What is this helicopter?

[blackhelicop]

Hi,

can anyone identify this helicopter and if there is anything else to mention about it?

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/5875/heli7jp.jpg

[Bumblebee]

Looks to me like a Squirrel (Ecuriel) with a gimballed camera mount on the front..:8

[blackhelicop]

Looks to me like a Squirrel (Ecuriel) with a gimballed camera mount on the front..:8

Are those camera mainly use of News stations or police force maybe?

Also how often is this Helicopter used in military applications?

Thanks for your help.

[tigerfish]

It is an AS350 known in the States as an A star. From the camera mount and the apparent signwriting on the side I suspect that it is a media newsgathering machine rather than a Police machine. They tend to use a slightly different camera gimble. Definately an AS350 Squirrel (A Star ) though but unable to say which mark other than it is probably a "B" series.

[tigerfish]

On looking at the picture again there is somthing mounted on the body of the machine between the skids. That may suggest that it could be a Police machine after all. They often carry loudspeakers in that position. Could also be a searchlight but that is usually futher back nearer the body/tailboom junction. Would have to be other than UK though as all Police machines in UK by law must be twin engined & that is clearly a single.

[chopperdr]

ENG astar with single pole mount, either FLIR UM / CINEFLEX or WESCAM 16 DS camera. the attachment in the center is a belly pod for microwave downlink, standard stuff. nothing more sinister than that
dr

[Dave_Jackson]

How does it work with such a long mast and 4 stubby little blades?

[212man]

It also appears to have a large, brightly coloured, logo on the side, which would suggest ENG!

[swervin'mervin]

Dave, I thought the same! Mind you its huge - just look at how it dwarfs that other flying machine!

[CyclicRick]

Dave, it's pure RPM and blade chord. Mind you think of the safety aspect, embarking and disembarking pax is a doddle:ok: