Aérospatiale Alouette II

Aerospatiale Alouette II HB-XYB ex Swiss Air ForceAerospatiale Alouette II HB-XYB ex Swiss Air Force

The Alouette II was the first production helicopter to use a gas turbine engine instead of the conventional heavier piston powerplant.

  • Role: Light helicopter
  • National origin: France
  • Manufacturer: Sud Aviation / Aérospatiale
  • First flight: 12 March 1955
  • Introduction: 2 May 1957
  • Status: Limited Service
  • Produced: 1956-1975
  • Number built: 1,300+
  • Variants: Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama
  • Developed into: Aérospatiale Alouette III

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Capacity: Four passengers
  • Length: 9.66 m (31 ft 9 in)
  • Rotor diameter: 10.20 m (33 ft 6 in)
  • Height: 2.75 m (9 ft 0 in)
  • Disc area: 81.7 m² (881.4 ft²)
  • Empty weight: 895 kg (1,973 lb)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 1,600 kg (3,527 lb)
  • Powerplant: One × Turboméca Artouste IIC6 turboshaft, 395 kW (530 hp) derated to 269 kW (460 hp) each.

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 185 km/h (100 knots, 115 mph) at sea level
  • Cruise speed: 170 km/h (92 knots, 106 mph)
  • Range: 565 km (305 nmi, 350 mi)
  • Endurance: 4.1 hours
  • Service ceiling: 2,300 m (7,545 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 4.2 m/s (820 ft/min)