Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 09:06, 31 March 2008
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The Aérospatiale Puma is a medium-sized twin-engined transport/utility helicopter originally manufactured by Aérospatiale of France. It is also known under the designation SA 330.
Development
The SA 330 Puma was originally developed by Sud Aviation to meet a requirement of the French Army for a medium-sized all-weather helicopter. The helicopter also had to be capable of operating by day and night as well as in a wide variety of climates.
In 1967, the Puma was also selected by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and given the designation Puma HC Mk.1. As a result of this decision, the SA 330 was included in a joint production agreement between Aerospatiale and Westland Helicopters of the UK.
The first of two Puma prototypes flew on 15 April 1965. Six pre-production models were also built, the last of which flew on 30 July 1968.
The first production SA 330 Puma flew in September 1968. Two years later, in 1970, Sud Aviation merged with Nord Aviation and SÉREB to form Aérospatiale, and the helicopter has been associated with that name ever since, though it still retained the "SA" (for "Sud Aviation") model designator. On 25 April 1978 the SA 330J Puma achieved the distinction of becaming the first helicopter outside the (then) Soviet Union to be certified for all-weather operations, including icy conditions.
Production of the SA 330 Puma by Aérospatiale ceased in 1987, by which time a total of 697 had been sold. The Puma was then replaced by an upgraded and improved version, the AS 332 Eurocopter Super Puma.
Variants
Aérospatiale versions
- SA 330 A: Prototypes, originally called "Alouette IV".
- SA 330 B: Initial production version for the French Army Aviation.
- SA 330 "Orchidee": SA 330 modified to carry an "Orchidee" surveillance system for the French Army.
- SA 330 C: Initial export production version.
- SA 330 E: Version produced by Westland Helicopters for the RAF under the designation HC Mk 1.
- SA 330 F: Initial civilian export production version with Turbomeca Turmo IIIC4 turboshaft engines.
- SA 330 G: Upgraded civilian version with Turbomeca Turmo IVC engines and composite main rotor blades.
- SA 330 H: Upgraded French Army and export version with Turbomeca IVC engines and composite main rotor blades. Designated SA 330B by the French Air Force.
- SA 330 J: Upgraded civil transport version.
- SA 330 L: Upgraded version for so-called "hot and high" conditions.
- SA 330 S: Export version for the Portuguese Air Force.
- SA 330 Z: Prototype with "fenestron" tail rotor.
Versions by other manufacturers
- Atlas Aircraft Corporation Oryx
- This is a remanufactured and upgraded SA 330 Puma built for the South African Air Force.
- IPTN NAS 330 J
- This is a version that was assembled by IPTN of Indonesia under the local designation NAS 330 J and the Aerospatiale designation of SA 330 J. Eleven units were produced.
- ICA IAR 330
- This is a licence-built version of the SA 330 Puma manufactured by ICA of Romania. Designated as the SA 330 L by Aerospatiale.
- Westland Puma HC Mk.1
- This is the SA 330 E version assembled by Westland Helicopters for the RAF.
In American films like Rambo III and Red Dawn, modified Pumas played the role of Soviet Mil Mi-24's.
Operators
Military operators
Argentina
Belgium
Brazil
Cambodia
Cameroon
Chile
Ivory Coast
Ecuador
Ethiopia
France
Gabon
Gambia
Guinea (1 helicopter)
Indonesia
Iraq
Kenya
Kuwait
Lebanon (9 SA 330L)
Malawi
Mexico
Morocco
Nepal
Nigeria
Pakistan
Philippines, 2 SA 330 L
Portugal
Romania
Slovenia
South Africa - South African Air Force
Spain
Sudan
Togo
United Arab Emirates
- Royal Air Force
- No. 33 Squadron RAF
- No. 230 Squadron RAF
- No. 1563 Flight RAF
Venezuela
Zaire
Civil operators
The Puma is also operated by several civilian operators.
Specifications (SA 330 Puma)
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General characteristics
- Crew: 3
- Capacity: 16 passengers
- Length: 18.15 m (59 ft 6 in)
- Rotor diameter: 15.0 m (49 ft 3 in)
- Height: 5.14 m (16 ft 10 in)
- Disc area: 176.71 m² (1,905 ft²)
- Empty weight: 3,770 kg (8,310 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 7,400 kg (16,300 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Turboméca Turmo IVC turboshafts, 1,175 kW (1,575 hp) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 258 km/h (139 knots, 177 mph)
- Range: 780 km (430 nm, 500 mi)
- Service ceiling: 4,800 m (15,750 ft)
- Rate of climb: 9.2 m/s (1,810 ft/min)
Armament
- Guns:
- Coaxial 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine guns
- Side-firing 20 mm (0.787 in) cannon
- Various others
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
External links
