המשטרה מתחדשת: שישה מסוקים בחצי מיליארד שקל

המשטרה מתחדשת: שישה מסוקים בחצי מיליארד שקל
המסוקים יסופקו בהדרגה בחודשים הקרובים ויאפשרו למשטרה גם לשאת לוחמים למרחקים ארוכים יותר. טייסי היחידה האווירית כבר נשלחו להכשרה

http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4875299,00.html

The H125 (previously named the AS350 B3e) outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety, low maintenance, and low acquisition costs, while excelling in high & hot and extreme environments. In 2005, the AS350 B3 version broke the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff, performed on Mount Everest at 8,850 meters (29,035 feet) – a title still held today.

המסוק חדש עולה 15 מליון שח


אלביט, תמשיכו לגזור קופונים גם מהמדינה ועל חשבון כספי משלם המיסים.
מסוק בסיסי כזה עולה בחברה 3.5 מיליון אירו. כל ההפרש הולך לכיס של אלביט.....עבור התקנת המערכות האוויוניות עלאק.....

חשדות חמורים נגד אלביט במכרז של מסוקי המשטרה
מבקר המדינה אמור לפתוח בחקירה של הנושא

[quote="kuti30"]המשטרה מתחדשת: שישה מסוקים בחצי מיליארד שקל
המסוקים יסופקו בהדרגה בחודשים הקרובים ויאפשרו למשטרה גם לשאת לוחמים למרחקים ארוכים יותר. טייסי היחידה האווירית כבר נשלחו להכשרה

http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4875299,00.html




The H125 (previously named the AS350 B3e) outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety, low maintenance, and low acquisition costs, while exceling in high & hot and extreme environments. In 2005, the AS350 B3 version broke the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff, performed on Mount Everest at 8,850 meters (29,035 feet) – a title still held today.

The H125 is a member of Airbus Helicopters' rugged and proven Ecureuil family. Some 5,000 single-engine Ecureuils have been delivered in more than 100 countries for some 1,600 operators.

Together, these aircraft have accumulated more than 23 million flight hours. Around 500 H125 (AS350 B3e) series are currently in-service worldwide, and are mainly used for high performance missions in high & hot conditions.
https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/ref/H125_29.html

The H125 (previously named the AS350 B3e) outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety, low maintenance, and low acquisition costs, while excelling in high & hot and extreme environments. In 2005, the AS350 B3 version broke the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff, performed on Mount Everest at 8,850 meters (29,035 feet) – a title still held today.


The H125 is a member of Airbus Helicopters' rugged and proven Ecureuil family. Some 6,000 Ecureuils have been delivered in nearly 120 countries for some 1,800 operators. Together, these aircraft have accumulated more than 29 million flight hours.

Around 550 H125 (AS350 B3e) series are currently in-service worldwide, and are mainly used for high performance missions in high & hot conditions.

The H125 is Airbus Helicopters’ high-performance member of the single-engine Ecureuil/AStar family.

It is equipped with a Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine with upgraded triple engine control thanks to a dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) unit, plus a third independent and automatic back-up channel for automatic start-up. The engine is fitted


With built-in maneuverability, excellent visibility and low vibration levels in the cabin, the H125 has earned its reputation as a true multi-mission workhorse, becoming a common sight at heliports, hospital landing pads, police department operations centers and airports around the world.

The H125’s elegant new cabin has a flat floor that can be quickly and easily reconfigured for various mission types, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, and passenger transport.

The H125 offers pilots enhanced safety and reduced workload thanks to the glass cockpit instrument panel’s Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display® (VEMD), developed for Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft.

The VEMD allows pilots to check the main vehicle and engine parameters with just a glance.

Wherever you operate, a member of Airbus Helicopters’ worldwide service network is nearby to provide the support you need to keep your H125 flying.

This network includes 30 customer centers and participations; more than 100 distributors, representatives, training centers, repair and overhaul facilities and maintenance centers; as well as logistic hubs in France, Hong Kong, the United States and Brazil.

From technical support, component repair, and overhaul, to spare parts support, technical publications and training – Airbus Helicopters is at your service. For more information, visit our HCare Services section.

