Helibras or Helicópteros do Brasil S.A. (Helicopters of Brazil, Inc.) is a Brazil -based helicopter manufacturer which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters , a division of Airbus .
41-688: Helibras has produced and delivered more than 800 helicopters, 70% of which being the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil (known in Portuguese as Esquilo ). Ten percent of total production is exported to Latin American countries such as Argentina , Bolivia , Chile , Mexico , Paraguay , Uruguay , and Venezuela . Helibras leads the Brazilian market of turbine helicopters in operation, the company's rotorcraft comprising 54 per cent of those used in
82-762: A Lycoming LTS101 turboshaft engine, conducted its maiden flight at Marignane , France ; the second prototype, powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1A, following on 14 February 1975. The Arriel-powered version, the AS350B, intended for sale throughout the world except for North America, was certified in France on 27 October 1977, while the Lycoming powered AS350C (or AStar) was certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration on 21 December 1977. In March 1978, deliveries to customers began for
123-833: A request for proposals to replace the Squirrel HT1; Airbus Helicopters has already announced its intention to offer a mixed fleet of Eurocopter EC130s and Eurocopter EC135s in response. Since May 1984, the Royal Australian Navy 's Fleet Air Arm has operated a fleet of AS350s, these were upgraded to the AS350 BA standard in 1995; the Royal Australian Air Force had previously operated the AS350 for training purposes, and briefly for search and rescue missions, but these were later transferred to
164-765: A contract with the Brazilian Army to substantially upgrade and refurbish their existing fleet of 36 AS350 Ecureuils. In the United Kingdom, the Defence Helicopter Flying School operated 26 AS350, designated Squirrel HT1 , for the training of pilots of Britain's armed forces; the type was introduced from 1997 onwards as a replacement for the Aérospatiale Gazelle . In September 2014, the UK's Ministry of Defence issued
205-513: A contract with the Brazilian Army to substantially upgrade and refurbish their existing fleet of 36 AS350 Ecureuils. The Eurocopter AS565 Panther helicopter was another licensed design produced locally by Helibras. During 1988, the Brazilian Army Aviation Command took delivery of its first Panthers. In January 2010, Helibras was awarded a contract to upgrade 34 AS365K Panthers to the new AS365 K2 standard. Changes on
246-429: A three- blade main rotor, which is furnished with a Starflex rotor head. The type is known for its high-altitude performance and has seen use by operators in such environments. Both the main and tail rotors make use of composite material and are designed to minimize corrosion and maintenance requirements. The AS350 was also developed to comply with the noise requirements in place in locations such as national parks ;
287-556: A typical use of the type, by 2015. By 1999, the AS350 had become the prime helicopter being used by the United States Customs Service for light enforcement operations; by 2007, the agency had become the single largest operator of the type in the world. By 2012, out of the 3,300 AS350s in operation across the world, 783 of them were in service with American-based operators. In the Russian market since 2006,
328-799: Is a multi-purpose helicopter capable of pursuing a wide array of tasks. They have proven useful in both civilian and military operations, with versatility being their defining trait. Helicopters play a crucial role in various aspects of civilian safety. Police and fire rescue aircraft demonstrate exceptional versatility across a broad spectrum of task. Common applications for civilian utility include traffic surveillance, medical evacuations , news coverage, and search and rescue missions. Recently, usage has been extended to air evacuations , air and water pollution control, emergency cargo transportation (including blood, organs, and special equipment), and as helitankers in aerial firefighting . Traditionally, helicopters with three placed reciprocating engines , such as
369-566: Is a twin-engine variant, marketed in North America as the TwinStar. The Eurocopter EC130 ( Airbus Helicopters H130 ) is a derivative of the AS350 airframe and is considered by the manufacturer to be part of the Écureuil single-engine family. In the early 1970s, Aérospatiale initiated a development programme to produce a replacement for the aging Aérospatiale Alouette II . While the Aérospatiale Gazelle , which had been developed in
