AS 350 B3: The "High Performance" Single-Engine Ecureuil that Can Do It All
FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2002
Farnborough, 22 July 2002
The AS 350 B3 is the most powerful version in the single-engine Ecureuil line. Its exceptional performances have made it a worthy replacement of the Lama for work at high altitudes or in hot weather. Besides its increased power, the AS 350 B3 stands out due to the widely recognized reliability of the Ecureuil line. Its success has to be underlined with 280 helicopters delivered to 200 customers in 28 countries. The fleet has logged more than 175,000 flight hours.
The reasons for this success come down to the fact that, in comparison with its competitors, the AS 350 B3 offers operators more power, a greater payload in a wider range of temperature/altitude conditions, an increased sling load capacity, and a higher cruise speed.
The main strengths of the AS 350 B3 are its powerful engine - a Turbomeca Arriel 2B turbine engine with digital control - and a modernized instrument panel with a dual color monitor - the VEMD (Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display) - to display the primary vehicle and engine parameters.
The AS 350 B3 also benefits from new improvements: the main gearbox has been upgraded to 670 shp (500 kW), and the twin-engine version of the tail rotor has been installed.
The Arriel 2B turbo engine develops 847 shp (632 kW) at take-off. It benefits from digital control features, which include the automatic starting sequence and performance optimization matched to the exterior conditions. By making use of the most recent technology, including mono-crystalline turbine blades and a single-stage turbine, the Arriel 2B has increased reliability and simplified maintenance.
The VEMD uses symbols similar to those used on traditional indicators to display the primary engine and vehicle parameters, as well as the F.L.I. (First Limitation Indication). The synthetic display on the screen, which includes an F.L.I. audio alarm, considerably reduces the pilot's workload. The many safety features of the VEMD improve mission performance, in particular for jobs with external loads.
The maximum take-off weight of the AS 350 B3 with an internal load is 2250 kg, and 2800 kg with an external load. This increase of 250 kg for the external load in comparison with the AS 350 B2 makes it possible to carry a sling load of up to 1400 kg with a new cargo-swing.
The AS 350 B3 is the best light helicopter for sling work, thanks to its many equipment options: a view window pointed towards the ground, an electrically operated, de-iced external mirror, and piloting on the left-hand side. A 7-seat kit and two hoists with capacities of 134 and 206 kg respectively are also available.
The AS 350 B3 also offers the features of an executive helicopter, and is perfect for passenger transport. It has a high cruise speed, which is very important for corporate transport.
With the AS 350 B3, Eurocopter has rounded off the top-line versions of its current single-engine range, and insured the replacement of the Lama with a helicopter that is completely multi-functional and has noticeably lower maintenance costs and fuel consumption.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company). With revenues amounting to 30.8 billion Euro and a workforce of 100,000, EADS is the largest European aerospace company and No. 2 worldwide. It is active in the sectors of commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft as well as defence technology and services.
For more detailed information, please contact:
Jean-Louis ESPES
Tel: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 55
Fax: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex - France -
Christina GOTZHEIN
Tel: +49(0) 89 60 00 64 88
Fax: +49(0) 89 60 00 44 37
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-81663 Munich - Germany
Chantal LINARES
Tel: +33(0) 4 42 85 60 51
Fax: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex - France
Christoph MÜLLER
Tel: +49(0) 906 71 45 65
Fax: +49(0) 906 71 46 74
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-86607 Donauwörth - Germany
Web Site: www.eurocopter.com
