The AS355 Twin Squirrel is a twin-engine light helicopter made by Aérospatiale, later Eurocopter and now Airbus Helicopters. The twin-engine version first flew on 28 September 1979 and production ended in 2016. On our flights it carries up to five passengers.
A twin-engine Squirrel
The AS355 grew out of the single-engine AS350 Écureuil (Squirrel). Adding a second engine produced the Twin Squirrel, which first flew in 1979 and was sold in North America as the TwinStar. It has been used as a light utility helicopter by police, government and military users as well as for charter, and production finished in 2016.
At a glance
| Feature | AS355 Twin Squirrel |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale, later Eurocopter and Airbus Helicopters (France) |
| Engines | Two turboshafts; the AS355 F2 has two Allison 250-C20F engines of 313 kW (420 shp) each, the later AS355 NP has two Turbomeca Arrius 1A1 engines |
| Maximum cruise speed | About 224 km/h (121 knots) |
| Range | About 703 km (380 nautical miles) with maximum fuel and no reserve |
| Passengers on our flights | Up to five |
Figures are published type data; real range and speed depend on weight, weather and routing.
What the speed means for real journeys
At around 120 knots, the AS355 covers the short hops that most London charters involve in minutes: roughly nine or ten minutes from Battersea to Ascot, about twenty minutes to Goodwood and a little over twenty minutes to Silverstone, measured in a straight line and before start-up and shut-down. See helicopter flight times from London for more routes.
In the cabin
The cabin is compact but comfortable for up to five passengers, with large windows for the view over the city. Because the AS355 is smaller than the Airbus H145, it can suit more compact landing sites, which is useful for country houses, race meetings and events.
Why twin engines matter over London
Flights over built-up areas are normally flown in twin-engine helicopters, because a second engine gives a margin if one has to be shut down. The AS355 was built for exactly that kind of work. Read more in twin-engine vs single-engine helicopters.
Who the AS355 suits
It suits one to five passengers with modest luggage, short and medium trips, and sites where a smaller aircraft is easier to accommodate. For larger groups see the Airbus H145 profile or the Agusta A109 Grand profile. Our fleet page shows every aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
How many passengers does the AS355 carry?
On our flights it carries up to five passengers, with luggage subject to weight limits.
Is the AS355 a twin-engine helicopter?
Yes. The name Twin Squirrel refers to its two engines, which distinguish it from the single-engine AS350 Squirrel.
How fast is the AS355?
Its maximum cruise speed is about 224 km/h (121 knots) and its never-exceed speed is about 278 km/h (150 knots).
Is the AS355 still made?
No. Production ended in 2016, but the type remains widely used and well supported.
A second view of this helicopter: AS355 Twin Squirrel fleet guide on helicopterhireprices.co.uk.
Plan your flight
Interested in the AS355 Twin Squirrel? Tell us your route and date and we will reply with a price for this aircraft. Our charter team is available 24 hours a day.