Military Helicopters
Eurocopter AS550 C3 Fennec
ICAO: AS50
Overview
The Eurocopter Fennec is a military adaptation of the AS350 family developed for light attack and reconnaissance missions. Introduced in the 1990s, it emphasizes agility and operational flexibility. The helicopter has been exported to numerous armed forces.
Live Fleet Activity (AS50)
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × 1 Turbomeca Arriel 2B turboshaft
- Engine type
- Turboshaft
- Power
- 847 shp · 632 kW
- Avionics
- Thales Avionics Nadir 10 navigation system
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 6
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 42 ft 5 in · 12.94 m
- Tail height
- 10 ft 8 in · 3.24 m
- Fuselage diameter
- —
- Wing span
- 35 ft 1 in · 10.69 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 4,950 lb · 2,250 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 2,200 lb · 1,000 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 320 gal · 1,200 L · 1,000 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 140 kt · 161 mph · 259 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 350 nm · 400 mi · 650 km
- Fuel burn
- 1.36 nm/gal · 0.67 km/L
- Ceiling
- 17,320 ft · 5,300 m
- Rate of climb
- 2,028 ft/min · 10 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
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Operational Context
Eurocopter Fennec — light military utility helicopter
The Fennec entered service in the early 1990s as a militarized variant of the AS350 AStar. It incorporates reinforced structure and optional weapon mounts. The compact airframe supports deployment from austere locations.
A single turboshaft engine producing approximately 850 shaft horsepower powers the helicopter. Cruise speed approaches 140 knots (259 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 4,800 pounds (2,177 kg).
The Fennec has served in reconnaissance, training, and light combat roles. Its adaptability and relatively low operating cost have supported continued international use. The aircraft remains in production in updated configurations.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.