The H125 is classified as a light helicopter, and can be used for the following missions: Corporate, Firefighting, Medical, Parapublic, and Police. It can transport up to 7 passengers, 2 more than competitors of a similar size. The H125 can fly as far as 341 nautical miles on a tank of fuel, a range that's right about the same as other similarly sized rotorcraft. Its maximum altitude ceiling (HOGE) is 11100 feet, which is 2,500 ft higher than average for its class. Top speed comes in at 136 knots, or 7.1% faster than the average light helicopter.

http://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/list?NotFound=1&Manu=AIRBUS&Mdltxt=H125&mdlx=Contains



HCARE SERVICES
blob:https%3A//www.dailymotion.com/f953f9b0-7a33-41c1-a4b9-bed8fa62e29a





















Description: The Fennec/Ecureuil is a family of multi-role helicopters featuring design simplicity, reliability and high performance. The aircraft was developed in the 1970s by Aerospatiale, thereafter Eurocopter and now Airbus Helicopters, as a replacement for the Allouette II. These lightweight helicopters are intended for both commercial and military markets. Fennec designation applies to military helicopters and Ecureuil, which means 'Squirrel' in English, applies to commercial helicopters. These platforms can be powered either by a single turboshaft engine or by two engines (AS 350/550 and AS 355/555 series). Composite materials have been used extensively in the aircraft design making it more durable and lighter. There are many variants of Fennec/Ecureuil helicopter family primarily due to the use of different power plants such as Arriel and Arrius family of engines. The characteristics of Fennec/Ecureuil helicopters also translate into low acquisition costs and low costs of maintenance and operation. Eurocopter has scored a big success through this helicopter family with more than 4,000 aircraft (2,400+ single engine models) sold around the globe so far. First flight was carried out in 1974 and the first delivery in April 1978.
The Airbus Helicopters H125, formerly the Eurocopter AS350 B3e Ecureuil, is an enhanced version of the AS350 B3 light single-engine helicopter. It is powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine along with a new-generation of digital Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring. As an additional option the aircraft can be operated at its maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30 minutes. This offers the opportunity to equip the AS350 B3e with engine filters for a protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without weight penalty. It incorporates tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting, and also features an improved interior design. Eurocopter launched the AS350 B3e at Heli-Expo 2011. The Certification is planned for the summer of 2011, with deliveries to begin before the end of the same year. On March 10, 2011, Air Medical Resource Group became the launch customer for the AS350 B3e model ordering three aircraft plus four options.

H125
Initial Operational Capability (IOC): 21 October 2011
Total Production: 95
Unitary Cost: EUR€2.3 million (USD$2.8 million)
Also Known As: AS350 B3e Ecureuil
Origin: France
Corporations: Airbus Helicopters





The H125 (previously named the AS350 B3e) outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety, low maintenance, and low acquisition costs, while exceling in high & hot and extreme environments. In 2005, the AS350 B3 version broke the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff, performed on Mount Everest at 8,850 meters (29,035 feet) – a title still held today.

The H125 is a member of Airbus Helicopters' rugged and proven Ecureuil family. Some 5,000 single-engine Ecureuils have been delivered in more than 100 countries for some 1,600 operators.

Together, these aircraft have accumulated more than 23 million flight hours. Around 500 H125 (AS350 B3e) series are currently in-service worldwide, and are mainly used for high performance missions in high & hot conditions.

Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"AStar" redirects here. For the algorithm, see A* search algorithm. For other uses, see Astar (disambiguation).
AS350 Écureuil/AStar
RAN squirrel helicopter at melb GP 08.jpg
An AS350BA Squirrel of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm at the 2008 Melbourne Grand Prix
Role Light utility helicopter
National origin France
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
Eurocopter
Airbus Helicopters
First flight 26 June 1974
Introduction 1975
Status Active in production
Primary users Brazilian Air Force
Australian Defence Force
Royal Jordanian Air Force
Produced 1975 – present
Number built 3,590 (AS350/AS550: 2009)[1]
Unit cost
~US$2.0M, €1.5M (AS350 B2)
~US$2.3M, €1.75M (AS350 B3)
Variants Eurocopter AS355
AS550 Fennec
Developed into Changhe Z-11
Eurocopter EC130
The Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil (Squirrel) is a single-engine light helicopter originally designed and manufactured in France by Aérospatiale (now Airbus Helicopters). In North America, the AS350 is marketed as the AStar. The AS355 Ecureuil 2 is a twin-engine variant, marketed in North America as the TwinStar. The Eurocopter EC130 is a derivative of the AS350 airframe and is considered by the manufacturer to be part of the Écureuil single-engine family.[2]

Contents [hide]
1 Development
2 Design
3 Operational history
4 Variants
4.1 Aftermarket conversions
5 Operators
5.1 Military and government operators
6 Notable accidents and incidents
7 Specifications (AS350 B3)
8 See also
9 References
9.1 Citations
9.2 Bibliography
9.3 Further reading
10 External links
Development[edit]
In the early 1970s, Aérospatiale decided to initiate a new development programme to produce a suitable replacement for the aging Aérospatiale Alouette II. While the Aérospatiale Gazelle, which had been developed in 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 new civil-orientated development was identified.[3]

