{BOT}}''' * Botswana Defence Force Air Wing<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{BRA}}''' *Brazilian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023">{{cite news |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688|title = World Air Forces 2023|newspaper = Flight Global|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2023 |doi = |access-date= 2 November 2023}}</ref> * Brazilian Naval Aviation<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> * Ibama<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://s2.glbimg.com/5ik-outyqlKEkaSaNfnd0Kh-Kv4=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_59edd422c0c84a879bd37670ae4f538a/internal_photos/bs/2023/h/W/CZGiEdT02AVuaTBWigkw/terra-yanomami-7-.jpeg|title=Ibama image|accessdate=4 April 2023}}</ref> * São Paulo State Police<ref>Lucchesi ''Air International'' June 2000, p. 377.</ref> * Military Brigade of Rio Grande do Sul * Minas Gerais State Police<ref>{{cite web |title=PMMG Aeronaves | newspaper=Polícia Militar de Minas Gerais |url=https://www.policiamilitar.mg.gov.br/portal-pm/corpaer/corpaer/conteudo.action?conteudo=136&tipoConteudo=subP |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817055828/https://www.policiamilitar.mg.gov.br/portal-pm/corpaer/corpaer/conteudo.action?conteudo=136&tipoConteudo=subP |archive-date=17 August 2018 |access-date=29 March 2016}}</ref> [[File:OCPD Air-One.jpeg|thumb|Oklahoma City Police Department's AS350 B3e]] '''{{flag|Burkina Faso}}''' *Burkina Faso Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{CAM}}''' *Royal Cambodian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{CAN}}''' *Calgary Police Service<ref>{{cite web|title=HAWCS continues to serve as instrumental resource in keeping Calgarians safe|url=https://newsroom.calgary.ca/hawcs-continues-to-serve-as-instrumental-resource-in-keeping-calgarians-safe/|access-date=9 October 2020}}</ref> *Edmonton Police Service<ref> {{cite news|title=New Edmonton police helicopter can fly faster, longer than its predecessor|newspaper=Edmontonjournal |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/new-edmonton-police-helicopter-can-fly-faster-longer-than-its-predecessor|access-date=23 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224000217/http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/new-edmonton-police-helicopter-can-fly-faster-longer-than-its-predecessor|archive-date=24 February 2018|url-status=live}} </ref> *Royal Canadian Mounted Police<ref>{{cite web|title=R.C.M.P Helicopter|url=http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/nl/prog_services/helicopt-eng.htm|access-date=26 January 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118043605/http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/nl/prog_services/helicopt-eng.htm|archive-date=18 November 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> *Canadian Helicopters<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.canadianhelicopters.com/fleet/single-engine-aircraft/|title=Single Engine Aircraft}}</ref> '''{{CAF}}''' * Central African Republic Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{flag|Chad}}''' *Chadian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{CHL}}''' * [[File:C-28 (Airbus H125 of the Carabineros de Chile).jpg|thumb|Carabineros de Chile AS350 ]] Chilean Army<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>[[File:Limaalfa01.JPG|thumb|right|Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department AS350 B2]] * Chilean Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{flag|Denmark}}''' *Royal Danish Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{ECU}}''' * Ecuadorian Army<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{flag|Egypt}}''' *Egyptian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{FRA}}''' *Gendarmerie Nationale<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/775/ |title= French National Gendarmerie AS350 ecureuil |access-date= 17 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130515014743/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/775/ |archive-date= 15 May 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref> '''{{GAB}}''' * Gabonese Air Force<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016"/> '''{{GEO}}''' * Ministry of Internal Affairs<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://bpg.gov.ge/uploads/photo/original/2/2035.jpg |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226020814/http://bpg.gov.ge/uploads/photo/original/2/2035.jpg |archive-date=26 December 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://bpg.gov.ge/uploads/photo/original/2/2036.jpg |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226020838/http://bpg.gov.ge/uploads/photo/original/2/2036.jpg |archive-date=26 December 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://bpg.gov.ge/ge/special-aviation |title=Სპეციალური დანიშნულების ავიაციის მთავარი სამმართველო - საქართველოს შსს სასაზღვრო პოლიცია |access-date=25 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226020812/http://bpg.gov.ge/ge/special-aviation |archive-date=26 December 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Eurocopter AS-350B-3 Ecureuil, Heli-Linth AN1174998.jpg|thumb|right|AS350B-3 Écureuil over Lauberhorn, Switzerland]] [[File:Air Greenland Airbus AS350 on top of a mountain peak.jpg|thumb|AS350-B3 Écureuil on top of Kinaussak Mountain in Greenland]] '''{{flag|Guatemala}}''' *Guatemalan Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> ;{{GRL}} * Air Greenland '''{{ISL}}''' *Icelandic Coast Guard<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/every/iceland-cg-all-time-aircraft-listing.htm |title= Iceland CG Aircraft |publisher= aeroflight.co.uk |access-date= 17 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111023174107/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/every/iceland-cg-all-time-aircraft-listing.htm |archive-date= 23 October 2011 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref> '''{{INA}}''' *Municipal Government of Mimika Regency<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpnn.com/news/penuh-perjuanganakhirnya-mimika-punya-helikopter-harganya|title=Penuh Perjuangan..Akhirnya, Mimika Punya Helikopter, Harganya?