AS.532 Cougar

     Notes: Though mainly aimed at the civilian market, the Super Puma has been marketed to the military under the name of Cougar.  Military versions have night vision and in-flight refueling capability.  An optional 100-liter internal fuel tank may be fitted at the expense of cargo or passengers.  No ejection seats are provided.

     The AS.532 Mk 1 UC/AC is the basic military model, with a short fuselage.  It is well-appointed, and though it is the short fuselage version, is still a fairly large helicopter.  The rescue version, the UC, has a hoist with a capacity of 245 kg.  The AS.532 Mk 1 UE is the stretched version of this helicopter.  It also has upgraded avionics, including inertial navigation.  The AS.532 Mk 1 UL/AL is a version of the Mk 1 UE carrying more fuel.  The AS.532 Mk 2 U2 A2 is an even bigger version of the Cougar, with further upgraded avionics. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

AS.532 Mk 1 UC/AC

$491,244

AvG

3 tons

9 tons

2+21 or 14 paratroops or 6 stretchers

20

Passive IR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AS.532 Mk 1 UE

$742,124

AvG

3 tons

9 tons

2+25 or 17 paratroopers or 10 stretchers

20

Passive IR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AS.532 Mk 1 UL/AL

$769,489

AvG

3 tons

9.4 tons

2+25 or 17 paratroopers or 10 stretchers

20

Passive IR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AS.532 Mk II U2 A2

$1,218,080

AvG

3.35 tons

9.75 tons

2+29 or 20 paratroops or 12 stretchers

26

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

AS.532 Mk 1 UC/AC & UE

550

138

50/34

1497

1388

4100

AS.532 Mk 1 UL/AL

550

138

50/34

2000

1388

4100

AS.532 Mk 2 U2 A2

555

139

50/35

2020

1531

4100

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

AS.532 Mk 1 UC/AC & UE

Flare/Chaff Dispensers, Secure Radios, RWR

55m

None

2xMAG Doorguns, 2 Hardpoints

1000x7.62mm

AS.532 Mk 2 U2 A2

Flare/Chaff Dispensers, Secure Radios, IRCM, GPS

75m

None

2xMAG Doorguns, 2 Hardpoints

1000x7.62mm

 

AS.350/355/555 Ecureuil/Fennec

    Notes:  The Ecureuil (Squirrel) has remained in production since 1974, and is one of the most common helicopters around the world.  The single-engined 350 were soon joined by the twin-engined 355, offering greater performance. 

     The first production version of the Ecureuil was AS.350BA.  It has a single engine and only very basic appointments.  It is primarily a civilian helicopter, but has some military applications as a liaison and observation helicopter.  Military models are usually armed with a single light machinegun, in either the right or left door.  The AS.350B2 is the same helicopter with a more powerful engine for more lifting capacity; the AS.350B3 has an even more powerful engine and electronically-assisted controls, as well as lighter construction.  The AS.350L2 is an armed version of the B2, usually known as the Fennec (Fox).  It has hardpoints for weapons and a gunsight.

     Twin-engine versions began with the AS.355E Ecureuil.  This is basically a 350BA with two engines instead of one.  Again, this is primarily a civilian helicopter, but some military versions do exist.  The AS.355N Ecureuil 2 is an improved version, with more powerful engines.  The AS.355M2 Fennec is the French armed counterpart of the AS.355N, with hardpoints and a gunsight.

     The AS.550 Fennec was the first major armed model; the AS.550C3 is the combat version.  It is a military model of the AS.350.  The helicopter may carry an auxiliary 475-liter fuel tank in the cabin instead of passengers for extended operations.  If this is done, the doorguns are removed (there is no one to operate them).  The AS.555AN is a twin-Engined Fennec; it has updated avionics.

     The Z-11 is a Chinese version of the AS.350BA.  It differs primarily in the engine used, an indigenous Chinese design that is not as powerful as the original engine.  It is considered quite obsolete by the Chinese and is used mostly for training.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

