First flown in June 1974 the Ecureuil was designed for the civilian market and introduced many features including the Aerospatiale 'Starflex' rotor system. Built from composites/fibre-glass, the rotor head was designed without the need for conventional mechanical hinging. It used the inherent flexibility of laminated composites for movement. This replaced the old style bearings and introduced laminated self-lubricating bearings.
Fibre-glass was also used in the tail-rotor, formed by two blades attached to a composite beam which is both torsional and flexible and allowed the hinge system to be replaced. Aerospatiale also employed a large amount of composites within the fuselage, allowing for weight reduction, anti-corrosion and reduced operating costs. Powered by a single Turbomeca Arriel turbine-engine the AS.350 is produced in a civil and military variant and these have sold well overseas in both versions.
Other information:
http://www1.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=202
http://avia.russian.ee/helicopters_eng/snias-350.php
http://www.greatoutdoors.com/published/general/expeditions/helicopteroneverestmakeshistory/
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