|website=jpnn.com|date=1 August 2016|access-date=31 March 2021|language=id}}</ref> '''{{ISR}}''' *Israel Police<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/234291|title=Fast and furious: The new police helicopters|date=21 August 2017 |publisher=israelnationalnews.com|access-date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213708/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/234291|archive-date=21 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 August 2017 |title=צפו: מסוקי האיירבוס החדשים של המשטרה נכנסו לשירות |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5005947,00.html |access-date=6 November 2025 |website=ynet |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 August 2017 |title=הכירו וצפו במסוקי 'הכחל' החדשים של משטרת ישראל - בחדרי חרדים |url=https://www.bhol.co.il/news/829142 |access-date=6 November 2025 |website=www.bhol.co.il |language=he}}</ref> '''{{JOR}}''' *Royal Jordanian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{KEN}}''' *Kenya Air Force<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/82824/kenya-receives-fennec-helicopters|title=Kenya receives Fennec helicopters|publisher=IHS Jane's|date=6 September 2018|access-date=6 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907071414/https://www.janes.com/article/82824/kenya-receives-fennec-helicopters|archive-date=7 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> '''{{Flag|Kurdistan Region}}'''

* CTG Kurdistan<ref>{{Cite web |last=vanHerk |first=Hans |date=10 July 2023 |title=Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Air Force Taking Shape! |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/patriotic-union-of-kurdistan-air-force-taking-shape |access-date=19 July 2025 |website=Scramble.nl |language=en-GB}}</ref>

'''{{LES}}''' *Lesotho Defence Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> [[File:Anaheim PD AS350.jpg|thumb|Anaheim Police Department's AS350 B2, known Angel]] '''{{MAD}}''' * Malagasy Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{MWI}}''' * Malawi Army Air Wing<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{NAM}}''' *Namibian Police Force<ref>{{cite magazine| title= Namibian Police Order EC145|magazine=Air International |date=October 2011 |volume=81 |issue= 4| page=34|issn=0306-5634}}</ref> '''{{NEP}}''' *Nepalese Army Air Service<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{PAK}}''' * Pakistan Army Aviation<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{PAR}}''' * Paraguayan Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> * Paraguayan Naval Aviation<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{PHI}}''' [[File:Sbc-sheriff-B3-N631SB-050915-01-16.jpg|thumb|right|San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department AS350 B3]] *Philippine National Police<ref name=helihub>{{cite web |url=http://helihub.com/2012/10/24/philippine-national-police-look-to-purchase15-helicopters/ |title=Philippine National Police look to purchase 15 helicopters |publisher=HeliHub |date=12 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402034929/http://helihub.com/2012/10/24/philippine-national-police-look-to-purchase15-helicopters/ |archive-date=2 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> '''{{PRT}}''' * Ministry of Internal Administration<ref>{{Cite web|title=MEIOS AÉREOS NO COMBATE A INCÊNDIOS FLORESTAIS |work=Operacional|url=https://www.operacional.pt/meios-aereos-no-combate-a-incendios-florestais/|access-date=18 August 2021|language=pt-PT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Piloto de helicóptero "estava em choque" |url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/portugal/detalhe/piloto_de_helicoptero_estava_em_choque |access-date=31 December 2022 |website=www.cmjornal.pt |date=2 July 2015 |language=pt-PT}}</ref> '''{{QAT}}''' * Qatar Ministry of Defence<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jennings |first1=Gareth |title=Qatar receives first H125 training helos |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85928/qatar-receives-first-h125-training-helos |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=24 January 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190124210525/https://www.janes.com/article/85928/qatar-receives-first-h125-training-helos |archive-date=24 January 2019 |location=London |date=24 January 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> '''{{RUS}}''' * Russian Aerospace Forces<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> '''{{RSA}}''' * South African Police Service<ref>[http://www.eurocopter.co.za/Content5.aspx Eurocopter Southern Africa] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406125136/http://www.eurocopter.co.za/Content5.aspx |date=6 April 2013 }}</ref> *South African National Parks Air Wing<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Head |first=Elan |title=Rotors over the Kruger |magazine=Air International |date=January 2020 |volume=98 |issue=1 |pages=30–35 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref> '''{{GBR}} ''' *Empire Test Pilots School [[File:dhfs eurocopter as.350bb squirrel ht1 arp.jpg|thumb|AS.350BB Squirrel HT1 of the (UK) Defence Helicopter Flying School]] '''{{USA}}''' *Texas DPS<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/aircraft-operations-division |title=Aircraft Operation Division |publisher= Texas Department of Public Safety}}</ref> *Alaska State Troopers<ref>{{cite web|url=https://alaskastatetrooper.com/alaska-wildlife-troopers/ |title=RECRUITMENT – Pilot |publisher=Alaska Department of Public Safety |access-date=27 October 2022}}</ref> *Anaheim Police Department<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ocregister.com/2017/04/11/anaheim-pd-buying-third-helicopter/ |title=Anaheim PD buying third helicopter |newspaper=Orange County Register |access-date=4 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412125146/http://www.ocregister.com/2017/04/11/anaheim-pd-buying-third-helicopter/ |archive-date=12 April 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> *Baltimore County Police Department<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/aviation1.html |title=Baltimore County Md. Police - Aviation Unit |access-date=22 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901134121/http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/aviation1.html |archive-date=1 September 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> *California Highway Patrol<ref>{{cite web|url= http://helihub.com/2016/01/19/airbus-delivers-six-h125s-to-four-california-law-enforcement-agencies/|title= Airbus delivers six H125s to four California law enforcement agencies|date= 19 January 2016|publisher= helihub.com|access-date= 29 March 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160402004551/http://helihub.com/2016/01/19/airbus-delivers-six-h125s-to-four-california-law-enforcement-agencies/|archive-date= 2 April 2016|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref> *East Flagler Mosquito Control District<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gollon |first=Chris |date=22 June 2024 |title=East Flagler Mosquito Control District Welcomes New Helicopter |url=https://askflagler.com/east-flagler-mosquito-control-district-welcomes-new-helicopter/ |access-date=22 June 2024 |work=AskFlagler}}</ref> *Kansas State Highway Patrol<ref>{{Cite web |title=Troop T - Aircraft |url=https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/find-a-troop/troop-location-map/special-operations/troop-t-aircraft/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |website=Kansas Highway Patrol, KS |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:Airbus H125 - Los Angeles Police Department Air Support (cropped).jpg|thumb|An AS350 of the LAPD]] *Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.code2high.com/lasd_aero.htm |title=LASD Aero Bureau |publisher=code2high.com |access-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913060822/http://www.code2high.com/lasd_aero.htm |archive-date=13 September 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> *Los Angeles Police Department<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.laweekly.com/informer/2014/02/21/why-is-that-lapd-helicopter-circling-overhead |title=Why Is That LAPD Helicopter Circling Overhead? |work=LA Weekly |access-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301190704/http://www.laweekly.com/informer/2014/02/21/why-is-that-lapd-helicopter-circling-overhead |archive-date=1 March 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> *Long Beach Police Department (California)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.longbeach.gov/insidelb/blogs/lbpd-air-support-unit-force-multiplier-at-600-feet |title=LBPD Air Support Unit |work=InsideLB }}</ref> *Memphis Police Department<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aircraft Inquiry|url=https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberResult?NNumberTxt=350MP|access-date=17 May 2021|website=registry.faa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Special Operations|url=https://www.memphistn.gov/government/police-department/special-operations/|access-date=17 May 2021|website=City of Memphis|date=July 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517143219/https://www.memphistn.gov/government/police-department/special-operations/|url-status=dead}}</ref> *D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, both AS350B3 and H125 variants in use.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Metropolitan Police Department: Air Support Unit|url=https://helicoptersofdc.com/helicopters/3-metropolitan-police-department-air-support-unit-falcon/|access-date=29 March 2021|website=Helicopters of DC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Air Support Unit (Falcon) |url=https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/air-support-unit-falcon|access-date=29 March 2021|website=MPDC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is adding a second Eurocopter AS350B3 | website=Vertical Mag | date=30 June 2016 | url=https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/washington-d-c-metropolitan-police-department-is-adding-a-second-eurocopter-as350b3-html/ | access-date=25 February 2024}}</ref> *New Mexico State Police<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Patrolman Ramon Robert Solis |url=https://www.odmp.org/officer/15853-patrolman-ramon-robert-solis |access-date=26 