Aérospatiale SA-313B / SA-318C ALOUETTE II

On March 12, 1955, a light utility helicopter designed by the Societé Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Sud-Est (SNCASE) made its maiden flight. This helicopter designated as SE 3130 Alouette II, had the distinction of being the first World’s helicopter that used a gas turbine as engine, the 360 shp Turbomeca Artouste I. A year later, the first units left the factory and performed spectacular demonstrations of its capabilities, such as being the first helicopter capable of flying over 8,200 meters altitude in June 1955, and over 10,900 meters in June 1958. These helicopters carried the 460 shp Turbomeca Artouste IIC6 turboshaft and since 1967 this model was renamed SA-313B. In 1961, an improved variant designated as SA-318C Alouette II Astazou appeared, this helicopter carried a new 523 shp Turbomeca Astazou IIA shaft turbine, which was derated to 360 shp to avoid mechanical damage. In summary, from 1956 to 1975 more than 1,300 Alouette II helicopters were built and operated in more than 50 countries, including civilian versions.

SA-313B/SA-318C ALOUETTE II gallery and more info