Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama
Aérospatiale / HAL / Helibras · France · first flew 1969 · helicopter
The SA 315B Lama is a single-engine light utility helicopter designed specifically for high-altitude operations, combining the Alouette II airframe with the Alouette III's Artouste IIIB turboshaft engine. It holds altitude records for helicopters, having operated above 7,000 m.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.26 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine high-altitude utility helicopter
- Combined Alouette II airframe with Alouette III powerplant
- Skid undercarriage, open lattice tailboom
Identified by its slender lattice tailboom, skid landing gear, and combination of the narrow Alouette II fuselage with the larger Alouette III rotor system. The single turboshaft engine sits atop the fuselage behind the main rotor mast.
Specifications
- The Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama has a length of 10.26 m (34 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.02 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 192 km/h (119 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Aérospatiale in response to an Indian Army requirement for a high-altitude helicopter, the Lama first flew in 1969 and entered service in 1970. It was licence-built as the Cheetah by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India and as the Gavião by Helibras in Brazil. The type set a world helicopter altitude record of 12,442 m in 1972.
Variants
The SA 315B was the primary production variant; the HAL Cheetah saw extensive Indian Army and Air Force service at Himalayan altitudes. Helibras produced the Gavião for Brazilian operators.
Where you'll see it
The Lama remains in active service with the Indian Army and Air Force at high-altitude Himalayan postings, and is operated by various civil and military users across South America and Europe.
Related aircraft
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