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on the Airbus Helicopters H125/AS350
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The H125 (AS350) is a single engine, light utility helicopter designed and manufactured in France by Aérospatiale and Eurocopter, now Airbus Helicopters. It is a member of the Airbus Ecureuil family that has accumulated almost 36 million flight hours worldwide; one H125 has been in service for 41 years.
In May 2005, an AS350 B3 broke the world record for the highest-altitude landing and take off, performed on Mount Everest at 8,848 m (29,030 ft).
In the early 1970s, Aérospatiale initiated a development programme for an economic and cost-effective civil-oriented helicopter. On 27 June, 1974 the first prototype AS350C conducted its maiden flight at Marignane, France, powered by a Lycoming LTS101 turboshaft engine. It was certified by the FAA on 21 December, 1977 and deliveries began for the US market in April 1978.
The Turbomeca (later Safran Helicopter Engines) Arriel 1A-powered second prototype AS350B followed on 14 February, 1975. It was certified in France on 27 October, 1977 and deliveries to customers began in March 1978.
Over time, the AS350 rotor system, powerplants and avionics were progressively improved. On 6 February, 1987 a prototype AS350 B2 flew with a fenestron tail-rotor. French VFR certification was awarded in 1991, followed by UK and US certification in 1992 and Japanese in 1993.
The type was manufactured principally at the Marignane facility near Marseille, France until 2013. Then Eurocopter begin AS350 production and final assembly activities at its factory in Columbus, Mississippi. The first Columbus-assembled AS350 B3e received FAA certification in March 2015. In December 2014, EASA validation was issued for Airbus Helicopters China to conduct training and support activity at its facility in Shenzhen.
The design is a conventional pod-and-boom with a power plant above cabin that drives a three-blade main rotor with a Starflex rotor head. All versions now have lifting section composites main rotor blades. The main rotor turns at 394 rpm, the tail rotor at 2,086 rpm, and both are made of composite materials that are designed to minimise corrosion and maintenance requirements. It has steel tube skid landing gear.
The AS350 offers multiple cabin configurations for between four and six passengers. Large sliding doors can be fitted to either side of the cabin, which in turn can be fitted out to be rapidly reconfigured to switch between roles. It performs well in hot-and-high operations and can support aerial work, emergency medical services, law enforcement, passenger transport and private aviation. It offers 4.5 hours of endurance with standard fuel tanks, and multiple configurations regardless of mission.
Public service operators often install forward looking infrared cameras and other mission systems, and optional equipment includes real-time data links, rescue hoists, underslung cargo hooks, electrical external mirrors, search lights, tactical consoles, night vision goggle-compatibility, moving-map system, internal cabin tie-downs, second battery kit, sand filters, wire strike protection system, four-channel radio, tail rotor arch, cabin floor windows and removable seats.
The AS350 was also developed to comply with low noise requirements, and the in-cabin noise levels allow conversation during flight. It can be quickly started up and shut down, useful during emergency medical services roles. It is equipped with hydraulically-assisted flight controls that remain operational in the event of a hydraulic failure.