January 2025 |website=The Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP)}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Patrolman Damon Talbott |url=https://www.odmp.org/officer/15852-patrolman-damon-talbott |access-date=26 January 2025 |website=The Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP)}}</ref> *Miami Police Department<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N503PH|title=N503PH – Aircraft Registration|website=FlightAware|language=en|access-date=5 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406024226/https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N503PH|archive-date=6 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> *Oakland County Sheriff's Office<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N631SD|title= N631SD - Aircraft Registration|website=FlightAware|language=en|access-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325150113/https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N631SD|archive-date=25 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> *Ohio State Highway Patrol<ref>{{Cite news|title = Ohio State Highway Patrol orders first Columbus built H125 AStar|url = https://www.helicopterinvestor.com/news/86320/ohio-state-highway-patrol-orders-first-h125-astar-from-columbus-final-assembly-line-124/|work = Helicopter Invester|date = 15 July 2015|language = en-US|access-date=17 August 2025|df = dmy-all}}</ref> *Oklahoma City Police Department<ref>{{Cite news|title = Oklahoma City Police Department unveils new helicopters|url = http://newsok.com/article/5368755|work = The Oklahoman|date = 20 November 2014|language = en-US|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001144/http://newsok.com/article/5368755|archive-date = 4 March 2016|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> *Orange County Sheriff's Department<ref>{{Cite news|title = Orange County Sheriff Department helicopters|url = https://ocsheriff.gov/commands-divisions/investigations-special-operations-command/special-operations/air-support-bureau |work = OC Sheriff|language = en-US|df = dmy-all}}</ref> *Philadelphia Police Department<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/tag/philadelphia-police-aviation-unit/|title=Philadelphia Police Aviation Unit|website=philadelphia.cbslocal.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/article/airbus-helicopters-as350-astar-philadelphia-police-062814/|title=Philadelphia PD gets Airbus AS350 AStar helicopter|website=Aerospace Manufacturing and Design}}</ref> *San Diego Police Department<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.policehelicopterpilot.com/san-diego-police-air-support-unit|title=San Diego Police Air Support Unit|website=Police Helicopter Pilot|language=en-US|access-date=12 September 2019|archive-date=6 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106031059/http://www.policehelicopterpilot.com/san-diego-police-air-support-unit|url-status=dead}}</ref> *San Jose Police Department<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/27/get-to-the-chopper-san-jose-police-get-a-brand-new-eye-in-the-sky/ |title=Get to the chopper: San Jose police get a brand-new eye in the sky |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News |access-date=30 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728110309/https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/27/get-to-the-chopper-san-jose-police-get-a-brand-new-eye-in-the-sky/ |archive-date=28 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> *U.S. Customs and Border Protection<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/am/operations/locations/southwest_border.xml |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140324095203/http%3A//www.cbp.gov/border%2Dsecurity/air%2Dsea/oam%2Doperating%2Dlocations |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 March 2014 |title=Southwest Border Region/ CPB |publisher=cbp.gov |access-date=17 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/US-Customs-&/Eurocopter-AS-350B-3-Ecureuil/2036020/L/&sid=1c8dffba4aecd06ea6a9d2a8834a8cc7 |title=CPB AS 350 |publisher=Demand media |access-date=17 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426210806/http://www.airliners.net/photo/US-Customs-%26/Eurocopter-AS-350B-3-Ecureuil/2036020/L/%26sid%3D1c8dffba4aecd06ea6a9d2a8834a8cc7 |archive-date=26 April 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> '''{{UKR}}''' *Ministry of Internal Affairs<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.janes.com/article/78834/ukraine-to-buy-new-rotorcraft-from-airbus-helicopters |title= Ukraine to buy new rotorcraft from Airbus Helicopters |publisher= Jane's 360 |access-date= 26 May 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180530040428/http://www.janes.com/article/78834/ukraine-to-buy-new-rotorcraft-from-airbus-helicopters |archive-date= 30 May 2018 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }}</ref> ** State Border Guard Service thumb|H125 State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

===Retired=== '''{{ALB}}''' * Albanian Air Force '''{{AUS}}''' * Royal Australian Navy<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016">{{cite web|url =https://flightglobal.com/asset/6297/waf/|title =World Air Forces|publisher =Flightglobal Insight|year =2015|access-date =28 March 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><ref>{{cite web|last1=Dominguez|first1=Gabriel|title=RAN retires S-70B-2, AS350BA helicopters|url=http://www.janes.com/article/76113/|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171204181333/http://www.janes.com/article/76113/ran-retires-s-70b-2-as350ba-helicopters|archive-date=4 December 2017|date=1 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> '''{{UK}}''' * Defence Helicopter Flying School<ref name=" World Air Forces 2016"/>

