The high performance, powerful AS350 B3 is designed to carry out the most demanding missions in the most extreme weather and geographical conditions: from very hot to very high and everything in between. Its exceptional lifting power, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make virtually any job looks easy. The AS350 B3 can climb to 3,000 meters in 2 minutes 21 seconds and has more than proved its power with a record breaking landing on Mount Everest.

More than 530 AS350 B3s are presently in operational service worldwide, mainly performing missions requiring high performance, including "hot and high" missions and sling work (external load capability of the B3 is 1,400 kg).

The AS350 B3 has so many proven technologies,
it practically knows what you need to accomplish before you do. The Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) automates the start-up sequence and optimises engine performance to suit outside conditions. Result? Improved reliability, lower fuel consumption and reduced maintenance. The ergonomic cockpit features a 3-axis auto-pilot and dual LCD-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD). All these technologies go a long way to reducing pilot fatigue and enhancing safety. The use of composite materials for airframe, rotors and main rotor head combine to give the AS350 B3 the best protection against corrosion and, consequently, reduce the maintenance costs.

The VEMD gathers all the conventional
electromechanical instruments for vehicle and engine control on two five-inch (12.7 cm) LCD screens. It provides several display modes: engine-starting sequence, normal flight operation, flight report and maintenance mode.

The VEMD considerably reduces the flight crew's workload and improves safety, as the pilot can concentrate better on his mission. It also improves maintenance thanks to the automation of such functions as recording flight duration, number of NG and NF cycles exceeding limitations. All limit-value overshoots are detected and recorded. They cannot be erased by the pilot.

The AS350 B3 is powered by a single Turbomeca Arriel 2B 1 engine of 847 shp (632 kW). The Arriel family of engines has over 15 million flight hours of experience. The B3's engine is the fruit of that accumulated know-how.

The engine is equipped with a dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) (and a third back-up control system) that greatly simplifies engine handling. In addition, it ensures power plant monitoring, providing it with the correct fuel, air and ignition ratios required for optimum performance with minimum fuel expenditure to suit any given exterior conditions.

With the new optional dual hydraulic system and structural reinforcements (same kit), the B3 can take off at 2,370 kg, allowing an increased payload of around 95kg.

The AS350 B3 is well adapted to a variety of law enforcement missions: surveillance, command and control, search and rescue, transporting small SWAT units, hoisting canine units, as well as flying border control missions in hot and high conditions. The AS350 B3 offers excellent visibility, a pilotfriendly ergonomic cockpit and exceptional endurance and speed. The open cockpit concept and low vibration level permit the installation of all the equipment and avionics necessary to create fully integrated law enforcement instrument panels and tactical consoles.