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 the design process.[3] 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.[3]

On 27 June 1974, the first prototype, an AS350 C powered by 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.[3][4] 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 the AS350B, deliveries of the AS350C began in April 1978.[5]


One of three AS350 news helicopters of ABS-CBN network in a hangar in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, note the 5-axis gimbal HD camera and a transmitter
Over time, the AS350 Écureuil/AStar has received further development; while the aircraft's design remains broadly similar, various aspects and systems such as the rotor system, powerplants, and avionics have been progressively improved. On 6 February 1987, a prototype AS350 B2 flew with a fenestron tail-rotor in the place of its normal conventional counterpart. On 1 March 1997, the first AS350 B3, equipped with an Arriel 2B engine, performed its first flight.[3] Various conversion programs and addons for AS350s have been produced and are offered by multiple third-party 'aftermarket' aerospace firms in addition to those available directly from the type's prime manufacturer. New variants of the Arriel-powered AS350B, the AS350 B1, AS350 B2, and AS350 B3, were progressively introduced; the later B3 differing from preceding models by the increasing use of digital systems, such as the Garmin-built G500H avionics suite and FADEC engine control system.[6]

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 the US commercial market, at one point selling roughly one AS350 every business day.[7][8] In March 2015, the first Columbus-assembled AS350 B3e received its FAA certification.[9] 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.[10]

Design[edit]

Cockpit of an AS350 B2, 2006
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 a three-blade main rotor, which is furnished with a Starflex rotor head. The type is well known for its high-altitude performance and has seen frequent use by operators in such environments.[6] Both the main and tail rotors make use of composite material and are deliberately designed to minimize corrosion and maintenance requirements.[11] The AS350 was also developed to comply with the stringent noise requirements in place in locations such as national parks; 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.[11] It is equipped with hydraulically-assisted flight controls; these controls remain operational, albeit operated with greater physical difficulty, in the event of a hydraulic failure.[12]

Much of 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.[11] 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 the pilot and thereby reducing their workload.[13] 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 the synthetic-vision terrain mapping system and Airbus's Multibloc center console upon which various radios may be mounted.[6][14]


AS350 B2, Switzerland, 2006
The AS350 has proven popular in a wide range of roles; as such, 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 the internal space and/or equipment fit-out to be rapidly reconfigured to enable aircraft to be switched between diverse operational roles.[6] 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.[6][13]

Modern aircraft have various refinements beyond those featuring on older models; these changes include dual-channel FADEC-equipped engines, increasing use of digital avionics in the cockpit, decreased maintenance costs, a re-designed cabin, and a comfortable Stylence interior (optional).[6][13] 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.[14]

Operational history[edit]
[icon] This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2015)

French Gendarmerie AS350, 2005
On 14 May 2005, an AS350 B3 piloted by Eurocopter test pilot Didier Delsalle touched down on the top of Mount Everest, at 8,848 m (29,030 ft).[15][16][17] this record has been confirmed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.[18] 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.[19] The record was increased to 7,800 m (25,590 ft), during the rescue of Sudarshan Gautam between Camps III & IV in Everest's Yellow Band on the morning of 20 May 2013.[20][21][22][23] On 2 June 2014, an AS350 B3e broke a national record in Mexico by successfully landing on the peak of Pico de Orizaba, the nation's tallest mountain.[24]

The AS350 AStar has been successful in the US market, having become the most popular helicopter platform in use with individual American governmental agencies, law enforcement being a typical use of the type, by 2015.[25] By 1999, the AS350 had become the prime helicopter being used by the United States Customs Service for light enforcement operations;[26] by 2007, the agency had become the single largest operator of the type in the world.[27] By 2012, out of the 3,300 AS350s in operation across the world, 783 of them were in service with American-based operators.[28]

In the Russian market since 2006, 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.[29]

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 the AS350 (such as the main and tail gearboxes) are now maintained locally.[30] 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.[31][32]

Brazil has been an extensive operator of the AS350; by 2011 more than 300 helicopters were operating in the country in various conditions and roles, including from the flight deck of the Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo.[14][33] Since 1984, the Brazilian Navy has used AS350s to support the Brazilian Antarctic Program.[34] 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.[35] In January 2011, Helibras signed a contract with the Brazilian Army to substantially upgrade and refurbish their existing fleet of 36 AS350 Ecureuils.[36]


