Helibras HB 350 L1 Esquilo Modernized for the Army

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HB 350 L1 Esquilo Modernized

Background

It’s light utility helicopter was originally developed by Aérospatiale and Eurocopter AS-550 A2 Fennec. It was manufactured in Brazil by Helicópteros do Brasil S.A (Helibras) in the 80s being used in escort and reconnaissance missions. In 2012, the Army Aviation Material Directorate continued with the three macroprojects under its responsibility, one of which was the modernization of the HB 350L1 Esquilo helicopter. This project was developed in conjunction with the company Helibras. The project would include the installation of modern avionics and weapons. The result of this update was demonstrated in March 2014.

Changes

1st General

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Revitalization of the structure and engines

2nd New Cockpit

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Three LCD screens provide information on attitude, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, yaw rate, and HSI, as well as all engine and airframe information. The module also features a suite of modern navigation and communications equipment, allowing essential information to be presented in a concentrated manner about the flight situation and systems, reducing the time spent scanning the panel, and allowing accurate and high-speed reading of system data and flight parameters.

3rd Passive Defense

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The addition of systems, RWR and IFF, is capable of detecting laser signals.

4th Projectile Protection

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Special composite plates have been installed, offering armored protection. There are three parts, one positioned on the cabin floor, under the pedals, one on the sides, between each pilot and the doors, and another on the seat backs.

5th Automatic Pilot

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Sagem AP85 model, an Automatic Flight Control System that provides stability in the longitudinal and transverse axes, increased stability with automatic control of fine flight adjustments so that there is always maximum maneuverability over the controls.

6th Additional equipment

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Integration with systems already in use. Cameras Safire III and “Eagle Eyes” with night and thermal vision, as well as a powerful antenna for transmitting the collected images.

7th Armament

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In addition to the equipment already used such as SBAT 70/7 and Avibras 7.62 machine gun pods (250 bullets per gun). The Skayfire systems and Avibras 12.7 machine gun pods (250 bullets per gun) were added. There was homologation for 20mm cannons but the army did not acquire the weapon.

Specifications

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Crew: 2

Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B turbine (650 hp)

Rotor diameter: 10.69 m

Length: 10.93 m

Height: 3.34 m

Weight: 1,225 kg (empty); 2,250 kg (maximum)

Maximum speed: 272 km/h

Rate of climb: 7.90 m/s

Service ceiling: 6,100 m

Range: 476 km

Armament: 14x SBAT 70/7 or 7x SBAT 70/7/ 14x Skayfire or 7x Skayfire/ 1x or 2x Gun pods

Images

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cavex1

Sources

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Sorry I couldn’t find any sources in English

Modernização dos Esquilo/Fennec da AvEx - Forças Terrestres - Exércitos, Indústria de Defesa e Segurança, Geopolítica e Geoestratégia

>Helibras vai modernizar 33 Esquilos do Exército | canaldaaviacao

https://www.revistaoperacional.com.br/exercito/modernizacao-dos-helicopteros-esquilofennec-a-visao-de-um-aviador/

Helibrás HB-350B Esquilo Monoturbina UH-50/H-50 – História da Força Aérea Brasileira

https://www.defesaaereanaval.com.br/aviacao/novas-designacoes-para-o-fennec-e-o-pantera-da-aviacao-do-exercito

Video

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8zH1PpconQ

1 Like

Sadly, the helicopter would suffer from the AB.205 syndrome, where there’s simply not enough armament to be effective against vehicle in War Thunder. I would prefer something more potent, even UH-1B with 38 FFAR rockets is considered by some as underwhelmed in weapons loadout.

might wanna fix dat

Yeah, unfortunately this and other errors in the voting can no longer be changed.

2 Likes