410-1462: Is frequently equipped with a Bambi Bucket , capable of carrying up to 1,500 liters of water, making it an effective tool for aerial firefighting . The AS350's agility, power, and ability to operate in challenging terrains, such as dense forests and mountainous regions, make it invaluable for combating wildfires. The AS350 is in service around the world operated by private individuals, airline and charter operators, emergency medical teams, governments and law enforcement agencies. [REDACTED] Argentina [REDACTED] Austria [REDACTED] Botswana [REDACTED] Brazil [REDACTED] Burkina Faso [REDACTED] Cambodia [REDACTED] Canada [REDACTED] Central African Republic [REDACTED] Chad [REDACTED] Chile [REDACTED] Denmark [REDACTED] Ecuador [REDACTED] Egypt [REDACTED] France [REDACTED] Gabon [REDACTED] Georgia [REDACTED] Guatemala [REDACTED] Iceland [REDACTED] Indonesia [REDACTED] Israel [REDACTED] Jordan [REDACTED] Kenya [REDACTED] Lesotho [REDACTED] Madagascar Utility helicopter A utility helicopter
451-588: The 47G Series and the Hughes 300C were the primary choices for civilian use. However, the preference has been shifted towards turbine engines . The FH-100 and the Bell 206A JetRanger are examples of turbine engine helicopters which have proven to be more effective in operational scenarios. The arising issue with civilian use helicopters is the price tag of the turbine engine helicopters. With initial cost being around $ 100,000, difficulties are posed when budgeting for
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#1732780717101492-857: The Australian Army . In 2017, the AS350 was retired from Australian Navy service. Between June 2007 and December 2007, the Danish Air Force operated a deployment of four AS350 helicopters at Basra International Airport , Iraq , to perform liaison and reconnaissance missions in support of coalition forces during the Iraq War . In June 2015, the Argentine Defense Ministry ordered 12 H125s to replace their 1970s era Aérospatiale SA 315B Lamas for para-public support missions, such as search and rescue operations, inside Argentina. By June 2020, 3,663 H125 were operational,
533-468: The Brazilian Navy formally accepted delivery of the first EC725. By July 2015, the Brazilian armed forces had taken delivery of 16 H225Ms; deliveries were reported at the time to continue until 2019. By 1 October 2015, Brazil's H225M fleet had attained 10,000 flight hours. In December 2015, Helibras delivered the first pair of H225Ms to be delivered to a full operational capability (FOC) standard to
574-530: The Brazilian Navy , the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and Brazilian Army Aviation Command . By December 2010, three helicopters were undergoing flight tests prior to entering military service. In 2012, Helibras began assembly of the rest of the order. In April 2014, Helibras and MBDA were in the process of integrating the anti-ship Exocet missile, which are also 50%-built in Brazil. On 19 June 2014,
615-463: The 1960s and 1970s, had been met with numerous orders by military customers, commercial sales of the type had been less than anticipated, thus the need for a civil-oriented development was identified. The development of the new rotorcraft, which was headed by Chief Engineer René Mouille , was focused on the production of an economic and cost-effective aerial vehicle, thus both Aérospatiale's Production and Procurement departments were heavily involved in
656-405: The AS350 (such as the main and tail gearboxes) are now maintained locally. On 9 September 2015, China's first helicopter leasing company, CM International Financial Leasing Corp Ltd (CMIFL), placed an order for 100 Ecureuil-series helicopters, these are to be a mix of H125 and H130 helicopters. Brazil has been an extensive operator of the AS350; by 2011 more than 300 helicopters were operating in
697-548: The AS350 and other helicopters built by the manufacturer have been sold and supported by wholly owned subsidiary Eurocopter Vostok ; UTair Aviation soon emerged as the largest Russian operator of the AS350 B3e with a fleet of at least 20 of the type. In December 2014, EASA validation was issued for Airbus Helicopters China to conduct training and support activity at their facility in Shenzhen , China; various components of
738-567: The AS350's avionics are provided by Garmin , such as the GI 106A course-deviation indicator, GNS 430 VHF /VOR/localizer/glideslope indicator/ Global Positioning System receiver, GTX 327 Mode A and C transponder, and GMA 340H intercom. The Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) and the First Limit Indicator (FLI) both serve to increase the aircraft's safety during flight, reducing the number of gauges that need to be monitored by
779-521: The AS350B, deliveries of the AS350C began in April 1978. Over time, the AS350 Écureuil/AStar has received further development; while the aircraft's design remains broadly similar, aspects such as the rotor system , powerplants, and avionics have been progressively improved. On 6 February 1987, a prototype AS350 flew with a fenestron tail-rotor in the place of its conventional counterpart. On 1 March 1997,
820-563: The Brazilian military. Eurocopter AS350 %C3%89cureuil The Airbus Helicopters H125 (formerly Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil (or Squirrel )) is a single-engine light utility helicopter designed and originally manufactured by the French corporation Aérospatiale , and later by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters). In North America, the H125 is marketed as the AStar . The AS355 Ecureuil 2