AS350 B2, 2001
In the United Kingdom, the Defence Helicopter Flying School has operated 26 AS350, designated Squirrel HT1, for the training of pilots of Britain's armed forces; the type was progressively introduced from 1997 onwards as a replacement for the Aérospatiale Gazelle.[37] In September 2014, the UK's Ministry of Defence issued 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.[38] 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 the Australian Army.[39]

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.[40] 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.[41]


AS350 B3
High-performance version, is powered by an Arriel 2B engine equipped with a single channel (DECU) Digital Engine Control Unit with a mechanical backup system. This helicopter is the first ever to land on the summit of Mount Everest. AS350 B3/2B1 variant introduces enhanced engine with dual channel (FADEC) Full Authority Digital Engine Control, dual hydraulics and a 2,370 kg (5,225 lb) Maximum Take Off Weight. AS350 B3e (introduced late 2011) equipped with the Arriel 2D engine.

Operators[edit]
The AS350 is in service around the world operated by private individuals, airline and charter operators, emergency medical teams, governments and law enforcement agencies.

Military and government operators[edit]

A Canadian AS350 BA AStar

Oklahoma City Police Department's AS350 B3, known as Air-One (or Air-Two)

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department AS350 B2

AS350B-3 Ecureui over Lauberhorn, Switzerland

AS350 dipping its bucket into a swimming pool for a water drop on a wildfire near Naples, Italy

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department AS350 B3

AS.350BB Squirrel HT1 of the (UK) Defence Helicopter Flying School
Argentina
Argentine National Gendarmerie[43]
Buenos Aires Province Police[44]
Australia
Royal Australian Navy [45]
Bolivia
Bolivian Air Force [45]
Botswana
Botswana Defence Force Air Wing[45]
Brazil
Brazilian Air Force[45]
Brazilian Navy[45]
Military Police of São Paulo State[46]
Military Police of Minas Gerais State[47]
Cambodia
Royal Cambodian Air Force[45]
Canada
Royal Canadian Mounted Police[48]
Central African Republic
Central African Republic Air Force[45]
Chile
Chilean Army[45]
France
National Gendarmerie[49]
Gabon
Gabonese Air Force[45]
Guinea
Guinea Air Force[45]
Hungary
Hungarian Air Force[50]
Iceland
Icelandic Coast Guard[51]
Jordan
Royal Jordanian Air Force[45]
Malawi
Malawi Army Air Wing[45]
Namibia
Namibian Police Force[52]
Nepal
Nepalese Army Air Service[45]
Paraguay
Paraguayan Air Force[45]
Paraguayan Naval Aviation[45]
Philippines
Philippine National Police[53]
Russia
Russian Air Force[45]
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces [54]
South Africa
South African Police Service[55]
United Kingdom
Defence Helicopter Flying School[45]
United States
Baltimore County Police Department[56]
California Highway Patrol[57]
Customs and Border Protection[58][59]
Los Angeles Police Department[60]
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department[61]
Oklahoma City Police Department[62]