AS.350BA

$116,168

AvG

954 kg

2.1 tons

2+3

4

None

Enclosed

AS.350B2

$117,528

AvG

1.08 tons

2.5 tons

2+4

4

None

Enclosed

AS.350B3

$119,248

AvG

1.09 tons

2.25 tons

2+4

4

None

Enclosed

AS.350L2

$154,206

AvG

1.08 tons

2.51 tons

2+3

4

None

Enclosed

AS.355E

$137,864

AvG

1.05 tons

2.49 tons

2+4

4

None

Enclosed

AS.355N

$138,964

AvG

1.16 tons

2.6 tons

2+4

4

None

Enclosed

AS.355M2

$157,208

AvG

1.16 tons

2.6 tons

2+3

4

None

Enclosed

AS.550C3

$732,989

AvG

1.16 tons

2.8 tons

2+4

8

Passive IR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AS.555AN

$900,620

AvG

1.4 tons

2.8 tons

2+4

8

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

Z-11

$115,608

AvG

954 kg

2.2 tons

2+4

4

None

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

Armor

AS.350BA

574

144

40/36

380

228

4750

FF3  CF3  RF2  RB3

AS.350B2/L2

564

141

40/35

380

262

4750

FF3  CF3  RF2  RB3

AS.350B3

574

144

40/36

380

305

4750

FF3  CF3  RF2  RB3

AS.355E

600

150

40/38

545

297

4750

FF3  CF3  RF2  RB3

AS.355N/M2

618

154

40/39

545

329

4750

FF3  CF3  RF2  RB3

AS.550C3

574

144

40/36

540

300

5280

FF3  CF3  RF2  RB3

AS.555AN

605

151

40/38

730

340

3800

FF3  CF3  RF2  RB3

Z-11

545

136

40/34

380

214

5240

FF3  CF3  RF2  RB3

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

AS.350BA/B2/B3

None

40m

None

1xAAT-F1 Doorgun

500x7.62mm

AS.350L2/M2

None

40m

+1

2xAAT-F1 Doorguns, 2 Hardpoints

500x7.62mm

AS.355E/N

None

40m

None

2xAAT-F1 Doorguns

500x7.62mm

AS.550C3

Secure Radios

40m

+2

2xAAT-F1 Doorguns, 2 Hardpoints

500x7.62mm

AS.555AN

Secure Radios

40m

+3

2xAAT-F1 Doorguns, 2 Hardpoints

500x7.62mm

Z-11

None

40m

None

2xType 81 Doorgun

500x7.62mm

 

SA.318/315 Alouette II/Lama

     Notes: This is a small, light utility helicopter, useful mainly for observation and light cargo duties.  Stretchers are sometimes attached to the skids with an aeroshell over them to transport wounded.  The aircraft has no ejection seats, and is incapable of inflight refueling.  The SA.318C is the basic helicopter; the SA.315B Lama is a version powered by the stronger engine of the Alouette III.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

SA.318C

$92,832

AvG

600 kg

1.65 tons

2+3

4

None

Open

SA.315B

$94,712

AvG

1.14 tons

2.3 tons

2+3

4

None

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

SA.318C

410

103

15/26

316

85

2150

SA.315B

420

105

15/26

316

213

4250

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

SA.318C/315B

None

24m

None

2 Hardpoints

None

 

SA.316/319 Alouette III

     Notes: This helicopter is a development of the earlier, smaller, Alouette II.  Over 2,200 of them were employed by 74 countries at the height of its popularity.  The Alouette III flies well even at high altitude, and was even employed in the Himalayas.  Various versions have been built, including observation, attack, transport, ASW, search and rescue, and armed reconnaissance.  The Alouette III was one of the first helicopters sold to Third World countries.  No ejection seats are provided, and the helicopter is incapable of in-flight refueling.

     The SA.316A was the initial version.  The SA.316B has strengthened tail and main rotors, allowing for better performance.  The SA.316C has a more powerful engine, but was produced only in limited numbers.  The SA.319C has an even better engine, which is more powerful and fuel efficient.  The G-Car and K-Car are gunship models first produced by the former Rhodesia; the G-Car has two side-mounted heavy machineguns, while the K-Car has a single 20mm autocannon mounted on the side.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

SA.316A

$113,322

AvG

750 kg

2.2 tons

2+5

4

None

Enclosed

SA.316B

$114,186

AvG

750 kg

2.2 tons

2+5

4

None

Enclosed

SA.316C

$115,093

AvG

750 kg

2.34 tons

2+5

4

None

Enclosed

SA.319B

$114,121

AvG

770 kg

2.25 tons

2+5

4

None

Enclosed

G-Car

$341,524

AvG

770 kg

2.75 tons

2+2

4

Image Intensification

Enclosed

K-Car

$325,665

AvG

770 kg

2.75 tons

2+2

4

Image Intensification

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

SA.316A

420

105

20/26

244

194

4250

SA.316B

440

110

20/28

244

214

4250

SA.316C

447

112

20/28

244

237

4250

SA.319B/G-Car/K-Car

440

110

20/28

244

213

4250

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

SA.316/319

None

30m

None

2 Hardpoints

None

G-Car

Secure Radios

30m

+2

2xM-2HB, 2 Hardpoints

500x.50

K-Car

Secure Radios

30m

+2

20mm Rh-202 Autocannon, 2 Hardpoints

300x20mm

 

SA.321 Super Frelon

     Notes: This French helicopter is primarily a naval aircraft.  It is used for antisubmarine and antiship warfare, and for resupply and logistic support.  There are, however, cargo and other military variants, and these will be detailed below.  No ejection seats are provided, and the helicopter is not capable of inflight refueling.  They can, however, carry two auxiliary fuel tanks in the cabin with a capacity of up to 1000 liters, and non-droppable fuel tanks on hardpoints with a capacity of up to 500 liters on each hardpoint.

