AS350 Series

[Savoia]

In a recent article Airbus (Helicopters) CEO Guillaume Faury spoke of a back-up electric motor which is going into production:

One concept demonstrator now being developed into a product is the electric backup motor. It was tested on an AS350 Ecureuil single in 2011.

Improvements in motors and electric energy storage have made a sound business case for such hybrid power, Faury said.

While not powerful enough to serve as a second engine, the system would make autorotation safer by countering any rpm drop and providing some power in the flare.

Depending on just how much energy this motor will deliver, one imagines that it would indeed be welcome in various emergency scenarios.

One wonders though what sort of battery array will be employed to store this energy. Presumably they've come-up with something 'reasonably' light in terms of weight?

[Savoia]

PUREair Filter System for AS350

DART Aerospace today announced that the next generation engine protection system for the AS350 and EC130 family of helicopters has been successfully installed and flight-tested in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The PA100 PUREair System, co-developed by Pall Aerospace and DART Aerospace, is a totally redesigned, reengineered, and retested engine air protection system that takes the capabilities of its EAPS predecessors to the next level. Featuring Pall’s latest PUREair technology, the new system is self-cleaning and virtually maintenance-free, unlike other filtration systems qualified for this aircraft. The PA100 PUREair system will provide the highest level of helicopter engine protection while offering a 2% gain in engine power over conventional inlet barrier filter.

The new system will be launched and showcased at Heli-Expo 2014, February 25-27 in Anaheim, CA. Heli-Expo is the world's largest exhibition dedicated to the international helicopter community.

During the four-hour evaluation that included over 20 take-offs and landings, the aircraft was taken up to 21,000 ft. and the PUREair system exceeded performance expectations in all areas of flight. Now that this milestone has been achieved, Pall and DART will seek Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval, which will allow AS350 and EC130 operators to install this equipment on their helicopters.

“There are a lot of great features in this new design,” said Mike O’Reilly, President of DART Aerospace. “The flight trial exceeded our expectations. The PUREair had less impact on engine performance compared to conventional inlet barrier filter and the new FOD screen also made no perceivable difference to the air flow. We also want to thank Great Slave Helicopters for their continuous support during the flight test program.”

“This technology brings real advancements in helicopter engine protection,” said Todd Barrett, Vice President of Marketing at Pall. “Not only will operators realize improvements in flight safety, reliability and mission availability, but this new system offers improved aircraft performance while reducing overall operating costs.”

This next generation system utilizes the latest advances in Pall Aerospace Technology, including 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) optimized system design and innovative nano-material technologies. The PUREair vortex tube works in all weather conditions, including ice, snow, heavy rain, and salt spray, and the system will be certified for inadvertent entry into icing conditions.

After securing Canada STC approval, DART and Pall will seek FAA and EASA STC approvals as well.

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

New AS350 B3e with Garmin G500H Glass Cockpit for US Businessman David MacNeil

David MacNeil, owner of MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd in Illinois in the US, has taken delivery of a new customized AS350 B3e. The helicopter will be used to support local travel requirements. "The Astar will be a valuable asset that will enable me to conveniently travel and meet with our customers" MacNeil said.

The Astar will be operated by MacNeil Aviation.


MacNeil Aviation's new Astar


Garmin EFIS (file photo)

The MacNeil Aviation AS350 B3e is the first to be equipped with a Garmin G500H “glass cockpit” multifunction electronic flight display system, installed by Airbus Helicopters under its Federal Aviation Administration issued Supplemental Type Certificate.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/04/prweb11790377.htm

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

On Yer Bike!

New Zealand's Oceania Aviation have recently developed a bicycle rack for the AS350 series:

Never again when chartering an AS350 will you have to say "If only I could have brought my bicycle with me!"

http://www.airborne-systems.co.nz/Ho...?ProductId=181

[Savoia]

N450CC

Hosking Aviation's AS350B2 N450CC is soon to feature in a US TV series entitled 'Yellowstone' starring Kevin Costner.


Kevin Costner with AS350B2 N450CC (cn.1682) as seen in Darby, Montana during the autumn of 2017

This shot taken during the filming of the upcoming TV series 'Yellowstone' which will be aired in the US on 20th June 2018.