Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the utility / transport helicopters category.
01 / Overview
HB355 Esquilo Bi
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS · COLD WAR
39
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
85
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the utility / transport helicopters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Flight1979
- Service Entry Year1979
- Crew1
- Passengers6
- Primary RoleUtility / Transport Helicopter
◈Powerplant8MOD.8
- Engine TypeTurbomeca Arrius 1A1
- Number of Engines2
- Engine Power (each)313 kW
- Transmission Rating550 kW
- Rotor ConfigurationConventional
- Main Rotor Diameter10.69 m
- Main Rotor Blades3
- Anti-Torque TypeTail rotor
▣Performance10MOD.10
- Top Speed278 km/h
- Cruise Speed224 km/h
- Never-Exceed Speed (VNE)287 km/h
- Service Ceiling5,280 m
- Hover Ceiling (IGE)2,500 m
- Hover Ceiling (OGE)1,830 m
- Range700 km
- Ferry Range950 km
- Rate of Climb8.4 m/s
- Endurance330
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
- Fuselage Length10.93 m
- Height3.14 m
- Rotor Disc Area89.75
- Empty Weight1,305 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight2,600 kg
- Useful Load1,295 kg
- Cabin Volume2.2
◆Armament & Mission4MOD.4
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload1,000 kg
- Sling Load Capacity1,134 kg
- Rescue HoistYes
▤Avionics2MOD.2
⬢Production1MOD.1
- Variants1
▲Service History3MOD.3
- Production Start1975
- Production End2016
- Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1975Production started
- 2016Production ended
51
years in service
41
years in production
16
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 2 countries retired it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
HB355 Esquilo Bi 05 / Operators
Operator Countries18country
06 / MASS Score
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS RANKING Utility / Transport Helicopters · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
115UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS39COLD WAR · UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS54BRAZIL · ALL WEAPONS96PERFORMANCE/PRICE · UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theUtility / Transport Helicopterscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE2terms
Autopilot/AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) is an avionics suite that automatically controls a helicopter’s attitude, navigation and flight path, providing stability augmentation and reducing pilot workload.
A mechanical device used to lift personnel or cargo via a cable, typically mounted on helicopters for rescue or recovery operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources