Eurocopter diecast helicopter models offer aviation collectors an opportunity to explore the history of one of Europe's most important helicopter manufacturers. Eurocopter was established in 1992 through the merger of the helicopter divisions of France's Aérospatiale and Germany's MBB. The company brought together decades of French and German helicopter development and went on to produce a wide range of civilian, military, emergency-service, law-enforcement, and utility helicopters.
Although the Eurocopter name is no longer used as the company's current brand, it remains an important name in helicopter history. In 2014, Eurocopter was renamed Airbus Helicopters as part of the wider rebranding of Airbus's aviation businesses. For collectors, the Eurocopter name remains particularly useful when identifying aircraft developed and produced during the company's 1992–2014 era.
This category can include scale models representing Eurocopter helicopters used by airlines, military organizations, police departments, search-and-rescue operators, emergency medical services, government agencies, and private operators. Depending on the particular model, collectors may find aircraft from the Ecureuil, Dauphin, Super Puma, Tiger, and other Eurocopter families.
The History of Eurocopter
Eurocopter was created in 1992 through the merger of the helicopter activities of Aérospatiale and MBB. The new company combined French and German aerospace expertise and became part of what eventually developed into the Airbus Group.
The company's product range inherited important helicopter programs from both sides of the merger. This included the Aérospatiale Gazelle and Dauphin families as well as German-developed designs such as the BO 105. Eurocopter subsequently developed new aircraft and expanded existing families for civilian and military customers around the world.
One of Eurocopter's most important contributions was the development of a broad family of helicopters serving very different markets. Compact single- and twin-engine helicopters could be configured for corporate transportation, law enforcement, emergency medical services, observation, and utility work, while larger aircraft served offshore transportation, military transport, search and rescue, and other demanding missions.
The company's history is therefore represented by many different types of helicopters rather than one single design philosophy.
Eurocopter AS350 and Ecureuil Family
The AS350 Écureuil, known in English as the Squirrel, is one of the most recognizable helicopters associated with Eurocopter and its predecessor Aérospatiale. The family was developed as a light single-engine helicopter and became widely used for passenger transport, aerial work, law enforcement, observation, and other roles.
The AS350 is particularly recognizable for its streamlined cabin and distinctive rotor configuration. Different operators have used the helicopter for very different missions, making livery and configuration important considerations for collectors.
The closely related AS355 Écureuil 2 introduced twin-engine capability. Scale models of AS350 and AS355 helicopters can fit naturally into collections focused on civilian aviation, emergency services, police aircraft, or utility helicopters.
Eurocopter EC120 Colibri
The EC120 Colibri was developed as a compact, lightweight single-engine helicopter for applications including private transportation, training, and utility operations.
Its relatively small size and modern appearance make the EC120 an interesting subject for collectors who focus on contemporary civilian helicopters. It also demonstrates Eurocopter's interest in developing efficient light helicopters for a broad international market.
Eurocopter EC135
The EC135 became one of Eurocopter's most recognizable twin-engine light helicopters. Developed for a range of civilian and professional applications, it has been widely associated with emergency medical services, police aviation, corporate transportation, and utility work.
The EC135 is particularly well represented in aviation collecting because operators have configured it for many different missions. EMS versions can feature medical-service graphics, while police aircraft may carry specialized equipment and distinctive markings.
For collectors, this makes the EC135 especially interesting as a platform for comparing different operators and configurations.
Eurocopter EC145
The EC145 is a larger twin-engine helicopter derived from the BK 117 family. Eurocopter developed the aircraft for passenger transportation, emergency medical services, utility operations, law enforcement, and government applications.
Its spacious cabin and rear clamshell doors made the EC145 useful for missions requiring flexible access and interior space. The helicopter has also been used by military and government organizations in specialized configurations.
A diecast or scale model of an EC145 can therefore represent several different collecting themes, from civilian helicopters and EMS aircraft to police, government, and military aviation.
Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin
The AS365 Dauphin is one of the most distinctive helicopters associated with the Eurocopter name. Developed from an earlier Aérospatiale program, the Dauphin became known for its streamlined fuselage, fenestron anti-torque system, and retractable landing gear.
The aircraft has served in passenger transport, offshore operations, search and rescue, law enforcement, and other specialized roles.
The Dauphin is particularly interesting for collectors because its distinctive appearance makes it easy to identify in a display. Models representing different operators can also show how the same basic helicopter was adapted to very different missions.
Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma and EC225
The AS332 Super Puma is a larger twin-engine helicopter developed for applications including offshore transportation, search and rescue, military transport, and utility work.
The Super Puma family evolved through several versions and eventually included the EC225, later designated the H225. These helicopters became particularly important in offshore oil-and-gas operations, where large helicopters are used to transport personnel between shore bases and offshore installations.
For collectors, Super Puma and EC225 models can provide a larger helicopter subject that contrasts with compact aircraft such as the AS350 and EC135.
