Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil

The Aérospatiale/Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil—widely known as the Squirrel—was developed as a modern replacement for the earlier Alouette series, introducing improved performance, versatility, and operating efficiency. The family, which also includes the twin-engine AS355 variant (covered separately), proved to be one of the most commercially successful light helicopters ever produced.

The AS350 conducted its maiden flight on June 27, 1974, at Marignane, France. The initial flight lasted approximately 40 minutes and was carried out by test pilot Daniel Bauchart, accompanied by flight test engineer Bernard Certain. The prototype aircraft, registered F-WVKH, was configured as an AS350 C model and powered by a Lycoming LTS101-600A-1 turboshaft engine, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most successful light helicopter programs in aviation history.

The AS350 variants are marketed in North America as the AStar and in South America as Esquilo. Military variants are known as Fennec.

From 1992 produced by Eurocopter and from 2014 by Airbus Helicopters

Major Single-Engine Variants

- AS350 B: The original Arriel-powered production model, certified in France in October 1977.
- AS350 C & D (AStar): Tailored for North America with Lycoming engines; the "C" model was certified in late 1977, followed by the more powerful "D" in 1978.
- AS350 B1: Introduced in 1986, this model improved performance by utilizing the larger main rotor blades from the twin-engine AS355.
- AS350 B2: Certified in 1989 and entering production in 1990, this variant featured a more powerful Arriel 1D1 engine and aerodynamic improvements to the tail boom.
- AS350 BA: Introduced in 1991, it combined the original Arriel 1B engine with the larger rotor blades from the B1 for better lift.
- AS350 B3: Debuting with its first flight in March 1997, this high-performance model introduced digital FADEC engine controls and became the world record holder for landing on Mount Everest.
- AS350 B3e / H125: Introduced in late 2011, this is the current active production model; it features the Arriel 2D engine and was officially rebranded as the H125 in 2014.


As of 2025, Over 7,200 aircraft from the AS350 family (which includes the AS350, AS355, AS550, and modern H125/H130) have been delivered to more than 2,600 operators in 137 countries.