The Eurocopter AS355 Ecureuil 2 (Twin Squirrel) is a twin-engine light helicopter

Helicopter

A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...

 originally manufactured by Aérospatiale

Aérospatiale

Aérospatiale was a French aerospace manufacturer that built both civilian and military aircraft, rockets and satellites. It was originally known as Société Nationale Industrielle Aérospatiale...

 (now part of Eurocopter Group). The AS355 is marketed in North America as the TwinStar.

Design and development

Development began in the early 1970s to replace the Alouette II, and the first flight took place on 27 June 1974.
A twin-engined version, known as the Ecureuil 2, Twin Squirrel, or in North America as the TwinStar, first flew on 28 September 1979. Despite the introduction of the EC130, production of the Eurocopter AS350 and AS355, and the AS550 and AS555 Fennec military versions remains strong.

Twin engine

AS355

Prototype of the twin-engined Ecureuil 2 or Twin Squirrel.

AS355 E

Initial production version, with single hydraulics, powered by two Allison 250 turboshaft engines. Known as the Twin Star in the United States and Canada.

AS355 F

Improved version, now with dual hydraulics, and fitted with improved rotor blades and systems.

AS355 F1

Powered by the Allison C20F engine. 2,400 kg (5,291 lb) M.T.O.W.

AS355 F2

Powered by the Allison C20F engine with uprated engine and transmission for higher M.T.O.W. (2,540 kg or 5,600 lb), and hydraulic accumulator for better tail rotor control.

AS355 M

Initial armed version of AS355 F1.

AS355 M2

Armed version of AS355 F2. Superseded by AS555 Fennec.

AS355 N Ecureuil 2

Version fitted with two Turbomeca Arrius

Turbomeca Arrius

-External links:*...

 1A engines and a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)

FADEC

Full Authority Digital Engine Control is a system consisting of a digital computer, called an electronic engine controller or engine control unit , and its related accessories that control all aspects of aircraft engine performance...

 system for better M.T.O.W (2,600 kg or 5,732 lb) and better single engine performance. Known as the TwinStar in the United States, 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

Turboshaft

A turboshaft engine is a form of gas turbine which is optimized to produce free turbine shaft power, rather than jet thrust...

 engines and a new AS350 B3-based main gearbox, increasing maximum take-off weight to 2,800 kg (6,173 lb).

HB.355F Esquilo Bi

Assembled in Brazil by Helibras (part of Eurocopter).

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.

Military operators

• Algerian Air Force
  Algerian Air Force
  The Algerian Air Force is the aerial arm of the Algerian People's Military.- Inventory :- External links : http://www.algaf.bravehost.com/index.htm http://www.avions-militaires.net/dossiers/armee-air/dza.php...
  
   - AS355.

• Brazilian Air Force
  Brazilian Air Force
  The Brazilian Air Force is the air branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces and one of the three national uniformed services. The FAB was formed when the Army and Navy air branch were merged into a single military force initially called "National Air Forces"...
  
   - HB355F2 (designated H-55)
• Brazilian Navy
  Brazilian Navy
  The Brazilian Navy is a branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces responsible for conducting naval operations. It is the largest navy in Latin America...
  
   - AS355F₂ (designated UH-13)

• Royal Cambodian Air Force
  Royal Cambodian Air Force
  The Royal Cambodian Air Force is the branch of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces which is charged with operating all military aircraft in Cambodia.-Organization:...
  
   - 1 AS355.

• Chilean Army
  Chilean Army
  The Chilean Army is the land arm of the Military of Chile. This 45,000-person army is organized into seven divisions, a special operations brigade and an air brigade....
  
   HB355

• Djibouti Air Force
  Military of Djibouti
  The Military of Djibouti consists of the Djibouti National Army. It is located on the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab with a foothold on the Red Sea.- History :...
  
   - AS355.

• French Air Force
  French Air Force
  The French Air Force , literally Army of the Air) is the air force of the French Armed Forces. It was formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique, a service arm of the French Army, then was made an independent military arm in 1933...
  
