Eurocopter AS-350 B2 Ecureuil (Squirrel) Helicopter

About the aircraft

The aircraft to be auctioned is The Eurocopter AS-350 B2 Ecureuil (Squirrel). The aircraft has undergone an extensive and complete renovation during the 12 year overhaul including the conversion from BA to B2 standard, with the installation of a freshly overhauled Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine. The works were undertaken by RUAG, the internationally respected Swiss government owned MRO.

The AS350 Series aircraft is a Single Engine Turbo-Shaft Turbine, Small Rotorcraft, Metal-Sheet Monocoque, 3-Blade Main Rotor, 2-Blade Tail Rotor, with Skid type Landing Gear. It is certified under EASA JAR Small Rotorcraft, and its airworthiness is approved by the European Union.

The aircraft presents as showroom fresh. The complete works took 14 months to complete and cost $1,460,000. The aircraft will stand up to all and any inspection. The aircraft is available for viewing in Sion, Switzerland.

Ownership History

In 1985 the aircraft was sold new to the Gendarmerie Nationale, Paris, France under registration: F-MJCJ. In 2005 the aircraft was converted/upgraded from a ‘B’ to a ‘BA’ model. In September 2011 the aircraft was sold to Heli Air Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco under registration: F-HSPB. In November 2012 the aircraft was sold to Ancor AG, Sarnen, Switzerland under registration: HB-ZAR. In December 2014 the aircraft was leased to Valair AG, Sitterdorf, Switzerland under registration: HB-ZAR. This lease was terminated in October 2018. In September 2019 the aircraft was sold to the current owner (Partn’Air Management SA, Sion, Switzerland) under registration: HB-ZAR. Recently, the aircraft was converted/upgraded from a ‘BA’ to a ‘B2’ model.

Aircraft History and Overview

The Squirrel has a very rich and colorful history. It has been in use from its development by many entities, governments and organizations. It’s a hard working utilitarian aircraft that is used by law enforcement, television news, military reconnaissance, search and rescue missions. It holds the record for the for the highest rescue which was in The Himalayas at 7’800 meters.

The AS350 is a single engine helicopter, powered either by a Lycoming LTS101 or Turbomeca Arriel powerplant, that drives a three-blade main rotor, which is furnished with a Starflex rotor head, ideal for high-altitude performance . Both the main and tail rotors make use of composite material and are designed to minimize corrosion and maintenance requirements.

The AS350 was also developed to comply with the noise requirements in place in locations such as national parks; the in-cabin noise levels are such that passengers may readily converse during flight. The aircraft can also be quickly started up and shut down, which is often useful during emergency medical services roles. It is equipped with hydraulically-assisted flight controls; these controls remain operational, albeit operated with greater physical effort, in the event of a hydraulic failure.

Auction Details

• The aircraft is being auctioned by Bitify PTY Ltd on behalf of Aura Aviation.


• The auction will run until the 15th of Sep 2022 at 4PM UTC.


• Bidders are expected to deposit the amount of $50,000 USD in BTC. If you are the winner, your deposit will be used towards the final payment for this auction. Otherwise, your deposit will be refunded back to your account wallet where you will be able to withdraw back to your address or use towards another item on the site.


• The winner of the auction is expected to complete the payment within 48 hour after the auction closure time.


• Failing to complete the payment within the time specified may result in part or all of your deposit to be used towards relisting the aircraft.


• Upon completion of the payment, the buyer's details will be shared with Aura Aviation. Aura Aviation will contact the buyer and proceed with the transfer of ownership of the aircraft.


• Escrow funds will be released to Aura Aviation once the transfer of ownership has been completed and the aircraft has been wrapped and ready for shipment.