Airbus/Eurocopter AS 350B-3 Turbine Helicopters for Sale

Airbus AS 350B-3 Helicopter Overview

By Gerrard Cowan - Editor, Aircraft Reviews

The Airbus AS 350B-3 is an upgraded version of the well-known Eurocopter Écureuil, and introduced a higher-rated engine to the popular single-engine turbine helicopter series.

Though known as a multi-role helicopter, the AS 350 Écureuil is a popular name in the international VIP/corporate markets, and has been progressively upgraded since the 1970s to the present day (where it is represented by the Airbus H125).

The AS 350B-3 is a versatile model, allowing room for up to six passengers (more typically five), and offering a range of up to 360nm. It is often called the ‘AStar’ on the North American market. Over its production run under Eurocopter, then Airbus, 1,131 AS 350B-3 aircraft were manufactured, according to JETNET.

What features does the Airbus AS 350B-3 offer?

The Airbus AS 350B-3 was developed in the late 1990s, bringing a FADEC-controlled Turbomeca (now Safran) Arriel 2B1 turboshaft engine to the aircraft.

As with some other members of the AS 350 family, this multi-role helicopter has a standard or high clearance skid undercarriage, and a standard five-seat interior, in addition to the pilot’s seat.

What came before and after the Airbus AS 350B-3?

The Airbus AS 350B-3 continued a line of successful aircraft, and followed the Eurocopter AS 350B, the AS 350B-1, the AS 350B-A, and the AS 350B-2. A version utilizing a Lycoming engine was also produced (the AS 350C) and was soon replaced by the AS 350D.

The AS 350B-3 brought a higher-rated 847shp Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 turboshaft to the airframe, while it also offered a higher gross weight. Today, the line is represented by the Airbus H125, which was previously known as the AS 350B-3e before Airbus changed its helicopter naming convention.

The Airbus H130 (previously the EC130 T2) is also a modern entrant in the AS 350 family, and has the same powerful Arriel 2D engine as the AS 350B-3e, along with a spacious cabin that provides room for up to seven passengers and a pilot.

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