Milestone 200 for American built AS350 helicopters

American Eurocopter recently held an event at its delivery centre in Grand Prairie for 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 2012. Members of the Texas DPS were on hand to celebrate the occasion.

Since its introduction in 1977, the AS350 AStar, globally, there are more than 3,300 AS350 helicopters operating in all markets and missions. The first AS350 helicopter in the US was delivered in 1978, and there are now 783 AStars operating throughout the United States.

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

“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 in such vital missions as law enforcement, homeland security and air medical services.”