861-495: The FAL. The groundbreaking ceremony will be held by year-end. The H125's engine and gearbox will come from France, the main airframe from Germany, and the tail boom from Spain, according to reports. On 23 July 2024, TASL and Airbus signed the deal for production. The AS350 is a single engine helicopter, powered either by a Lycoming LTS101 or Turbomeca Arriel powerplant (for twin-engined variants, see Eurocopter AS355 ), that drives
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#1732780717101902-488: The Panther K2 include new Turbomeca Arriel 2C2CG engines which produce 40% more power, a glass cockpit containing new avionics and radio systems, a four-axis autopilot, a new weather radar , NVG-compatibility, and measures to reduce pilot workload, and shall extend the airframe's service life for a further 25 years. In March 2014, the first two Panther K2 rotorcraft were delivered to the Brazilian Army. In September 2014,
943-562: The Panther K2 passed its technical operation evaluation, having reportedly demonstrated a 98% availability rating throughout the trial period, clearing the way for the full modernisation program to proceed. During September 2008, the Brazilian Government announced that Helibras' factory in Itajubá , Minas Gerais , would produce an initial 50 Eurocopter EC725s under a $ 1 billion order. These 50 helicopters are to be used by
984-501: The US commercial market, at one point selling roughly one AS350 every business day. In March 2015, the first Columbus-assembled AS350 B3e received its FAA certification. In December 2015, Airbus Helicopters reported their intention to double the rate of AS350 production at Columbus in 2016 over the previous year, and that the facility is capable of producing up to 65 AS350s per year. The H125 Final Assembly Line (FAL), which will serve both
1025-490: The civilian market. It has a greater lead within the domestic military market, the company's share being roughly 66 per cent. Helibras was founded on 1 January 1978 in São Jose dos Campos , São Paulo state , Brazil. Since 1980, the company has been located in Itajubá , a city and municipality in southwestern Minas Gerais state, Brazil . Formerly, Helibras was jointly owned by MGI Participações (MGI Investments – owned by
1066-416: The cockpit, decreased maintenance costs, a re-designed cabin, and a comfortable Stylence interior (optional). Older aircraft often undergo refurbishment programs to install aftermarket features, or for the addition of functionality common to newer production aircraft, such as retrofitting of the glass cockpit. On 14 May 2005, an AS350 B3 piloted by Eurocopter test pilot Didier Delsalle touched down on
1107-572: The company has domestically manufactured for the Brazilian market by 2012, 70 per cent were AS350s. Brazil has been a major market for the AS350; by 2011 more than 300 helicopters were reportedly operating throughout the country, including from the flight deck of the Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo . Since 1984, the Brazilian Navy has used AS350s to support the Brazilian Antarctic Program . In January 2011, Helibras signed
1148-409: The country, including from the flight deck of the Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo . Since 1984, the Brazilian Navy has used AS350s to support the Brazilian Antarctic Program . Helibras , a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurocopter, operates in the country; of the 600 helicopters it had domestically manufactured for the Brazilian market by 2012, 70% were AS350s. In January 2011, Helibras signed
1189-429: The design process. One such measure was the use of a rolled sheet structure, a manufacturing technique adapted from the automotive industry ; another innovation was the newly developed Starflex main rotor. It was also decided that both civil and military variants of the emergent helicopter would be developed to conform with established military requirements. On 27 June 1974, the first prototype, an AS350C powered by
1230-518: The first AS350 B3, equipped with an Arriel 2B engine, performed its first flight. Conversion programs and addons for AS350s have been produced and are offered by third-party 'aftermarket' aerospace firms in addition to those available directly from the type's prime manufacturer. Variants of the Arriel-powered AS350B, AS350 BA, AS350 B1, AS350 B2, and AS350 B3, were progressively introduced; the later B3 differing from preceding models by
1271-473: The government of the federal state of Minas Gerais ), Bueninvest and Eurocopter . As of 2006, Helibras became a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters ) which in turn is owned by Airbus Group . It is the only manufacturer of helicopters in Latin America . The most numerous helicopter type to be produced by Helibras is the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil ; of the 600 helicopters that
