![]() |
|
A Super Frelon helicopter of the French Navy | |
Role | Transport helicopter |
---|---|
National origin | France |
Manufacturer | Sud Aviation Aérospatiale |
First flight | 7 December 1962 |
Introduction | 1966 |
Status | In service with the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force |
Primary users | French Navy People's Liberation Army Air Force South African Air Force Iraqi Air Force |
Produced | 1962–1981 |
Number built | 110 |
Developed from | SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon |
Developed into | Avicopter AC313 |
The Aérospatiale (formerly Sud Aviation) SA 321 Super Frelon ("Super Hornet") is a three-engined heavy transport helicopter produced by aerospace manufacturer Sud Aviation of France. It held the distinction of being the most powerful helicopter to be built in Europe at one point, as well as being the world's fastest helicopter.
Design The load deck of a Super Frelon The Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon is a large, heavy-lift single-rotor helicopter, furnished with a relatively atypical three-engine configuration; these are Turboméca Turmo IIIC turboshaft engines set on top of the fuselage, a pair of turbines positioned side by side at the front and one located aft of the main rotor.[5] The naval anti-submarine and anti-ship variants are usually equipped with navigation and search radar (ORB-42), and a 50-metre rescue cable. They are most often fitted with a 20 mm cannon, countermeasures, night vision, a laser designator and a Personal Locator System. The Super Frelon can also be fitted for inflight refueling.
Ceiling
Range
Aircraft Speed
Max Crew
|
Since the early 1980s, the Super Frelons have been frequently used by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) for conducting shipborne ASW and SAR operations. For ASW missions.
The Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon manufactured by Aérospatiale formerly Sud Aviation
The Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon manufactured by Aérospatiale formerly Sud Aviation is a French three-engine heavy-lift military transport helicopter