Airbus Helicopters H125M Fennec 1 & Fennec 2

The AS550 Fennec (H125M) and AS555 Fennec 2, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter Group), are agile military helicopters.

Adapted from the AS350 Ecureuil and AS355 Ecureuil 2 lines, they are affectionately named after the fennec fox.

These helicopters can be outfitted with various armaments, such as coaxial weapons, rockets, torpedoes, and other munitions.

The Fennec helicopter was specifically developed as a versatile and agile aircraft primarily intended for military operations.

It offers two distinct configurations, allowing for the installation of either a single or dual engine setup.

This adaptability enables the Fennec to be utilised on various naval vessels equipped with helipads, including destroyers and aircraft carriers, thereby enhancing its mission capabilities.

The design of the Fennec incorporates ample space to accommodate 20mm cannons, as well as other armaments like rockets and machine gun pods.

With a maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds (910 kg), the Fennec is capable of carrying substantial weight during its operations.

Variants

AS350 L1/L2 Ecureuil

Original military variants of AS350.
AS550 C2 Fennec

Armed version based on AS350 B2.
AS550 U2 Fennec

Unarmed version based on AS350 B2.
AS550 C3 Fennec

Armed version based on AS350 B3.

Fennic 2

AS355 M/M2 Ecureuil 2

Original military variants of AS355 F.

AS555 AF Fennec 2 

Armed version based on AS355 N.

AS555 AN Fennec 2 

The armed military version, can be fitted with a 20 mm cannon.

AS555 AR Fennec 2 

Armed with cannons and rockets.

AS555 MN Fennec 2 

Unarmed naval version.

AS555 MR Fennec 2

Naval version.

AS555 SN Fennec 2

Armed naval version.

AS555 SR Fennec 2 

Armed naval version.

AS555 UN Fennec 2

Training and utility version.

AS555 UR Fennec 2 

Utility version.

AS555 SP Fennec 2 

Naval version of AS355 NP.

Specifications

Crew

2

Capacity

4 passengers

Length

10.93 m (35 ft 10 in) (fuselage length),

12.94 m (42 ft 6 in) (overall length, rotors turning)

Height

3.34 m (10 ft 11 in)

Empty weight

1,220 kg (2,690 lb)

Max take-off weight

2,250 kg (4,960 lb)

Fuel capacity

540 L (143 US Gal)

Powerplant

1 × Turbomeca Arriel 2B turboshaft, 632 kW (847 shp)

(limited to 500 kW (671 shp for take-off)

Main rotor diameter

10.69 m (35 ft 1 in)

Main rotor area

89.75 m2 (966.1 sq ft)

Performance

Maximum speed

246 km/h (153 mph, 133 kn) (max cruise)

Never exceed speed

287 km/h (178 mph, 155 kn)

Range

648 km (403 mi, 350 nmi)

Service ceiling

5,280 m (17,320 ft)

Rate of climb

10.30 m/s (2,028 ft/min)

Armament

Provision for

20 mm Giat M621 cannon

Fabrique Nationale de Herstal twin 7.62 mm

Or

12.7 mm machine gun pods

7 x 70mm (2.75″) Forges de Zeebrugge rocket launcher FZ220

Or

12 x 68 mm Thales Brandt rockets

BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles.

Sources
Helicopters: An Illustrated History of their Impact-S S McGowen.
How the Helicopter Changed Modern Warfare-W Boyne.
National Air and Space Museum of France.