Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
Aerospatiale AS 350B Squirrel Helicopter
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