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| World fleet | Charter fleet | Typical pax | Cabin volume | Cruise | Range | Years | |
| Aerospatiale AS350B | ●●● | ●● | ● | ●●●●●●●●● | ●●●●●●● | ●●●●●● | ●●●●●●●●●● |
| Aerospatiale AS350D | ●● | ●● | ● | ●●●●●●●●● | ●●●●●●● | ●●●●●● | ●●●●●●●●●● |
| Aerospatiale AS350B1 | ●● | ●● | ● | ●●●●●●●●● | ●●●●●●● | ●●●●●●●●●● | |
| Aerospatiale AS350B2 | ●●●● | ●●● | ● | ●●●●●●●●● | ●●●●●●● | ●●●●●● | ●●●●●●●●●● |
| Aerospatiale AS350BA | ●●● | ●●● | ● | ●●●●●●●●● | ●●●●●●● | ●●●●●● | ●●●●●●●●●● |
| Aerospatiale AS350B3 | ●●● | ●●● | ● | ●●●●●●●●● | ●●●●●●● | ●●●●●● | ●●●●●●●●●● |
| Airbus Helicopters H125 | ●●●● | ●●● | ● | ●●●●●●●●● | ●●●●●●● | ●●●●●● | ●●●●●●●●●● |
| March 17, 2023 | Ecocopter places a further order with Airbus Helicopters |
| March 17, 2023 | Airbus Helicopters teams with Genesys on IFR H125 |
| February 20, 2023 | Østnes tasked with kitting out nine Air Greenland H125s |
| January 20, 2023 | Yellowhead cements Safran engine support for heli fleet |
| January 16, 2023 | H125 airframe course to be offered during Heli-Expo 2023 |
| January 9, 2023 | Garmin gains GI 275 certification for AS350s |
| January 9, 2023 | Air Greenland inaugurates domestic VR flight training |
| December 28, 2022 | Alpine Aerotech develops H125 bear paw kit |
| November 11, 2022 | VR helicopter training takes off in Mönchengladbach |
| November 10, 2022 | SAF Aerogroup signs up for Super Puma support |
| November 10, 2022 | THC contracts HCare in-service and Safran SBH support |
| October 30, 2022 | Spain's Alpha acquires AS350 FTD from entrol |
| October 30, 2022 | Orders affirm Airbus lead in air medical helicopter market |
| October 1, 2022 | Meravo gains first H125 training device in Germany |
| August 19, 2022 | Helisul achieves Brazilian STC for Foresight on H125 |
| August 2, 2022 | Pinellas County sheriff gains custom completed H125 |
| July 20, 2022 | US Helicopters selects digital audio from Becker |
| July 13, 2022 | Blugeon takes delivery of the 7,000th Ecureuil |
| June 23, 2022 | Texas DPS takes delivery of customised H125 |
| June 20, 2022 | Garmin gains EASA approval for AS350 flight control system |
| June 11, 2022 | Mountainflyers adds qualified H125 FTD 3 to training centre |
| May 29, 2022 | Helitrans will operate first qualified H125 EASA 3 VR FTD |
| May 24, 2022 | Ecocopter launches helicopter-powered insulator washing service |
| May 24, 2022 | Rotortec commits to a brace of H125s for high altitude |
| April 4, 2022 | Italian trainer makes double entrol acquisition |
| March 28, 2022 | US police departments add H125s to fight crime |
| March 25, 2022 | FAA approves BLR H125 FastFin upgrade |
| March 17, 2022 | Ecocopter places four unit Airbus order |
| March 14, 2022 | Pathfinder adopts Foresight MX fleet-wide |
| March 14, 2022 | Aerometals offers flat filter barrier for AS350/H130B4/H130 series |
| March 14, 2022 | GPMS receives STC for H125 HUMS |
| February 28, 2022 | StandardAero shines a light on StableLight autopilot |
| January 24, 2022 | Zion Helicopters continues fleet transition |
| January 1, 2022 | Gorka Heliport authorised for Airbus repair and maintenance |
| December 3, 2021 | H125 boosts Australian parks bushfire response |
| November 24, 2021 | Airbus underscores HCare commitment to trio |
| October 8, 2021 | More Airbus helicopters on their way to Global Medical Response |
| September 23, 2021 | Phoenix brings on five law enforcement specialist H125s |
| August 25, 2021 | Hydraulic cargo hook is now an option for Airbus H125 |
| August 17, 2021 | Thumby Aviation welcomes a leased H125 |
| August 16, 2021 | BLR FastFin H125 to safeguard New South Wales wildlife |
| August 4, 2021 | Nordurflug's charter demand explodes into life |
| July 19, 2021 | CHH to take advantage of realistic VR training |