   - AS355.

• Jamaica Defence Force
  Jamaica Defence Force
  The Jamaica Defence Force is the combined military forces of Jamaica, consisting of an Army, Air Wing and Coast Guard. The JDF is based upon the British military model with organisation, training, weapons and traditions closely aligned with Commonwealth Realm countries...
  
   AS355N

 Malawi

• Malawi Army
  Military of Malawi
  The Armed forces of Malawi are the state military organisation responsible for defending Malawi. They originated from British colonial units formed before independence in 1964.-Army structure:...
  
   - AS355.

 Rwanda

• Rwandan Defence Forces
  Rwandan Defence Forces
  The Rwanda Defence Forces is the national army of Rwanda. Largely composed of former Rwandan Patriotic Army fighters, it comprises The High Command Council of the Rwanda Defence Forces; the General Staff of the Rwanda Defence Forces; the Rwanda Land Force; the Rwanda Air Force; and ...
  
   - 1 SA 355F

• National Navy of Uruguay
  National Navy of Uruguay
  The National Navy of Uruguay is a branch of the Armed Forces of Uruguay under the direction of the Ministry of National Defense and the commander in chief of the Navy Admiral Juan H...
  
   - AS355.

• Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad & Tobago (SAUTT) — operates one AS355 F2.

• Venezuelan National Guard
  Venezuelan National Guard
  The Venezuelan National Guard , also called the Armed Forces of Cooperation , is one of the four components of the National Armed Forces of Venezuela. The National Guard can serve as gendarmerie, perform civil defense roles, or serve as a reserve light infantry force...
  
   - AS355.

• Pakistan Army
  Pakistan Army
  The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
  
   - AS355.

Law Enforcement operators

• Flugpolizei (Ministry of Interior) operates two AS355 F2s and two AS355 Ns.

• Border Guard operates four AS355NP Ecureuil 2 (based in Pastavy
  Pastavy
  Pastavy is a city in the Vitsebsk Voblast of Belarus, an administrative center of the Pastavy district. In 2009, Pastavy celebrated its 600th anniversary.-External links:* *...
  
  ).

• Ontario Provincial Police
  Ontario Provincial Police
  The Ontario Provincial Police is the Provincial Police service for the province of Ontario, Canada.-Overview:The OPP is the the largest deployed police force in Ontario, and the second largest in Canada. The service is responsible for providing policing services throughout the province in areas...
  
   AS335F2R TwinStar

• AS355N Squirrel was in use by Garda Air Support Unit
  Garda Air Support Unit
  The Garda Air Support Unit is a unit of An Garda Síochána which was formed in 1997. The GASU is part of the Operational Support Unit which provides specialist support to Gardaí nationwide...
  
   up until January 2008.

• New Zealand Police
  New Zealand Police
  The New Zealand Police is the national police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand...
  
   operate two AS355 F1 helicopters providing air support primarily to the greater Auckland region.

• Philippine National Police
  Philippine National Police
  The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
  
  

• Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad & Tobago (SAUTT) — operates one AS355 F2 for the Ministry of National Security
  Ministry of National Security
  The Ministry of National Security can refer to:*Ministry of National Security of Azerbaijan*Ministry of National Security *Ministry of National Security...
  
  

• Massachusetts State Police
  Massachusetts State Police
  The Massachusetts State Police is an agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Executive Office of Public Safety and Security responsible for criminal law enforcement and traffic vehicle regulation across the state...
  
   operates 4 AS355 N TwinStars.
• Salt Lake County
  Salt Lake County, Utah
  Salt Lake County is a county located in the U.S. state of Utah. It had a population of 1,029,655 at the 2010 census. Its county seat and largest city is Salt Lake City, the state capital. It occupies Salt Lake Valley, as well as parts of the surrounding mountains, the Oquirrh Mountains to the west...
  
   Sheriff operates an AS355 N helicopter.

• Royal Malaysia Police Operates AS 355 Twin Squirrel.

