Light Helicopters
Eurocopter AS350
ICAO: AS50
Overview
The AS350 B3 is a high-power variant of the AS350 family optimized for altitude and temperature extremes. Introduced in the 1990s, it demonstrated strong performance in mountainous regions. The helicopter is widely used in utility and rescue missions.
Live Fleet Activity (AS50)
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × Turbomeca Arriel 2B
- Engine type
- Turboshaft
- Power
- 847 shp · 632 kW
- Avionics
- Vehicle and Engine Monitoring Display with FLI
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 6
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 5 ft 5 in · 1.65 m
- Cabin height
- 4 ft 3 in · 1.30 m
- Cabin length
- 6 ft 7 in · 2.00 m
- Exterior length
- 42 ft 5 in · 12.94 m
- Tail height
- 10 ft 8 in · 3.24 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 6 ft 2 in · 1.87 m
- Wing span
- 35 ft 1 in · 10.69 m
- Baggage volume
- 20 ft³ · 0.6 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 6,150 lb · 2,800 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 3,100 lb · 1,400 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 140 gal · 500 L · 400 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 155 kt · 178 mph · 287 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 368 nm · 420 mi · 680 km
- Fuel burn
- 2.87 nm/gal · 1.40 km/L
- Ceiling
- 23,000 ft · 7,000 m
- Rate of climb
- 2,388 ft/min · 12 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
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Operational Context
Eurocopter AS350 B3 — high-performance single-engine helicopter
The AS350 B3 entered service in 1997 as an upgraded version of earlier AStar models. It incorporated improved engine power and avionics. The design emphasized lift capability in challenging conditions.
A single turboshaft engine producing approximately 847 shaft horsepower powers the helicopter. Cruise speed approaches 140 knots (259 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 4,960 pounds (2,250 kg).
The AS350 B3 achieved record-setting high-altitude operations, including landings on Mount Everest. Its performance has made it popular for rescue and utility roles. The aircraft remains widely operated.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.