Eurocopter Tiger
The Eurocopter Tiger represents the company's military helicopter development. Developed jointly by France and Germany, the Tiger is a dedicated attack and armed reconnaissance helicopter.
Its tandem-seat configuration, specialized weapons systems, and distinctive angular appearance make it immediately different from Eurocopter's civilian products.
The Tiger is an important subject for military-aircraft collectors and can complement scale models of other European combat helicopters.
Eurocopter NH90
The NH90 is a medium-sized military helicopter developed through an international European program involving NHIndustries, with Eurocopter playing a major role. The aircraft was designed in versions for tactical transport and naval operations.
Its composite structure, modern avionics, and fly-by-wire flight-control system represent a later generation of European military helicopter design.
Collectors interested in modern military aviation can use the NH90 to represent the evolution from earlier utility helicopters to more technologically advanced European rotorcraft.
Eurocopter Helicopters in Civilian and Emergency Service
One of the most interesting aspects of collecting Eurocopter models is the variety of real-world operators.
Eurocopter helicopters have been used for:
- Emergency medical services
- Search and rescue
- Police aviation
- Firefighting support
- Offshore transportation
- Passenger service
- Corporate transportation
- Utility operations
- News gathering
- Government missions
- Military transport
- Attack and reconnaissance
This variety creates opportunities to build collections around an operator or mission rather than simply around the aircraft manufacturer.
For example, an EC135 in an EMS configuration can look completely different from a police-operated EC135, even though the underlying helicopter is the same. Likewise, a Super Puma operated for offshore transportation can have a very different appearance from a military transport version.
Eurocopter Diecast Models and Airline or Operator Liveries
When collecting helicopters, the operator and markings can be just as important as the aircraft type.
A scale model may reproduce a specific helicopter's:
- Registration
- Operator name
- Tail markings
- Corporate colors
- Emergency-service graphics
- Police markings
- Military insignia
- Rescue equipment
- Exterior configuration
Collectors who build historically accurate displays may want to match a model with a particular operator or period of service. Others may simply select liveries based on visual appeal.
The wide range of Eurocopter operators makes livery collecting a useful way to expand a helicopter collection without purchasing several identical-looking models.
Choosing the Right Eurocopter Scale Model
Scale is an important consideration when purchasing a Eurocopter diecast helicopter.
1/72 scale is a popular choice for military and general aviation collections because it provides a relatively large model while remaining practical for display.
1/100 scale offers a smaller alternative that works well for collectors who want to display multiple helicopters.
1/144 scale is useful for compact displays and collections featuring many aircraft types.
Other scales may also be available depending on the particular Eurocopter model and manufacturer. Helicopters can be produced in a variety of scales, so collectors should always check the individual product specifications rather than assuming every model is the same size.
What to Check When Buying a Eurocopter Model
Before purchasing a Eurocopter diecast helicopter, consider the following:
- Aircraft family: AS350, AS355, EC120, EC135, EC145, AS365, Super Puma, Tiger, NH90, or another model
- Variant: Different versions may have substantially different configurations
- Operator: Civilian, military, police, EMS, or other organization
- Registration: Important for collectors documenting specific aircraft
- Scale: Match the model to your existing display
- Manufacturer: Different model manufacturers can vary in construction and detailing
- Landing gear: Fixed, retractable, skid, or wheeled configurations depending on aircraft
- Rotor configuration: Check the product specifications for the exact version
- Livery and markings: Especially important for operator-focused collections
- Display stand: Some aircraft models may include a stand or other display equipment
These details can help ensure that a new model fits both the physical and historical theme of your collection.
Building a Eurocopter Helicopter Collection
There are several ways to build a Eurocopter collection. A chronological collection can begin with aircraft inherited from Aérospatiale and MBB and continue through Eurocopter's major civilian and military programs.
Another option is to collect by helicopter family. A display featuring AS350, EC135, EC145, Dauphin, and Super Puma models can demonstrate the wide range of aircraft developed for civilian and professional operations.
Military collectors can concentrate on the Tiger and NH90, while emergency aviation enthusiasts may prefer EC135 and EC145 models in EMS or police configurations.
Collectors can also combine Eurocopter models with later Airbus Helicopters models to illustrate the company's transition after the Eurocopter name was retired in 2014.
Eurocopter Diecast Helicopters for Collectors
Eurocopter's history covers a remarkable variety of helicopters, from compact civilian aircraft and emergency-service machines to offshore transports and advanced military rotorcraft. Models from the Eurocopter era can therefore fit into civilian aviation, military aviation, emergency-service, helicopter, and European aerospace collections.
Whether you are searching for an AS350 Ecureuil, EC135, EC145, Dauphin, Super Puma, Tiger, NH90, or another Eurocopter aircraft, scale models provide an opportunity to preserve the distinctive designs and liveries associated with these helicopters.
Browse the Eurocopter diecast helicopter models at DiecastModelsWholesale.com to explore the available aircraft, scales, operators, and liveries and find the next helicopter for your collection.
