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 |