AS-350B3 is a multipurpose, single-engine helicopter, powered by Turbomeca Aerriel 2B engine, has an outstanding proven track record. This helicopter is the first ever to land on the summit of Mount Everest – 8,848 m (29,030 ft). The helicopter was certified in Europe and the USA in 1977 and has remained in service ever since. It still remains in production but is marketed as H125 by Airbus.
The single-engine helicopter can carry up to 5 passengers and has internal useful load of 1,009 kg (approx. 2,224 lbs); it can carry up to 1,400 kg (approx. 3,086 lbs) on external sling. It has operating ceiling of 4,600 m (approx. 15,100 ft), comparable to some of the twin-engine helicopters, and range of 467 km (approx. 252 nmi).
Its flexibility has made it a very sought-after helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions including: passenger transportation, aerial work, training, observation, firefighting and law enforcement, among others.
