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Aerospatiale SA315B Lama

History

The SA 315B "Lama" was specially developed by Aerospace France in the 1960s to meet the military requirements of the Indian and Nepalese armies for "hot and high" performers to operate in the more ruthless parts of the region should operate (i.e. the mountain sector ). The result was the SA 315B "Lama," which essentially became an offshoot of the company's successful Alouette II light utility helicopter, plus the power and capabilities of the Alouette III. The llama was popular all over the world and in its heyday was widely used under the flag of many operators including the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The first flight of the prototype took place on March 17, 1969, and the series launch took place in July 1971. The helicopter is still in service today (2017) with several global operators, although the number decreases with each passing year.

When built, the SA 315B has a minimum of 1 crew and can carry up to 4 passengers (or 2,500 lbs of external cargo load) in relative comfort. Overall length is 33.6 feet, 36 feet wide and 10 feet high.

Powered by a 550 hp (downgraded from 870 hp) Turbomeca Artouste IIIB series turboshaft engine, performance includes a top speed of 120 mph, a range of up to 320 miles, and a service ceiling of 17,715 feet. The rate of climb is measured at 1,080 feet per minute.

From the outside, this helicopter looks very professional. The cockpit is surrounded by a lightweight frame with heavy glass, providing excellent visibility and giving the helicopter an insect-like appearance. Immediately behind the nacelle is the engine unit, which drives the three-blade main rotor and the three-blade tail rotor (the latter via a shaft). The tail rotor is located on the starboard side of the aircraft and is used to counteract the torque effect of the main rotor rotation.

The tail is exposed and consists of a base frame with connecting struts, which helps keep the helicopter light and cheap. The undercarriage consists of a simple four-point anti-skid mechanism that allows for landing almost anywhere, even on rough terrain.

The skid can also use cargo bays along its length to allow small helicopters with limited equipment carrying capacity.

In addition to helicopters manufactured by France-based Aerospatiale, Lama is also manufactured under local licenses in Brazil under the Helibras (now a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters) and in India under the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) brand label.

The main variant is the original SA 315B production model with a Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turboshaft engine. The Brazilian contribution became the HB 315B "Gaviao", a copy of the SA 315B. The Indian models are the HAL "Cheetah" (SA 315B) and the HAL "Lancer", the latter being a lightly armed combat model with basic survivability such as armor support, reinforced cockpit glass and armor protection. Lancer was launched in the 1990s. In 2006, the HAL "Cheetal" became a modern form after the Lancer.

This version is powered by a Turbomeca TM333-2M2 turboshaft engine, which improves overall power.

From June 1972 to July 2017, the Llama series held the world air record for absolute helicopter altitude at 40,814 feet.