Notable accidents and incidents[edit]
On 14 December 2004 an AS350 B3 medical transport helicopter operated by Air Evac of Arizona crashed on final approach while attempting to land on an emergency scene in Apache Junction, Arizona. Flight Medic Doreen Renee Johnson, 26, was killed on impact. The pilot Susanna Corcoles and Flight Nurse Kelly Foster-Stopka sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.[63]
On 27 July 2007, two AS350s collided in mid-air while reporting a police pursuit. The two helicopters were part of KNXV-TV and KTVK television stations in Phoenix, Arizona. Four crew members were killed in this accident.[64]
On 15 September 2007, former World Rally Championship driver Colin McRae and three passengers were killed when his AS350 B2 Squirrel,[65] which he was piloting, crashed near Lanark, Scotland.[66][67]
On 8 August 2009, a Piper PA-32R collided with an AS350 over the Hudson River, with both aircraft crashing into the Hudson River. There were no survivors from the crash.
On 29 April 2011, a Pawan Hans AS350 B-3 helicopter carrying Dorjee Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and four other people, went missing. It was traced four days later near Lobthang. All five people were found dead
On 10 June 2012, an AS350 B3e[68] belonging to the Kenya Police Air Wing crashed in Kibiku area in Ngong Forest, west of Nairobi, Kenya, killing at least six people, including Kenya's Interior Security Minister George Saitoti and his deputy Orwa Ojode.[69][70]
On 31 March 2013, an AS350 B3 Astar belonging to the Alaska State Troopers crashed[71] near Talkeetna, Alaska, killing all three aboard. The helicopter was on a rescue mission to recover an injured snowmobiler. The crash also claimed the life of an Alaska State Trooper.
On 22 October 2013, an AS350 B3 medical transport helicopter operated by Memphis, Tennessee-based Hospital Wing crashed near Somerville, Tennessee, while en route to Bolivar, Tennessee. Three personnel onboard (one Hospital Wing pilot and the medical team of one flight nurse and one respiratory therapist from Le Bonheur Children's Hospital) were killed in the accident.[72]
On 18 March 2014, an AS350 B2 owned by Helicopters Inc. and being used as a temporary replacement by KOMO-TV and KING-TV in Seattle, Washington, crashed across the street from the Fisher Plaza while attempting to take off from the rooftop of the studios of KOMO. The two people on board, pilot Gary Pfitzner and photographer Bill Strothman, were killed. The sole occupant of a passenger car onto which the helicopter fell was severely burned and taken to Harborview Medical Center. Two additional vehicles caught fire from the burning fuel, but the drivers escaped injury. According to eyewitnesses and security camera recordings, the helicopter yawed 360 degrees and pitched down while attempting to lift off the helipad.[73]
On 7 June 2014, a Helibrás HB-350BA crashed after takeoff, in Aruanã, Goiás state, Brazil. All on board died, including retired soccer player Fernandão.[74]
On 9 March 2015, two AS350 B3 collided mid air in La Rioja Province, Argentina, killing all 10 people on board both aircraft. The passengers, including a number of French athletes, were participants in the filming of French reality television program Dropped.
On 2 June 2015, a Mountain Helicopters helicopter (9N-AJP) crashed in a forest in Yamuna village of Sindhupalchok district Nepal, killing at least five people. The helicopter had flown to Sindhupalchok to distribute relief materials to earthquake victims.[75][76]
On 18 November 2015, an AS350 crashed at McClellan–Palomar Airport southeast of Carlsbad in San Diego County, California killing the pilot and one passenger.[77][78]
On 21 November 2015, a New Zealand Alpine Adventures helicopter crashed into a crevasse on Fox Glacier, New Zealand, killing all 7 people on board.[79]
On 23 November 2015, an AS350 B3 helicopter owned by Himalayan Heli Services registered VT-JKB crashed after takeoff at Katra, Jammu and Kashmir in India, killing 7 people including 6 Vaishno Devi pilgrims and the pilot.[80][81]
On 5 May 2016, an AS350 B3 helicopter with registration RP-C6828 crashed on The island of Borneo, Malaysia shortly after take off from Betong. The passengers were three Malaysian officials, the husband of a minister and one bodyguard. No survivors are found as of 6 May.[82]
All seven on board including a newborn, five adults and captain died in a Fishtail Air helicopter crash in Madanpur of Nuwakot district of central Nepal on August 8, 2016
On March 26, 2016, an AS350 B2 medical transport helicopter operated by Haynes Life Flight in Wetumpka, Alabama, crashed after picking up a critical patient from a car accident in a swampy wooded area near Enterprise, AL. All 3 crew and 1 patient were killed in the accident.
On November 1, 2016, an AS350 crashed in to private residence in Sochi (Russia) with death of 1 person.
Specifications (AS350 B3)[edit]

Forward cabin of an AS355, 2008
External video
Video of World Record-breaking Mount Everest AS350 B3 landing
An AS350 during winter operations
Demonstration flight of an AS350 B3
Data from Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000[83]
General characteristics

Crew: 1
Capacity: 5
Length: 10.93 m[84] (35 ft 10½ in)
Rotor diameter: 10.7 m (35 ft 1 in)
Height: 3.14 m (10 ft 3½ in)
Disc area: 89.75 m² (966.1 sq ft)
Empty weight: 1,174 kg (2,588 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Arriel 2B turboshaft, 632 kW (847 shp)
Performance

Never exceed speed: 287 km/h (155 knots, 178 mph)
Cruise speed: 245 km/h (132 knots, 152 mph)
Range: 662 km (357 nmi, 411 mi)
Endurance: 4.1 hrs
Service ceiling: 4,600 m (15,100 ft)
Rate of climb: 8.5 m/s (1,675 ft/min)
Avionics
Vehicle and Engine Monitoring Display (VEMD) with First Limit Indicator (FLI) fitted as standard.

† 4, 5, & 6 passengers options available.[85] The 6 passenger configuration is a relatively uncommon high-density seating option that replaces one front seat with a two-person bench and relocates the pilot to the left side of the cockpit.[86]