Hélicoptères Hélicarrier Inc. will enhance its capabilities in mining and external load operations with its recent purchase of an AS350 B3e from Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL). Hélicoptères Hélicarrier currently operates 2 AS350 B3 aircraft for its diverse customer base.

“We have been very impressed with the performance of the AS350 B3 for our wide range of operations,” said Fred Carrier, Co-President, Operations Manager and Chief Pilot, Hélicoptères Hélicarrier Inc. “The AS350 B3e will be a welcome addition to our growing fleet in terms of extended maintenance intervals and strengthened endurance for longer flights.”

The AS350 B3e features a Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, providing additional power in heavy lifting operations, such as mining exploration, long line operations and heavy equipment moves. The engine is equipped with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.

“We are pleased to see that Hélicoptères Hélicarrier’s positive experience with the AS350 B3 has led to interest in the AS350 B3e,” said Guy Joannes, President and CEO, ECL. “The enhanced aircraft was produced for power and has exceptional lift capability, demonstrating that operational requirements for challenging missions have been kept at the forefront for both the AS350 B3e’s design and functionality.”

The AS350 B3e is an enhanced version of Eurocopter’s single-engine AS350 B3, produced with extended range, fast cruise speed and the ability to carry out the most demanding missions in extreme weather and geographical conditions. The AS350 B3e features Eurocopter’s dual-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) in the cockpit, which allows pilots to check primary aircraft and engine parameters in one glance – thus reducing workload and enhancing safety. Eurocopter’s application of composite materials for the helicopter’s airframe, rotors and main rotor head gives the AS350 B3e the best protection against corrosion, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

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