American Eurocopter Celebrates 200th American-Made AS350 Helicopter

Sept. 20, 2012

The 200th aircraft, an AS350 B3e, was delivered to the Texas Department of Public Safety in April and was placed into service today.

Pictured in the photo are (l-r): John Byus, American Eurocopter Regional Sales Manager; Texas DPS Sgt. Ray Ragan, Texas DPS Lt. Marcus Tomerlin, Texas DPS Asst. Chief Pilot Tim Ochsner; Treg Manning, American Eurocopter VP Commercial Sales and Marketing; and Ed Van Winkle, American Eurocopter Sales Manager for Airborne Law Enforcement.

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS – American Eurocopter held an event today at its Delivery Center in Grand Prairie to honor the 200th AS350® helicopter manufactured in the United States. The 200th aircraft, an AS350 B3e, was delivered to the Texas Department of Public Safety in April and was placed into service today. Members of the Texas DPS were on hand to celebrate the occasion.

Since its introduction in 1977, the AS350 AStar® has developed a rich history throughout the world. Globally, there are more than 3300 AS350 helicopters operating in all markets and missions.

The first AS350 helicopter in the U.S. was delivered in 1978, and there are now 783 AStars operating throughout the United States. These aircraft are performing critical roles, such as airborne law enforcement, border and homeland security, and emergency air medical services, as well as missions for utility work, tourism, charter and VIP transport.

In 2005, American Eurocopter began building AS350 AStar helicopters at its manufacturing center of excellence in Columbus, Mississippi. To date, 237 AS350s have been made in the U.S.A.

“The Astar is today the most successful light helicopter in the world,” stated Marc Paganini, American Eurocopter’s President and CEO. “Our employees are extremely proud that this aircraft is made here and that the product line is utilized for such vital missions as law enforcement, homeland security and air medical services.”

The AS350 AStar helicopter is known for its reliability, performance and large cabin space. These features combine to enable multi-mission configurations and capabilities. Its flexibility and durability make the AS350 ideal for a variety of missions.

The aircraft featured at the event is the first AS350 B3e for the DPS. It was completed by Metro Aviation and is expected to go into service in McAllen, Texas.

For more information on the AS350 AStar helicopter, its mission capabilities or performance, visit www.eurocopterusa.com.