| July 12, 2021 | H125 expected to perform better thanks to Van Horn |
| June 10, 2021 | Gorka given the distinction of distributor by Airbus |
| June 10, 2021 | Forest H125 continues operator's close ties with Airbus |
| April 25, 2021 | Airbus Helicopters adds extra oomph to H125 |
| April 25, 2021 | Pasco County entrusts H125s to control mosquitoes |
| February 22, 2021 | Airbus Helicopters ties up deal with TAI |
| February 15, 2021 | Salton City base means medical care is within REACH |
| February 15, 2021 | Metro kits out Houston H125 with tribute in the registration |
| February 7, 2021 | Philippine National Police accepts three H125s |
| January 25, 2021 | Airbus selects Garmin for on-time award |
| January 11, 2021 | Ultimate Heli works within guidelines to reach Antarctica |
| December 14, 2020 | True Blue Power battery approved on H125s and AS350s |
| December 7, 2020 | Public safety department gets H125 Texas-ready |
| December 7, 2020 | Air Methods rotorcraft donation enables Mercy's vital work |
| December 7, 2020 | Edmonton Police Service creates uniform fleet |
| December 7, 2020 | Thales and StandardAero join forces for ‘superior’ autopilot |
| November 22, 2020 | Genesys says AS350 operators will be tempted by EFIS |
| October 25, 2020 | Canada and US clear the way for Astronics Max-Viz |
| October 25, 2020 | Air Safa says dry lease H125 is a safe bet |
| October 18, 2020 | Entrol adds AS350 simulator to portfolio |
| October 18, 2020 | VUJE reduces crew workload with AS350 sensor installation |
| October 12, 2020 | First of two law enforcement H125s lands in Calgary |
| September 12, 2020 | GPMS has Foresight to monitor AStar health |
| August 24, 2020 | US Customs and Border Protection adds first enhanced H125 |
| August 24, 2020 | Saudi Arabia's THC opts for ten H125s |
| August 19, 2020 | Latin American operators bring PPE to COVID hotspots |
| July 20, 2020 | AS350 mirror installation reflects well on SPAES |
| July 6, 2020 | Helimarte believes switching to Airbus is smart |
| June 7, 2020 | Helitrans first to receive ‘contact-free’ Airbus helicopter |
| May 22, 2020 | Buenos Aires fleet gains fast rope systems |
| May 17, 2020 | Arrow quivers with excitement at H125 prospect |
| March 12, 2020 | Garmin receives On-Time Delivery award from Airbus |
| March 12, 2020 | Guardian Flight to open medical base in Alaska |
| February 25, 2020 | GMR to raise the training bar with Frasca FTD pair |
| February 23, 2020 | Garmin touchscreen navigator upgrade is approved |
| February 17, 2020 | Garmin GFC 600H is approved for AS350 |
| February 6, 2020 | Canada’s Ascent gives assent to workhorse H125 |
| February 5, 2020 | Airbus enhances capabilities of H125 and H135 |
| February 2, 2020 | Air Zermatt pioneers virtual reality training |
| February 2, 2020 | USCBP adds to surveillance capabilities with H125s |
| February 2, 2020 | Motor accessories company is up for H125 autopilot |
| December 13, 2019 | StandardAero and Thales work on light helicopter autopilot |
| November 23, 2019 | China and Mongolia opt for light Airbus helicopters |
| November 16, 2019 | PAG delivers performance to Airbus Helicopters |
| October 22, 2019 | Tyrol rescues taken to next level by H125 |
| October 12, 2019 | Rotary sim sales agreement spans Europe and Australia |
| September 15, 2019 | HeliAmerica teams up to fight fires in Bolivia |
| August 20, 2019 | South American customers opt for ACH line |
| August 11, 2019 | Onboard gains FAA tick for H125 load weight indicator |
| August 5, 2019 | Florida H125s are key to making mosquitoes buzz off |
| July 28, 2019 | Tulsa happy with Metro service as it takes on H125 |
| July 23, 2019 | BendixKing and Airwork to certify helicopter cockpit upgrades |
| July 22, 2019 | Law enforcers place AS350 fuel tank orders |
| June 18, 2019 | H225 FFS makes it easier to train in Ukraine |