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1312-409: The in-cabin noise levels are such that passengers may also readily converse during flight. The aircraft can also be quickly started up and shut down, which is often useful during emergency medical services roles. It is equipped with hydraulically -assisted flight controls ; these controls remain operational, albeit operated with greater physical effort, in the event of a hydraulic failure. Much of
1353-648: The increasing use of digital systems, such as the Garmin -built G500H avionics suite and FADEC engine control system. Prior to 2013, the type had been manufactured principally at Eurocopter's Marignane facility, near Marseille , France; Eurocopter opted to, as part of a move to disperse its helicopter production activities, begin AS350 production and final assembly activities at its factory in Columbus , Mississippi, for deliveries to U.S. commercial helicopter market. The Astar has been Eurocopter's biggest-selling product in
1394-886: The internal space and/or equipment fit-out to be rapidly reconfigured to enable aircraft to be switched between roles. Public service operators, such as those in law enforcement , often have forward looking infrared (FLIR) cameras and other mission systems installed on their aircraft. Other optional equipment on offer to operates had included 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 , 4-channel radio, tail rotor arch, cabin floor windows, and removable seats. Modern aircraft have refinements beyond those featuring on older models; these changes include dual-channel FADEC -equipped engines, increasing use of digital avionics in
1435-718: The largest number of any type. In June 1978, Transport Canada (TC) issued the Canadian type certificate for the AS 350 C model, marking it as the first of the AS 350 series certified in Canada. The AS 350 B was added to the type certificate 's data sheet in February 1980, and the AS 350 B1 received certification from TC in July 1988. AS350s are widely utilized in Canada for fire suppression and mountain operations. This versatile helicopter
1476-670: The local and export markets, will be introduced by Airbus with Tata Advanced Systems in India . The first Made-in-India helicopter with EASA-certified quality assurance will be delivered in 2026. Ten helicopters will be manufactured each year at final assembly, with the number of units produced gradually increasing to 20, 30, or 50 in the future. As of now, 500 units is expected to be produced in 20 years. The H125 base variant produced in India, will cost above Euro 3.2 million. Airbus has reportedly identified 8 locations to become potential sites for
1517-576: The necessary modifications. Such modifications include night vision capabilities , infrared , and radar . In military terms, a utility helicopter is an aircraft designed to transport troops, but is versatile in performing various combat roles. These tasks include command and control , logistics, casualty evacuation, and fire support . The defining characteristics of these helicopters are lightweight frames capable of quick maneuvers , and space, for transporting troops and cargo. Common types of cargo include ammunition, weapons, and food. These aircraft play
1558-434: The pilot and thereby reducing their workload. For increased smoothness in flight, which positively affects passenger comfort as well as safety, stability augmentation systems can be installed. Later-production aircraft feature new avionics and systems such as the integration of an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and autopilot, a glass cockpit featuring three liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) and digital avionics, such as
1599-590: The rescue of Sudarshan Gautam between Camps III & IV in Everest's Yellow Band on the morning of 20 May 2013. On 2 June 2014, an AS350 B3e broke a national record in Mexico by successfully landing on the peak of Pico de Orizaba , at 5,636 m (18,490 ft), the nation's tallest mountain. The AS350 AStar has been successful in the US market, having become the most popular helicopter platform in use with American governmental agencies, law enforcement being
1640-433: The synthetic-vision terrain mapping system and Airbus's Multibloc center console upon which radios may be mounted. The AS350 has proven popular in a range of roles; multiple cabin configurations can be used, between four and six passengers in a typical seating configuration, and large sliding doors can be fitted to either side of the cabin. In some operators' fleets, the furnishings of the cabin has been designed to enable
1681-540: The top of Mount Everest , at 8,848 m (29,030 ft), a record that has been confirmed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale . On 29 April 2010, a stripped-down AS350 B3 rescued three Spanish alpinists, one at a time, from the slopes of Annapurna I , Nepal at an altitude of 6,900 m (22,640 ft); this set a new record for the highest such rescue. The record was increased to 7,800 m (25,590 ft), during