AS350 B2s delivered to the Ecuadorian Army
The Ecuadorian Army has taken delivery of the first two Ecureuil AS350 B2 helicopters of nine aircraft to be modernised by Eurocopter under a contract signed in July 2010. The helicopters form an important part of an extensive modernisation programme being undertaken by the Ecuadorian Armed Forces.
The two Ecureuil AS350 B2s were delivered to the Army Aviation Brigade at La Balvina, Sangolquí. The new aircraft will replace the Lamas and will be used for army pilot training activities in Guayaquil as well as reconnaissance, SAR and firefighting, among other operations.
The AS350 B2 is a light single-engine helicopter with an endurance of 3 hours at 140 knots and a capacity of 4 passengers and 2 crew members. Powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine, the Ecuadorian Army’s new Ecureuils are also equipped for night flight and include rescue hoists.
According to Eurocopter, the contract also includes seven Fennec AS550 C3s, which will in turn progressively replace the Gazelles, to be delivered by 2015.
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