Introduction :
The Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama is a French single-engined helicopter developed to meet a requirement for hot and high operations, it combines the Alouette II airframe with Alouette III components. The helicopter was licence built in India as the Cheetah. Originally designed to meet an Indian armed forces requirement for operation in 'hot and high' conditions, the Lama combines the Artouste powerplant and rotor system of the Alouette III with a reinforced Alouette II airframe. First flown on 17 March 1969, the SA 315B received its French airworthiness certificate in 1970 and the name Lama was given by its manufacturers in July 1971. As with the Alouette series, the Lama can be fitted for various roles, such as light passenger transport or agricultural tasks. The military variants include liaison, observation, photography, air/sea rescue, transport and ambulance duties. The SA315B is particularly suited to mountainous areas due to its performance and can carry underslung loads of up to 1000 kg (2,205 lb).
For a time the most successful western European helicopter in terms of numbers built, the Alouette II was based on the original Sud-Est Alouette SA 3120 which first flew on March 12 1955. Two prototypes were built and these were powered by Salmson 9 piston engines. Production deliveries of the turbine powered SE 313B Alouette II occurred from 1957, the first machines bound for the French Army. Most SA/SE 313B production was for military operators, many of whom had French links, while others went to civilian operators.
The Alouette II was soon followed by a more powerful Turboméca Astazou powered development. This aircraft was designated the SA 318C Alouette II Astazou, and flew for the first time on January 31 1961. Power was supplied by a 395kW (530shp) Astazou IIA derated to 270kW (360shp), which increased the type's maximum speed and max takeoff weight, but otherwise the Alouette II and Alouette II Astazou were similar. The SA 315B Lama was developed initially as a utility helicopter for the Indian Army possessing excellent hot and high performance. Called Cheetah in Indian service, the Lama mated the Alouette ll's airframe with the larger Alouette Ill's dynamic components including the Artouste IIIB engine. The Lama's first flight was on March 17 1969. Aerospatiale built 407 through to 1989, while HAL in India continues licence production.
Operational history :
The Lama was designed specifically for altitude performance and during demonstration flights in the Himalayas during 1969, an SA315B carrying a crew of two and 120 kg of fuel landed and took off at the highest altitude then recorded, 7,500 m (24,605 ft). On 21 June 1972, a Lama with a single pilot (Jean Boulet) aboard established a helicopter absolute altitude record of 12,442 m (40,814 ft), instantly followed by an inadvertent record for the longest ever autorotation when the engine flamed out at the peak altitude of the flight.
With a performance proven by the records the helicopter was ordered by the Indian military and licence to produce the SA315B was granted to HAL at Bangalore in India during 1971. The first Indian-assembled SA315B flew on 6 October 1972, with deliveries starting in December 1973. The HAL produced Lama was given the name Cheetah. In 1978, agreement was reached with Helibras of Brazil for assembly of the Lama in Brazil. Given the name Gavião, the Brazilian variant was exported to Bolivia.
Powerpoint :
SA 313B Alouette II - One 270kW (360shp) Turboméca Artouste IIC6 turboshaft, driving a three bladed main rotor and two bladed tail rotor. SA 315B Lama - One 650kW (870shp) Turboméca Artouste IIIB turboshaft, derated to 410kW (550shp).
Performance :
SA 313B - Max speed 185km/h (100kt), max cruising speed 165km/h (90kt). Max initial rate of climb 825ft/min. Hovering ceiling in ground effect 5400ft. Range with max fuel 300km (162nm), range with max payload 100km (54nm). SA 315B - Max cruising speed 192km/h (103kt). Max initial rate of climb 1080ft/min. Service ceiling 17,715ft. Hovering ceiling in ground effect 16,565ft, out of ground effect 15,090ft. Range with max fuel 515km (278nm).
Weights :
SA 31 SB - Empty 895kg (1973lb), max takeoff 1600kg (3527lb). SA 315B - Empty 1020kg (2250lb), max takeoff 1950kg (4300lb), or 2300kg (5070lb) with external sling load.
Dimensions :
SA 313B - Main rotor diameter 10.20m (33ft 5in), fuselage length 9.70m (31ft 10in), height 2.75m (9ft Oin). SA 315B - Main rotor diameter 11.02m (36ft 2in), length overall 12.92m (42ft 5in), fuselage length 10.26m (33ft 8in), height overall 3.09m (10ft 2in). Main rotor disc area 95.4m2 (1026.7sq ft).
Accomodation :
Typical seating for five. Can carry two stretchers in medevac role. Lama can lift a 1135kg (2500lb) external sling load.
Operators :
Alouette II operators include Belgium, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Dominican Republic, France, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Senegambia, Tunisia. Lama operators: Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, India (Cheetah), Togo.
Aérospatiale Alouette II & Lama Light utility helicopters.
Regards,
Preeti Bagad [BE(CS)]
SW Engineer Cum Blogger
On Line Assistence :
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