==Aircraft on display== ===Australia=== *N22-001 – RAAF Museum, Point Cook.<ref name="Preserved Squirrels - Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia">{{cite web | url=https://www.faaaa.asn.au/heritage/heritage-aerospatiale-as350b-squirrel/preserved-squirrels/ | title=Preserved Squirrels }}</ref> *N22-015 – The Fleet Air Arm Museum, Nowra.<ref name="Preserved Squirrels - Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia" /> *N22-017 – The Australian War Memorial.<ref name="Preserved Squirrels - Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia" /> *N22-018 – To serve as “Gate Guard”, HMAS Albatross.<ref name="Preserved Squirrels - Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia" /> *N22-019 – Army Aviation Museum, Oakey.<ref name="Preserved Squirrels - Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia" /> ===France=== *Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil F-WOEX at the Musee de l'Aviation Saint Victoret in Bouches-du-Rhon, France. This is the helicopter that Didier Delsalle landed on the summit of Mount Everest in May 2005 ===Philippines=== * A Philippine National Police AS350BA with tail numbers RP-2041 on outdoor static Display at Fort Sto Domingo Sta Rosa, Laguna, Luzon, Philippines<ref>https://pnp.gov.ph/pnp-museum-celebrates-the-museums-and-galleries-month/{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref> ===Singapore=== *Eurocopter AS350 at the Singapore Air Force Museum.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/hengbok-nikita/4101308483/in/photostream/ | title=Ride of the Valkyries | date=27 October 2009 }}</ref>

==Notable accidents and incidents== *On 14 January 1986, the AS-350 used by Dakar Rally organiser Thierry Sabine as his personal transport during the event, crashed into a sand dune in Mali. The helicopter had just taken off again after it had been forced to land in the desert by a sudden sandstorm. All five on board were killed. Among the victims were Thierry Sabine, French singer-songwriter Daniel Balavoine and pilot François-Xavier Bagnoud. *On 22 February 1995, Massachusetts State Police helicopter N20SP carrying two troopers and two AT&T engineers crashed into the yacht club building. All on board died in the crash, which was attributed to significant operating deficiencies within the Police Air Wing which allowed contamination of the fuel bunker to go undetected.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Transportation Safety Board Aviation Accident Final Report |url=https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/ReportGeneratorFile.ashx?EventID=20001207X03023&AKey=1&RType=HTML&IType=GA |website=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=8 March 2021 |date=12 December 1995}}</ref> *On 13 May 1996, a severe snowstorm took the lives of several climbers and stranded two others high atop Mount Everest. Winds were estimated as gusting up to 70 miles per hour with temperatures down to -50F. Two climbers were frostbitten and near death. Several civil helicopter operators refused the mission, but a Nepalese pilot, Madan Khatri Chhetri, attempted the risky, high-altitude rescue. Climbing nearly 3,000 feet above the service ceiling of the Ecureuil AS350 B2 helicopter, he succeeded at making the highest altitude rescue in a rotary wing aircraft -- not once, but twice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gathering Of Eagles - Chhetri, Madan Khatri |url=https://goefoundation.org/eagles/chhetri-madan-khatri/ |website=Gathering Of Eagles}}</ref> *On 9 June 1999, a Coastal Helicopters Inc. AS-350BA (N6099S) crashed on the Herbert Glacier (20 miles north of Juneau, Alaska) killing all seven on board. The cause of the crash was the pilot's continued VFR flight in adverse weather, spatial disorientation, and failure to maintain aircraft control. At the time it was the deadliest accident involving the AS-350.<ref>{{ASN accident|title=N6099S|id=41059|wikibase=yes}}</ref> *On 19 October 2001, a New Mexico State Police AS 350B medical helicopter suffered a mechanical failure and crashed during a training exercise, killing officers Damon Talbott and Ramon Robert Solis.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> *On 27 July 2007, two AS-350 AStar helicopters from television stations KNXV-TV and KTVK collided in mid-air over Phoenix, Arizona, while covering a police pursuit.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927030213/http://www.kpho.com/news/13770683/detail.html "4 Dead As 2 Helicopters Tracking Police Pursuit Collide"]. KPHO-TV. 27 July 2007. [http://www.kpho.com/news/13770683/detail.html Archived] from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 27 July 2007.</ref><ref>[https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR0902.pdf Midair Collision of Electronic News Gathering Helicopters KTVK-TV, Eurocopter AS350B2, N613TV, and U.S. Helicopters, Inc., Eurocopter AS350B2, N215TV Phoenix, Arizona, July 27, 2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515021637/http://ntsb.gov/Publictn/2009/AAR0902.pdf |date=15 May 2009 }} (PDF) (Report). National Transportation Safety Board. 28 January 2009. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090515021637/http://ntsb.gov/Publictn/2009/AAR0902.pdf Archived] (PDF) from the original on 19 May 2009. Retrieved 28 July 2017.