AS 355N Twin Squirrel helicopter operated by National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC. SCO 8369
The AS355 was developed onward from the AS350 Single Squirrel and whilst looks very similar provides two gas turbine engines. The AS355 is a very powerful helicopter allowing a large lifting capacity. The AS355 is also utilised as a survey helicopter on motorways, railways and pipeline work. With its second engine the aircraft also has the capability of operating at lower levels than single engine helicopters so the AS355 is often the chosen helicopter for filming and photographic work when operating over congested / built up areas. Development began in the early 1970s to replace the Alouette II, and the first flight took place on 27 June 1974. A twin-engined version, known as the Ecureuil 2, Twin Squirrel, or in North America as the TwinStar, first flew on 28 September 1979. Despite the introduction of the EC130, production of the Eurocopter AS350 and AS355, and the AS550 and AS555 Fennec military versions remains strong. Role Light utility helicopter. Manufacturer Aérospatiale Eurocopter Group. First flight October 1979. Status Active In production. Primary users Chilean Army , Jamaica and Bhutan. Produced 1975 - present. Unit cost ~US$, €2M< (AS355 NP VFR) ~US$, €3M. Developed from Eurocopter AS350 Variants AS555 Fennec.
Size: 5882px × 4158px
Location: Halfpenny Green Airport, Bobbington. Wolverhampton. West Midlands. England. United Kingdom.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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