Aérospatiale SA 330A Puma
Sud-Aviation · France · first flew 1965 · helicopter
The SA 330A was the initial prototype and early military variant of the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma, a medium-lift transport helicopter developed jointly for French and British service.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Slab-sided fuselage with large sliding cabin doors on each side |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- First prototype and initial military variant of the SA 330 Puma
- Four-blade main rotor with twin Turmo turboshaft engines above the cabin
- Slab-sided fuselage with large sliding cabin doors on each side
Medium helicopter with a distinctive slab-sided rectangular fuselage, four-blade main rotor, twin engines above and behind the cabin, and a characteristic ventral fin under the tail boom.
Specifications
- The Aérospatiale SA 330A Puma has a length of 18.15 m (60 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 257 km/h (160 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The SA 330 Puma programme was initiated in the early 1960s to meet French Army Aviation requirements for a medium tactical transport helicopter, with British participation under an Anglo-French helicopter agreement. The SA 330A prototype first flew in April 1965, and the type was subsequently developed into the production SA 330B for France and SA 330E for the United Kingdom. The Puma became one of the most successful European helicopter designs of its era.
Variants
The SA 330A led to the SA 330B (French Army), SA 330C and E (export and RAF), and ultimately the civilian SA 330J/L. The Puma was further developed into the AS 332 Super Puma.
Where you'll see it
The SA 330A itself was a development aircraft; production Pumas served with France, the United Kingdom (as the Westland Puma HC.1), South Africa, and over 40 other operators.
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