</ref> * On 15 September 2007, former World Rally Championship driver Colin McRae and three passengers were killed when his AS350 B2 Squirrel,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=G-CBHL |title=Civil Aviation Authority |access-date=16 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929105658/http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=G-CBHL |archive-date=29 September 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> which he was piloting, crashed near Lanark, Scotland.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20070915/tuk-auto-rally-gbr-mcrae-b5b5cc4_1.html | title = Colin McRae feared dead in helicopter crash – police | publisher = Yahoo! News/AFP | access-date=16 September 2007}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment.cfm?id=1483222007 | title=Rally ace Colin McRae dies in helicopter crash | work=The Scotsman | access-date=16 September 2007 | location=Edinburgh | first1=Gareth | last1=Rose | first2=Jeremy | last2=Watson | date=16 September 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071115171023/http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment.cfm?id=1483222007 | archive-date=15 November 2007 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> * On 8 August 2009, a Piper PA-32R collided with an AS350 over the Hudson River, with both aircraft crashing into the Hudson River. There were no survivors. * On 10 June 2012, an AS350 B3e<ref>Mukinda, Fred and Silas Apollo. [https://web.archive.org/web/20120611073954/http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Chopper+was+new+and+powerful/-/1056/1424874/-/151dtpaz/-/index.html "Chopper was 'new and powerful'"]. ''Daily Nation''. 10 June 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2012.</ref> belonging to the Kenya Police Air Wing crashed in Kibiku area in Ngong Forest, west of Nairobi, Kenya, killing at least six people, including Kenya's Interior Security Minister George Saitoti and his deputy Orwa Ojode.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18384861 "Kenyan minister George Saitoti killed in helicopter crash"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031180456/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18384861 |date=31 October 2018 }}. BBC News. 10 June 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com//news/africa/2012/06/201261075823680347.html "Minister killed in Kenyan helicopter crash"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612130830/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/06/201261075823680347.html |date=12 June 2012 }}. aljazerra.com. 10 June 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2012.</ref> *On 30 March 2013, an Alaska State Troopers AS350 B3 N911AA impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search and rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska. All three onboard died.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.adn.com/aviation/article/ntsb-released-public-docket-fatal-crash-involving-alaska-state-troopers/2014/02/03/ | title=NTSB releases information on fatal 2013 Alaska State Trooper helicopter crash | website=adn.com | date=3 February 2014 | access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR1403.pdf | title=Crash Following Encounter with Instrument Meteorological Conditions After Departure from Remote Landing Site | website=ntsb.gov | date=5 November 2014 | access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> * On 7 June 2014, a Helibrás HB-350BA crashed after takeoff, in Aruanã, Goiás state, Brazil. All on board died, including retired football player Fernandão.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/07/fernandao-dies-helicopter-crash-brazil-internacional | title=Former Brazil and Internacional striker Fernandão dies in helicopter crash | website=TheGuardian.com | date=7 June 2014 | access-date=7 June 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607223921/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/07/fernandao-dies-helicopter-crash-brazil-internacional | archive-date=7 June 2014 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> * On 9 March 2015, two AS350 B3 collided mid air in La Rioja Province, Argentina, killing all 10 people on board both aircraft. The passengers, including a number of French athletes, were participants in the filming of French reality television program ''Dropped''. * On 3 July 2015, an Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3e helicopter operated by Air Methods Corporation crashed upon take off from Summit Medical Center Heliport, Frisco, Colorado. The pilot was fatally injured, and the two flight nurses were seriously injured. * On 21 November 2015, an AS350BA, registration ZK-HKU, crashed near Fox Glacier, New Zealand, killing all seven people on board a tourist flight. The weather at the time was poor, with low-lying cloud and snow falling near the crash site. The investigation by the New Zealand TAIC revealed that the pilot encountered extremely poor visibility during the descent phase of the flight causing CFIT.<ref>[https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12233724 Fox Glacier helicopter crash pilot was not properly trained for his role], Melissa Nightingale, New Zealand Herald, 23 May 2019 2:03pm, retrieved 10 October 2019</ref> * On 5 May 2016, an AS350 registered as RP-C 6828 crashed in Sebuyau, Sarawak killing all six people including Malaysia Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Noriah Kasnon and her husband, and Member of Parliament for Kuala Kangsar, Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar.<ref>{{cite web |title=5th body of helicopter crash in Sarawak found |date=7 May 2016 |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/one-more-body-found-after-helicopter-crash-in-sarawak |publisher=The Straits Times|access-date=8 November 2020}}</ref> * On 11 March 2018, an AS350 N350LH operated by Liberty Helicopters carrying six people (five passengers and a pilot) crashed into New York City's East River after reportedly suffering engine failure. All five passengers were confirmed dead after the aircraft submerged upside down into the water. The pilot was able to free himself and was rescued by a nearby tugboat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/helicopter-crash-east-river-new-york-city-authorities-respond-live-updates/|title=5 killed in New York City helicopter crash on river|author=Justin Carissimo|date=11 March 2018|work=CBS News|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312075014/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/helicopter-crash-east-river-new-york-city-authorities-respond-live-updates/|archive-date=12 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> * On 27 February 2019, an Air Dynasty AS350 B3e helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff in Taplejung, Nepal, killing all seven people on board, including Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Rabindra Adhikari.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2019-02-27/chopper-carrying-minister-rabindra-adhikari-crashes-in-taplejung.html/|title=Seven people, including tourism minister, killed in a helicopter crash|work=Kathmandu Post|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228161857/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2019-02-27/chopper-carrying-minister-rabindra-adhikari-crashes-in-taplejung.html|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> * On 31 August 2019, an AS350 crashed in the mountains of Skoddevarre in Alta Municipality in northern Norway, killing all six occupants.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rostad |first=Ida Louise |date=4 September 2019 |work=NRK |title=Helikopterulykken i Alta |language=Norwegian Bokmål |url=https://www.nrk.no/helikopterstyrten-i-alta-1.14684148}}</ref> In response to the accident, Airbus made crash-resistant fuel systems part of the standard kit for the aircraft on 1 October.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kenny |first=David Jack |date=16 June 2022 |magazine=Rotor Media |title=Past The Limits |publisher=Helicopter Association International |url=https://rotormedia.com/past-the-limits/}}</ref> * On 7 March 2021, an AS350 carrying billionaire French politician and industrialist Olivier Dassault crashed on takeoff near Deauville (Normandy) with no survivors.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 March 2021 |title=French MP and billionaire Olivier Dassault dies in helicopter crash |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56313271 |access-date=7 March 2021}}</ref> * On 27 March 2021, an AS350 carrying Czech billionaire Petr Kellner crashed at Knik Glacier (Alaska), killing five.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 March 2021 |title=Helicopter crash in Alaska backcountry ski trip kills 5 |language=en-GB |work=AP News |url=https://apnews.com/article/alaska-helicopter-crashes-transportation-glaciers-386435b35f6f1164c93fd98c03aacba2 |access-date=29 March 2021}}</ref> * On 21 February 2022 a Philippine National Police H125 serial RP-9710 crashed in Real, Quezon with one casualty on the way to Balesin Resort to pick up then PNP chief Dionardo Carlos.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1558287/pnp-chief-confirms-crashed-chopper-bound-for-balesin-to-fetch-him-after-private-time | title=PNP chief confirms crashed chopper bound for Balesin to fetch him after 'private time' | date=22 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/02/21/2162368/pnp-1-dead-2-injured-quezon-helicopter-crash | title=PNP: 1 dead, 2 injured in Quezon helicopter crash | website=The Philippine STAR }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1168206#:~:text=MANILA%20%E2%80%93%20A%20crew%20member%20was%20killed%20while,Quezon%20while%20on%20an%20administrative%20mission%20on%20Monday | title=1 dead, 2 police pilots hurt as PNP chopper crashes in Quezon | website=Philippine News Agency }}</ref> GSIS paid a P232 million insurance claim for the crash in Real, Quezon.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gsis.gov.ph/gsis-pays-p232-million-insurance-claim-for-pnp-chopper-crash-in-real-quezon/ |title=GSIS pays P232 million insurance claim for PNP chopper crash in Real, Quezon. |publisher=GSIS |access-date=27 December 2025}}</ref> * On 1 November 2022, an AS350 B3 operated by Midtnorsk Helikopterservice crashed just outside the centre of Verdal Municipality, Trøndelag, Norway. Two people died, and one person, the pilot, survived.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 November 2022 |title=Helicopter crash in Verdal, Norway – Two people killed |language=en-GB |work=Aviation24 |url=https://www.aviation24.be/miscellaneous/accidents/helicopter-crash-in-verdal-norway-two-people-killed/ |access-date=1 November 2022}}</ref> * On 20 December 2023, an AS350 operated by Philadelphia, PA based news channel 6abc and leased from U.S. Helicopters Inc in North Carolina crashed in the pine barrens of NJ near Wharton State Forest in Washington township. Two people died, the pilot and photographer. {{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} * On 21 April 2024, the tail rotor of an AS350 struck and killed a passenger after he disembarked from the helicopter on Akimiski Island, Nunavut, Canada.<ref>{{ cite web | url=https://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/medias-media/communiques/aviation/2025/a24o0048-20250212.html | title=Investigation report: Fatal accident during ground handling operations on Akimiski Island, Nunavut}}</ref>

