Aérospatiale Alouette III
Aérospatiale · France · first flew 1959 · helicopter
The Aérospatiale Alouette III is a single-engine turbine helicopter developed in France and first flown in 1959, renowned for its exceptional high-altitude performance and versatility in military and civil roles across the world. It has operated in over 70 countries and in roles ranging from troop transport to mountain rescue and naval anti-submarine warfare.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.03 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large glazed cabin with seven-seat capacity and distinctive greenhouse nose
- Single Artouste or Astazou turboshaft on open engine deck above cabin
- Three-blade main rotor with anti-torque tail rotor on slim boom
Identified by the large glazed cabin with a panoramic greenhouse windscreen, the exposed turboshaft engine sitting openly above the rear fuselage, and the three-blade rotor system.
Specifications
- The Aérospatiale Alouette III has a length of 10.03 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.02 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 220 km/h (137 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + up to 6 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the Alouette II by Sud-Aviation (later Aérospatiale), the Alouette III set numerous altitude records and became one of the most successful European helicopters of the 20th century. It entered production in 1961 and was licence-built in India (as the HAL Chetak) and Romania, with total production exceeding 1,400 units.
Variants
The SA 316A, 316B (Artouste IIIB engine), and SA 319B (Astazou XIV engine) are the main variants; the 319B has significantly improved high-altitude performance. The HAL Chetak is the Indian licence-built version still in production.
Where you'll see it
Operated by over 70 air arms worldwide including the French Army and Navy, Indian Armed Forces, Swiss Air Force, and South African Air Force; a small number remain in UK service with the Army Air Corps as legacy machines.
Related aircraft
- Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon
- Aérospatiale SN 601 Corvette
- Aérospatiale AS350B Écureuil
- Aérospatiale SA 365 C Dauphin 2
- Agusta A.103
- AS-61R
- HAL Chetak
- Saunders-Roe P.531-0
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