     The SA.321Ga is the basic naval cargo variant.  It is normally used to transport Marines or naval special operation forces.  It is a variant of the SA.321G, an antiship helicopter, and has been stripped of the equipment and armament necessary to detect and attack ships.  The SA.321K was the version exported to Israel.  They were modified slightly, upgraded avionics and more powerful engines.  SA.321L is similar, but built for South Africa.  The SA.321M is also similar; it was built for Libya as a transport and SAR helicopter, and does not have the secure radios, but does have a radio direction finder and a rescue hoist with a capacity of 275 kilograms.

     The Z-8A is the Army version of the Chinese Z-8 naval helicopter, the Chinese copy of the SA.321G.  It is almost identical to the SA.321Ga, except for indigenously-produced engines that give the helicopter slightly different performance.  The Z-8A has a rescue hoist with a capacity of 300 kg.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

SA.321Ga

$320,247

AvG

4.5 tons

12.5 tons

2+38 or 27 paratroops or 16 stretchers

20

None

Enclosed

SA.321K/L/M

$549,648

AvG

5 tons

13 tons

2+38 or 27 paratroops or 16 stretchers

22

None

Enclosed

Z-8A

$525,637

AvG

5 tons

13 tons

2+39 or 27 paratroops of 15 stretchers

22

None

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

SA.321Ga

550

138

70/34

3975

1742

6000

SA.321K/L/M

546

136

70/34

3975

1784

6000

Z-8A

533

133

70/33

3975

1699

6000

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

SA.321Ga/Z-8A

None

56m

None

2 Hardpoints (fuel tanks only)

None

SA.321K/L

Secure Radios

56m

None

2 Hardpoints (fuel tanks only)

None

SA.321M

Radio Direction Finder

56m

None

2 Hardpoints (fuel tanks only)

None

 

SA.330 Puma

     Notes: This is a result of an Anglo-French helicopter program.  It is an aging workhorse that has been largely succeeded by the Super Puma.  No ejection seats are provided, and the helicopter is incapable of in-flight refueling. 

     The SA.330B is the basic transport version.  The SA.330C was the export designation, but is not otherwise different.  The SA.330E (Puma HC 1) is the Royal Air Force designation.  The SA.330H has more powerful engines.  The SA.330L is similar to the SA.330H, but uses glass-fiber rotor blades.  The Romanian IAR-330L variant is perhaps the most evolved version of the Puma; it has massive upgrades in avionics, including a flight control computer, night vision, sighting systems, armament, and navigation.  It is a full-fledged assault transport.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

SA.330B

$231,176

AvG

2.77 tons

6.4 tons

2+20 or 14 paratroops or 6 stretchers

10

None

Enclosed

SA.330H

$239,427

AvG

3.2 tons

7.4 tons

2+20 or 14 paratroops or 6 stretchers

10

None

Enclosed

IAR-330L

$1,534,125

AvG

3.2 tons

7.4 tons

2+20 or 14 paratroops or 6 stretchers

18

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

SA.330B

560

140

50/35

1544

966

6000

SA.330H

588

147

50/37

1544

1163

6000

IAR-330L

526

132

50/33

1544

1144

6000

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

SA.330B/H

None

40m

None

2xMAG, 2 Hardpoints

1000x7.62mm

IAR-330L

Secure Radios, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, RWR, LWR, IR Suppression, Auto Track

40m

+3

2xPKT Doorguns, 20mm GIAT M-621 Autocannon, 4 Hardpoints

1000x7.62mm, 850x20mm

 

SA.341 Gazelle

     Notes: The Gazelle is a light utility helicopter, along the same vein as the US OH-6 and OH-58.  It is a joint development of France and Britain, and also used by many other countries, including Bosnia, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Slovenia, Syria, Yugoslavia, and several African countries.  The Gazelle saw combat first in the Falklands and the Persian Gulf War, and armed versions first saw combat when a Syrian Gazelle used HOT missiles against Israeli tanks in the 1982 war in Lebanon.  Versions used in Northern Ireland have extensive surveillance suites, including FLIR and close circuit television.  A 200-liter fuel tank can be carried in the cabin at the expense of cargo and passengers.  The Gazelle has no ejection seats, and is not capable of in-flight refueling.