| June 4, 2019 | Two of seven digital logcard H125s arrive at Helitrans |
| April 23, 2019 | Swiss agencies to benefit from comprehensive night vision |
| April 8, 2019 | Four H125s to provide fire response in Rio |
| March 26, 2019 | Superior signs with HCare |
| March 25, 2019 | Mercy Air comes to the aid of cyclone Idai victims |
| March 19, 2019 | Florida and Wisconsin firms benefit from Metro expertise |
| March 16, 2019 | Forest Helicopters adds H125 to fleet |
| March 16, 2019 | Fuselage window for H125 aids vertical visibility |
| March 12, 2019 | AMGH swells sizeable fleet with more Airbus models |
| March 5, 2019 | Plenty of fuel safely in the tank for Air Zermatt |
| March 5, 2019 | TEMSCO's Frasca sim features all the mod cons |
| February 12, 2019 | Installation of Coptersafety's H125 FFS nears completion |
| October 30, 2018 | Airbus expands REACH and makes its MARC |
| October 18, 2018 | Four more H125s for herding and firefighting specialist Helitrans |
| October 16, 2018 | Contract extension ensures support for major fleet |
| October 2, 2018 | Brazilian security takes delivery of Helibras H125 |
| August 7, 2018 | First of four H125s arrives at ETPS |
| August 2, 2018 | Ukraine puts pen to paper for 55 Airbus helicopters |
| July 11, 2018 | Extended TBO reduces H125 and H130 costs |
| May 17, 2018 | Heli-Team juggles power line work with local projects |
| March 12, 2018 | HTM solidifies Airbus relationship with H125 order |
| November 1, 2017 | 328 breaks into rotary market with Reiser Simulation and Training collaboration |
| November 1, 2017 | ACS Aviation teams with Specialist Helicopters |
| November 1, 2017 | Heli-One Norway adds AS350 blade capability and promotes Torgersen to managing director role |
| November 1, 2017 | Mountainflyers invests in AS350B2 for sightseeing and charter |
| May 4, 2017 | Airkenya Helicopters expands with second AS350 |
| March 8, 2017 | Mercy Air expands into Swaziland to provide much-needed eye care |
| February 24, 2017 | HeliAir Sweden impressed by 'plug and play' B3E |
| May 4, 2016 | HeliAir Sweden progresses switch to Airbus rotorcraft |
| March 24, 2016 | Mercy Air converts Squirrel for humanitarian work |
| August 5, 2015 | Heli Lausanne upgrades by adding B3e Squirrel to its diverse fleet |
| April 9, 2015 | SANParks deploys Squirrels to stop poachers in their tracks |
| March 11, 2015 | Skyhorse uses power line detection system for live wires |
| February 12, 2015 | Squirrels fit the bill for hot and high law enforcement |
| November 6, 2014 | Helimo's Squirrel expands mission range on the coast |
| September 10, 2014 | Me & my aircraft: Single engine helicopters – Single helis are adaptable and robust, with twin benefits at lower cost |
| September 10, 2014 | Ultimate Heli protects engines for South African mining missions |
| June 9, 2014 | Cleaner air for Kallax Flyg with PA100 filtration |
| April 3, 2014 | Fresh face Greenlandcopter to offer charter for leisure and research |
| April 3, 2014 | Keys Aviation seeks Squirrel to carry out hot and high Kilimanjaro rescues |
| March 6, 2014 | Latest Squirrel is the obvious choice as HFS builds on its aerial filming reputation |
| November 7, 2013 | Squirrels fit the bill for sightseeing over London and film work |
| October 10, 2013 | Nothing fights fire better than a Squirrel, says Helibravo |
| August 12, 2013 | Geotech transfers Squirrel and readies it for survey service |
| July 10, 2013 | Pacific puts 'unique' and sturdy Squirrel to work for cost-conscious passengers |
| May 13, 2013 | BUYER'S GUIDE: Meet the buyers |
| April 17, 2013 | Loxwood brings the latest Ecureuil to the UK |
| September 1, 2011 | Hesnes helps out with removal of historic wartime power lines |
| June 8, 2011 | UTair secures training approval for growing Eurocopter roster |
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