Mystery Airplane Contest

Developed by Aerospatiale as a replacement for the 1950's vintage Alouette II, the Ecureuil was designed for civilian and military use. First flying on 27 June 1974 with a Lycoming LTS turboshaft engine at Marignane, France, the AS 350 has evolved into what some sources say is Europe's most successful helicopter.

A second prototype with a Turbomeca Arriel followed on 14 February 1975, and with French and later American certification, deliveries to customers began in March 1978. Production has continued under the names Eurocopter AS 350 and Airbus Helicopters AS 350. Manufacture also takes place in Brazil by Helibras. Suitable for training, firefighting, police surveillance, passengers, hoist operations, logging, and rescue work in high and hot conditions, the AS 350 series has found favor with many armies, navies, and air forces. Police departments, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, many American cities, and the U.S. Customs Service, have found the AS 350's versatility of great use. By 2007, the U.S. Customs Service was the largest single operator of the AS 350. The Ecureuil's high-altitude performance was demonstrated on 14 May 2005, when test pilot Didier Delsalle touched down on top of Mount Everest at 29,030 feet!

The basic AS 350 B3, first flown on 4 March 1997, is powered by an 848 hp Turbomeca Arriel turbine engine that gives it a maximum speed of 178 mph, a range of 383 miles, and a service ceiling of 17,200 feet.

Six or seven people may be carried or an external payload of 3,000 pounds. Deliveries of the AS 350 B3 model began in January 1998.

Military models, called the AS 550 Fennec, can carry 20 mm cannon, 7.62 mm machine guns, rockets, and anti-tank missiles. Naval models can carry two torpedoes. A twin-engine model, the AS 355 was first flown on 28 September 1978. Over 20 nations have procured military versions.

The Airbus AS 350 B3 in this 2021 Oshkosh photo is N987RL, delivered to Studer Fertilizer, Inc, of Metamora, Illinois, on 25 January 2017. It was manufactured in 2014, and is powered by an 802 hp Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft. Appropriately, it was parked outside the Airbus building. Airbus sponsored advanced ticket sales for the event and greeted guests with an air-conditioned place to stop, complimentary hand sanitizers, and a belt pack. This month's winner is Pat Sterkenburg of Phoenix, AZ, who recognized N987RL from Oshkosh. Looks like a great way to bring your bikes to Oshkosh! Speaking of Oshkosh, July approaches. On to Oshkosh! Blue skies and tail winds.