Aircraft of the ADF ~ Aerospatiale AS 350 Squirrel

A22 – Aerospatiale As 350b Squirrel

Basic helicopter training for the RAAF and RAN had been carried out by the RAAF at Fairbairn since 1962 on the UH-1B Iroquois. Twenty years later, these early model “Hueys” were overdue for replacement. In August 1982, the Minister for Defence announced a $23 million order for 18 Squirrels: 12 to replace the UH-1B in No 5 Squadron for the training role, and six for the RAN as a utility and survey helicopter.

The Ecureuil, or Squirrel, is built by Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale and first flew at Marignane, France, on June 27 1974. This prototype had a Lycoming LTS101 turbine engine which, as the AS 350D, became the basic Squirrel model for the US market. The model selected for the Australian forces was the AS 350B, powered by the French Turbomeca Arriel turboshaft. As a small, five seat utility helicopter, the Squirrel became popular worldwide with civil operators, and at the time of the RAAF order in 1982, Squirrels were in service in 23 countries.

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