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Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia

Space Graphic Only - 1kB
Aerospatiale AS 350B Squirrel Helicopter

Picture of Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia logo

 

 
Photo - Squirrel helicopter of the RAN

Aerospatiale AS 350B Squirrel helicopter

Manufacturer: Aerospatiale, France
Type: light utility, communications and survey helicopter
Delivered: 13 helicopters, 1973-78
Length: 12.99 metres
Height: 3.5 metres
Width: 10.69 metres (rotors spread)
Weight: 2,100 kg
Speed: 260 kph
Range: 555 km
Crew: two to four
Engines: Aerospatiale Turbomeca Arriel 1B

The AS350BA Squirrel helicopters are for aircrew training, utility duties and support of air-capable ships within the RAN Fleet.

The Squadron’s primary role is rotary wing training for pilots, observer and aircrew.

The Squadron's duties also include limited fleet support in range clearances, and flight deck procedural training, plus some embarked support on major warships.

AS 350BAs operated from all helicopter-capable RAN ships during the 1991 Gulf War. They were fitted with updated avionics and a door-mounted machine gun.

Their deployment included shipping surveillance, top cover for helicopter boardings, light logistics support and mine searches.

They have also assisted in bushfire control efforts, being tasked with providing logistic support to firefighters on the ground, fire spotting and transport for supervisors.

Sea also:
  723 Squadron; or
  Helicopter index

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