• Mexico City Police Department, Condores Operates AS 355N

Civilian operators

• Briko Air Services - operates one AS355 F2

• DAP Helicópteros (AS355)

• Arena Aviation own & operate four Twin Squirrels for TV news gathering & aerial filming.
• CabAir Helicopters operate a number of Twin Squirrel "VIP Version" helicopters.

• Heli Express
  Hong Kong Express Airways
  Hong Kong Express Airways Limited , is an airline based in Hong Kong, with its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline operates scheduled passenger services to 19 destinations in seven countries across Asia, including codeshares with its sister airline, Hong Kong Airlines...
  
  

• Raymond Ltd. ( Aviation Div.)
• Sahara Helicopters (Helicopter Div.)

 Liechtenstein

• Rhein-Helikopter AG
  Balzers
  Balzers is a village and community located in southern Liechtenstein. As of the 2005 census, the community has a total population of 4,420. The main part of the village is situated along the east bank of the Rhine.- History and Culture :...
  
  

• ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation uses AS355 as its news helicopter equipped with a High Definition
  High-definition video
  High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition video, and most commonly involves display resolutions of 1,280×720 pixels or 1,920×1,080 pixels...
  
   camera (ABS-CBN Sky Patrol)

• AirMed/Gold Cross EMS operates one TwinStar medical evacuation helicopter.

• Slovak HEMS - ATE

• European Helicopter Center operates one AS355N

Accidents and incidents

• On 22 October 1996, Chelsea Football Club Vice Chairman Matthew Harding
  Matthew Harding
  Matthew Harding was a British businessman, vice-chairman of Chelsea football club and a major financial supporter of New Labour .-Early years:...
  
   together with five companions were killed when their AS355 F1 Squirrel, registration G-CFLT, crashed near Middlewich
  Middlewich
  Middlewich is a market town in the unitary authority of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is east of the city of Chester, east of Winsford, southeast of Northwich and northwest of Sandbach....
  
  , Cheshire
  Cheshire
  Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
  
  .
• In July 1998, the Kent Air Ambulance
  Kent Air Ambulance
  The Kent Air Ambulance is an organisation providing emergency medical services through the provision of a helicopter air ambulance covering the county of Kent in the South East of England, United Kingdom...
  
  , a 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. All three crew - the pilot, Graham Budden, and two paramedics, Tony Richardson and Mark Darby - were killed on impact. The crash was ultimately attributed to mechanical failure.
• In 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
  Liverpool John Lennon Airport
  Liverpool John Lennon Airport is an international airport serving the city of Liverpool and the North West of England. Formerly known as Speke Airport, RAF Speke, and Liverpool Airport the airport is located within the City of Liverpool adjacent to the estuary of the River Mersey some southeast...
  
   after watching Chelsea play Liverpool F.C.
  Liverpool F.C.
  Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
  
  .

• On 18 August 2011, a AS-355F-2 (reg No/ VH-NTV) crashed near Lake Eyre
  Lake Eyre
  Lake Eyre is the lowest point in Australia, at approximately below sea level, and, on the rare occasions that it fills, it is the largest lake in Australia and 18th largest in the world...
  
   in South Australia
  South Australia
  South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
  
   resulting in 3 fatalities. The Helicopter was owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly referred to as "the ABC" , is Australia's national public broadcaster...
  
  . On board were, Gary Ticehurst (abc chief helicopter pilot for 25 years), John Bean (cameraman) and Paul Lockyer
  Paul Lockyer
  Paul James Lockyer was an Australian television journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Nine Network who was known for his reporting on rural and regional Australia...
  
   (journalist). All three had 20 years or more experience working for the ABC.
• On 20 October 2011, the Eurocopter twin-engine helicopter crashed at 3:45 p.m. (1245 GMT) near the village of Vileity and burst into flames. A Belarus border patrol helicopter crashed Thursday near the Lithuanian border, killing all five people on board, including three members of a television crew, the agency said.

Specifications (AS355F2)

See also

External links

• Eurocopter's AS355 NP page