     The SA.341 is the basic version.  The SA.341B was the first version, built for the British Army (and known as the Gazelle AH-1 to them).  The doorguns listed are not a standard feature, but are sometimes seen.  These aircraft are a favorite of the SAS.  A variant used in Northern Ireland has been fitted with a surveillance suite including CCTV, LLTV, shotgun microphones, radio direction finders, and such gear.   The SA.341F is the French Army version; they have more hardpoints, no doorguns, and different avionics.  The SA.341H is an export version of the SA.341F.  The SA.341M is an improved ground attack version for the French Army.  It is usually armed with HOT missiles, and has updated avionics, including inertial navigation.

     The SA.342K is a version with uprated engines; most were exported to the Middle East.  It is normally armed with HOT ATGM.  The SA.342L is similar, but comes in two versions: the SA.342L1, used for ground attack and normally armed with rocket pods and gun or cannon pods (though it may also mount missiles); and the SA.342L2, designed for export to the east and mounting Russian or Eastern European weapons.  The SA.342M, also known as the Viviane, was the final production model for the French and has a roof-mounted sight to allow fire and guidance of HOT missiles while hiding behind cover. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

SA.341B

$161,803

AvG

700 kg

1.8 tons

2+3

4

None

Enclosed

SA.341B (Northern Ireland Model)

$333,737

AvG

700 kg

1.83 tons

2+3

5

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

SA.341F

$183,014

AvG

700 kg

1.83 tons

2+3

5

Image Intensification

Enclosed

SA.341M

$473,976

AvG

700 kg

1.83 tons

2+3

5

Image Intensification

Enclosed

SA.342K/L

$479,661

AvG

768 kg

1.9 tons

2+3

5

Image Intensification

Enclosed

SA-342M

$941,769

AvG

768 kg

2 tons

2+3

5

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

SA.341B/F/M

620

155

15/39

445

209

5100

SA.342K/L/M

650

163

15/41

445

308

5000

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

SA.341B

None

36m

None

2xMAG Doorguns, 2 Hardpoints

500x7.62mm

SA.341B (Northern Ireland Model)

Secure Radios, Datalink

36m

None

2xMAG Doorguns, 2 Hardpoints

500x7.62mm

SA.341H

IR Suppression

36m

+2

4 Hardpoints

None

SA.341M/K and SA.342K/L/M

IR Suppression

36m

+3

4 Hardpoints

None

 

SA.365 Dauphin 2

     Notes: The SA 365 is a French-built helicopter in civilian and military use.  Civilian versions normally have no hardpoints.  The helicopter is also used by the US Coast Guard, where it is known as the HH-65A Dolphin; in this role, the hardpoints are normally occupied by extra fuel tanks.  No ejection seats are provided and the aircraft is not capable of in-flight refueling.  The Dauphin has a rescue hoist with a capacity of 300 kg.

     The first production version was the AS.365C (now known as the AS.365N2).  The AS.365N is the same, but has retractable landing gear.  The AS.365N1 has an improved tail rotor and a more powerful engine. The AS.365N3 has even more powerful engines. 

     The HH-65A Dolphin is a Dauphin 2 manufactured in the US and used by the Coast Guard.  Since the contract required that a majority of the aircraft be built by US manufacturers, the engines were replaced by US-made Lycoming engines.  The Dolphins’ primary mission is search and rescue, but the Coast Guard’s secondary mission as a quasi-military arm means that the Dolphin can be armed with a variety of weapons on 4 hardpoints, and has a decent array of defensive measures.  The Dolphin also has better avionics, from radar to night vision to GPS.  The Israelis also use the Dolphin.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

AS.365C

$168,437

AvG

1.6 tons

4.25 tons

2+10

6

None

Enclosed

AS.365N1

$170,813

AvG

1.6 tons

4.25 tons

2+10

6

None

Enclosed

AS.365N3

$178,459

AvG

1.84 tons

4.3 tons

2+10

8

None

Enclosed

HH-65A

$1,308,839

AvG

2 tons

4.18 tons

2+8

12

FLIR, Radar

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

Armor

AS.365C

558

139

30/35

1102

474

3700

FF4  CF3  RF3  RB3

AS.365N1

589

147

30/37

1102

529

3700

FF4  CF3  RF3  RB3

AS.365N3

613

153

30/38

1102

706

3700

FF4  CF3  RF3  RB3

HH-65A

611

153

30/38

1102

512

2289

FF4  CF3  RF3  RB3

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

AS.365C/N1/N3

None

40m

None

2 Hardpoints

None

HH-65A

Flare/Chaff Dispensers, IRCM, RWR

40m

+2

4 Hardpoints

None