==Specifications (AS350 B3)== thumb|The cockpit of an AS350 B2, 2006

{{Aircraft specs |ref=Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000<ref name="Brasseys 99 p377">Taylor 1999, p. 377.</ref> |prime units?=met  |crew=1 |capacity=5 pax ::::*4, 5, & 6 passenger options available.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/Overview_68.html |title=Helicopter : Civil helicopter, ecureuil helicopter AS 350 - Eurocopter, an EADS company |access-date=25 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229140415/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/Overview_68.html |archive-date=29 February 2012}}</ref> The 6 passenger configuration replaces the single passenger forward seat with a two-person bench seat<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.trykauai.com/Kauai_Helicopters.htm |title=Kauai Helicopters |url-status=dead |access-date=1 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419232614/http://www.trykauai.com/Kauai_Helicopters.htm |archive-date=19 April 2012}} 6 passenger configuration shown under AS350 AStar Features.</ref> |length m=10.93 |length note=(fuselage) |height m=3.145 |height note= |empty weight kg=1174 |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg=2250 |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity= |more general=  |eng1 number=1 |eng1 name=Turbomeca Arriel 2B |eng1 type=turboshaft engine |eng1 kw=632 |eng1 note=

|rot number=1 |rot dia m=10.7 |rot area sqm=89.75 |rot area note=  |max speed kmh= |max speed note= |cruise speed kmh=245 |cruise speed note= |never exceed speed kmh=287 |never exceed speed note= |range km=662 |range note= |combat range km= |combat range note= |ferry range km= |ferry range note= |endurance=4 hours 6 minutes |ceiling m=4600 |ceiling note= |climb rate ms=8.5 |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |disk loading kg/m2= |disk loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |power/mass= |thrust/weight= |more performance=

|avionics=Vehicle and Engine Monitoring Display (VEMD) with First Limit Indicator (FLI) fitted as standard. }}

==References==

===Citations=== {{reflist}}

===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}} * Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International''. Vol 180 No 5321, 13–19 December 2011. pp. 26–52. *{{cite news |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |title=World Air Forces 2022 |work=Flight International |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735 |year=2021 |access-date=12 December 2021|ref={{harvid|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021}}}} * Jackson, Paul. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004''. Coulsdon, Surry, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. {{ISBN|0-7106-2537-5}}. * Lucchesi, Claudio. "Brazilian Police Air Unit: São Paulo's Police Eagles". ''Air International'', June 2000, Vol. 58, No. 6. pp. 376–378. * Ripley, Tim. ''Middle East Air Power in the 21st Century''. Casemate Publishers, 2010. {{ISBN|1-8488-4099-3}}. * Taylor, John W. R. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83''. London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. {{ISBN|0-7106-0748-2}}. * Taylor, Michael J. H. ''Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000''. London: Brassey's, 1999. {{ISBN|1-85753-245-7}}. * Loss of Control at Takeoff Air Methods Corporation Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3e [https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/CEN15MA290.aspx CEN15MA290.aspx] *Board, N. T. S., 2017. Loss of Control at Takeoff, Air Methods Corporation, Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3e, N390LG, Frisco, Colorado, 3 July 2015, Washington, DC: National Transportation Safety Board.

==External links== {{External media|topic= |width=18% |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXNXSvnCtKA Video of World Record-breaking Mount Everest AS350 B3 landing] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWNAR_2cr0c An AS350 during winter operations] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk4aoIZpLfo Demonstration flight of an AS350 B3]}} {{Commons category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20061206115527/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/FO/scripts/siteFO_contenu.php?lang=EN&noeu_id=81 Eurocopter's AS350 B2 page] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20061110064552/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/FO/scripts/siteFO_contenu.php?mode=&lang=EN&noeu_id=82 Eurocopter's AS350 B3 page]

{{Eurocopter}} {{Sud/Aérospatiale aircraft}} {{AircraftDesignationNavboxShell |1={{ADF aircraft prefixes}} |2={{FAB aircraft designations}} |3={{CAE aircraft designations}} |4={{AvN aircraft designations}} }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil}} Category:Airbus Helicopters aircraft Category:Aérospatiale aircraft Category:Aerial firefighting helicopters Category:1970s French helicopters Category:1970s French civil utility aircraft Category:Single-turbine helicopters Category:Aircraft first flown in 1974