Eurocopter AS355 Écureuil 2
| AS355 Écureuil 2/Twin Squirrel/TwinStar | |
|---|---|
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|
| An AS355 departs Toulouse–Blagnac Airport | |
| Role | Light utility helicopter |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer |
Aérospatiale Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters |
| First flight | 27 June 1974 |
| Status | In service |
| Produced | 1975-present |
| Developed from | Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil |
| Developed into | Eurocopter AS555 Fennec 2 |
The Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) AS355 Écureuil 2 (or Twin Squirrel) is a twin-engine light utility helicopter originally manufactured by Aérospatiale in France (later part of Eurocopter Group, now Airbus Helicopters). The AS355 is marketed in North America as the TwinStar.
Development at Aérospatiale began in the early 1970s to replace the Aérospatiale Alouette II, and the first flight took place on 27 June 1974. A twin-engined version, known as the Écureuil 2, Twin Squirrel, or in North America as the TwinStar, first flew on 28 September 1979.
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. In 2007, the more capable AS355 NP variant with FADEC engines was introduced to service. In September 2015, Airbus Helicopters announced that it was to terminate the manufacture of the AS355 as part of an effort to focus on stronger-selling rotorcraft – production of the AS350 is to continue. Production of the AS355 is to continue through 2016 until the existing order backlog is fulfilled.
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.
Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89
General characteristics
Performance
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