AS 355/555 Twin Star
• Versatile lightweight • Air taxi • Police, ambulance, fire service
Known in the United States as the Eurocopter Twin Star, the bouncy little Adrospatiale Twin Squirrel is one of the world’s most versatile flying machines. It is small, modest and relatively inexpensive, but it is an amazingly practical helicopter with dozens of everyday uses. From air taxi services to police and rescue work, the Twin Star gives solid performance at reasonable cost.
▼ Police support
helicopters undergo strict testing, such as stability analysis, before entenng service. ” width=”149″ height=”63 “/> |
Tho Twin Squirrel is used by several police forces around the world, including Britain’s Metropolitan police, who use it alongside tho larger Boll 222.
Neat interior ►
The Twin Star has found its real nicho as a comfortable air taxi. Its compact cabin can accommodate four passengers.
◄ Fennec
The military version of the 7Win Star is known as the AS 555 Fennec. It is used for light utility work such as liaison and scouting, and can be armed with а Giat 20-mm cannon pod and pylon – mounted rockets.
FACTS AND FIGURES
► A naval variant, the AS 555MN, is oquippod with a chin-mountod radar, but is unarmed.
► Tho first Twin Squirrel made its maiden flight on 28 September 1979.
>■ The Twin Star has the best safety record of any helicopter in its class.
>• Brazilian company Helibras builds TVnft Squirrols with the designation CH-55 one VH-55 tor tho Brazilian air force.
> The Twin Squirrel’s FADEC control sysW* allows automatic engine starting.
> About 750 Ecurcuils and Astars have been delivered to operators in 19 natio"’
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Eurocopter