The Eurocopter AS550 C3 Fennec is a lightweight, multipurpose military helicopter designed and manufactured by Eurocopter. It is based on the AS350 Ecureuil & AS355 Ecureuil 2 series and named after the fennec fox. The armed versions of the AS550 can be equipped with coaxial weapons, rockets, torpedoes, and various other munitions. The aircraft has been in production since 1990 and has a base price of $2.6 million USD. The aircraft is used by a number of military operators, though its primary users include the French Army and Air Force, Argentine Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, and the Royal Danish Air Force.
Model No :
Eurocopter As550 C3 Fennec
Manufacturer :
Eurocopter
Country :
France
Manufactured :
1990 to: Present
ICAO :
NA
Avionics :
VEMD Instrument Panel
Engine :
1 x Turbomeca Arriel 2B
Power :
847 horse[Power]
Max Cruise Speed :
140 knots - 259 Km/h
Approach Speed :
NA
Travel Range :
355 Nautical Miles - 657 Kilometers
Fuel Economy :
2.87 nautical mile / gallon - 1.404 kilometres / litre
Service Ceiling :
16,000 feet
Rate of Climb :
1752 feet/minute - 8.90metre/second
Take Off Distance :
NA
Landing Distance :
NA
Max Tak eOff Weight :
2,250 Kg - 4,960 lbs
Max Payload :
1,000 Kg - 2,205 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity :
143 gallon - 541 litre
Baggage Volume :
NA
Seats Economy/General Class :
6 seats
Seats Business Class :
0
Seats First Class :
0
Cabin Height :
NA
Cabin Width :
NA
Cabin Length :
NA
Exterior Length :
12.94 metre - 42.45 feet
Tail Height :
NA
Fuselage Diameter :
NA
Wing Span Rotor Diameter :
10.69 metre - 35.07 feet
The AS550 C3 Fennec is powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine that provides 847 horsepower. This allows the aircraft to travel at a top speed of 140 knots for a maximum range of 355 nautical miles. The Fennec’s rate of climb is 1,752 feet per minute and its service ceiling is 16,000 feet. It has a fuel tank capacity of 143 gallons and its fuel economy is 2.87 nautical miles per gallon. It is crewed by two operators and has room for four additional passengers. The Fennec utilizes the VEMD Instrument Panel avionics system. A number of single engine and
twin engine variants of the Fennec exist.
Eurocopter (now known as
Airbus Helicopters), the manufacturer of the AS550 C3 Fennec, is the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus. The company is a leading producer of civil helicopters and the most prolific manufacturer in the industry in terms of revenue and turbine helicopter deliveries. Airbus Helicopters provides helicopter spare parts, tools, and ground support equipment to civil, commercial, and military aircraft. The company’s main production facility and headquarters are at Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane, France, and a second main production facility is in Donauworth, Germany. Additional production plants are in Brazil, Australia, Spain, Romania, and the United States.
