• Mission

Main description

Superiority

MODERN: The AS550 C3 offers the most modern design complying with more and more demanding battlefields and missions.

PROVEN: The AS550 C3 is already operational from the highest altitudes (6000 m/19,685 ft) to the hottest and sandy environments (+ 50°C/122°F).

MULTI-MISSION: The AS550 C3 is fitted with a large amount of already integrated equipment to perform the widest range of missions.

COST EFFECTIVE: The simple design, reliability of equipment, low fuel consumption and light maintenance make the AS550 C3 the most cost effective weapon and mission system.

• Technologies

  PROVEN, MODERN and SIMPLE DESIGN

  

  The AS550 C3 is equipped with the state-of-theart VEMD® (Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display) for management and control of the main vehicle and engine parameters. The VEMD® gathers all the conventional electromechanical instruments on two 5’’ full color LCD screens and clearly shows all vehicle and engine control information. It allows several display modes: normal ground and engine starting sequence, normal flight operation, flight report and maintenance mode. This instrument considerably reduces the crew’s workload and improves safety as the pilot can watch all limitation parameters at a glance and concentrate on his mission. It also improves maintenance thanks to the automation of such functions as flight duration, number of NG and NF cycles exceeded limitations and internal functional testing. All over limits are detected and recorded; they cannot be erased.

• Aircraft Survivability Equipment

  The most comprehensive Aircraft
  Survivability suit proposed on a light
  combat helicopter:

  • Radar Warning Receiver

  • Missile Launch Detection System

  • Laser Warning receiver

  • Chaff and Flares

  
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  Low Detectability

  • Diminished radar signature through extensive use of composite materials

  • Slim silhouette

  • Low Infra-Red reflectante paint

  • Low noise signature

  
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  NOE Capability

  • Outstanding maneuverability

  • High power reserve

  
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  Reduced Vulnerability

  • Energy absorbing seats 
  • Self sealing fuel tanks separated
    from the cabin 
  • MGB with 45 minutes dry
    run capability 
  • Impact resistant main blades & hub 
  • Crew protection through armor plated seats 
  • Cable cutter 

  All AS550 C3 major components resist to impact of minimum 7.62 mm projectiles Safe return after impactsOutstanding maneuverability

  

• Rotors

  • Extensive use of composite
    material, 30 years of experience

  • SPHERIFLEX® rotor head:
    no lubrication required, small
    amount of parts.

  • Interchangeable composite
    main rotor blades, infinite life,
    no corrosion.

  • Bearingless composite tail
    rotor blades.

  • VEMD® (Vehicle and Engine
    Multifunction Display).

   

• Survivability

  

  The AS550 C3 main characteristics – low detectability, outstanding NOE capability, reduced vulnerability and modern electronic/ warfare suite – make it a highly survivable helicopter for the next generation battlefields

• Engine

  TURBOMECA ARRIEL 2B Engine
  

  

  The AS550 C3 is powered with a TURBOMECA Arriel 2B engine of 847 shp (632 kW) and equipped with a FADEC® system (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). It benefits from the ARRIEL experience family that counts 17.7 million flight hours.

• Versatility

  Thanks to the AS350 B3 civilian version, the Fennec offers an acknowledged platform ready for the wide range of missions required for Homeland security missions and utility: The AS550 C3 offers off the shelf equipment for:

  • Law enforcement 
  • SAR, MEDEVAC, EMS 
  • Fire fighting  
  • Cargo sling 
  

  Belly tank