Eurocopter AS355

The twin-engine light helicopter built for redundancy and flexibility.

Overview

Eurocopter France ICAO: AS55 1975–2016 Active $3.6 million (2014)

The Eurocopter AS355 is a twin-engine development of the AS350 family. Introduced in the late 1970s, it offers increased redundancy and payload compared with its single-engine counterpart. The helicopter serves in civil and governmental roles.

Live Fleet Activity (AS55)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Allison 250-C20F turboshaft engine
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 420 shp · 313 kW
Avionics
—
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
7 ft 11 in  ·  2.42 m
Exterior length
42 ft 5 in  ·  12.94 m
Tail height
10 ft 7 in  ·  3.22 m
Fuselage diameter
6 ft 2 in  ·  1.87 m
Wing span
35 ft 1 in  ·  10.69 m
Baggage volume
35 ft³  ·  1.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
5,750 lb  ·  2,600 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
1,950 lb  ·  900 kg
Fuel capacity
190 gal · 700 L · 600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
129 kt  ·  148 mph  ·  239 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
380 nm  ·  440 mi  ·  700 km
Fuel burn
2.31 nm/gal  ·  1.13 km/L
Ceiling
11,200 ft  ·  3,400 m
Rate of climb
1,280 ft/min  ·  7 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Eurocopter AS355

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Operational Context

Eurocopter AS355 — light twin-engine helicopter

The AS355 first flew in 1979 and entered service in the early 1980s. It features a compact fuselage and three-blade main rotor. The twin-engine configuration improves safety margins.

Two turboshaft engines producing approximately 420 shaft horsepower each power the helicopter. Cruise speed approaches 135 knots (250 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 5,700 pounds (2,585 kg).

The AS355 has been used in law enforcement, utility, and passenger transport roles. Its adaptability supported broad export success. Production eventually transitioned to newer Airbus Helicopters models.

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