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| Aérospatiale Puma | ||
|---|---|---|
SA 330 Puma | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Medium transport/utility helicopter | |
| Crew | 3 | |
| First Flight | ||
| Entered Service | ||
| Manufacturer | ||
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | ft in | 18.15 m |
| Rotor Diameter | ft in | 15.0 m |
| Height | ft in | 5.14 m |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | lb | 3,770 kg |
| Loaded | lb | kg |
| Maximum Takeoff | lb | 7,400 kg |
| Capacity | 16 passengers | |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 2 x Turbomeca Turmo IVC turboshafts | |
| Power | hp | 2 x 1,175 kW |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum Speed | mph | 258 km/h |
| Combat Range | 309 nautical miles | km |
| Ferry Range | miles | km |
| Service Ceiling | ft | 4,800 m |
| Rate of Climb | ft/min | 552 m/min |
| Thrust/Weight | ||
| Power/Mass | hp/lb | kW/kg |
| Avionics | ||
| Avionics | ||
| Armament | ||
| Guns | Various, including co-axial 7.62 mm machine guns and side-firing 20 mm cannon | |
| Bombs | ||
| Missiles | ||
| Rockets | ||
| Other | ||
The Aerospatiale Puma is a medium-sized twin-engined transport/utility helicopter originally manufactured by Aerospatiale of France. It is also known under the designation SA 330.
The SA 330 Puma was originally developed by Aerospatiale 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 HC Mk1. 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. On 25 April 1978 the SA 330J Puma achieved the distinction of becaming the first helicopter outside the (then) Soviet Union to be certificated for all-weather operations, including icy conditions.
Production of the SA 330 Puma by Aerospatiale 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 320 Eurocopter Super Puma.
Variants of this helicopter were also manufactured, assembled or licence-built by the Atlas Aircraft Corporation of South Africa, ICA of Romania and IPTN of Indonesia.
The SA 330 Puma is one of the most widely used helicopter types in the world. Versions of this helicopter are or were in service with the armed forces of the following countries:
The Puma is also operated by several civilian operators.
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