SA 313B Alouette II
| This page is about the French utility helicopter SA 313B Alouette II. For other versions, see Alouette (Family). |
Contents
Description
The Alouette II is a versatile and reliable light helicopter used for reconnaissance, and training purposes. It first flew in 1955, featuring Turbomeca Artouste I turbine engines, setting altitude records. Originally produced by Sud-Est, it later became part of Sud-Aviation and then Aérospatiale. The helicopter has a small fuselage with great visibility and seating for 3-4. The SE 313B variant used a new powerplant, specifically a Turbomeca Artouste IIC5 or IIC6 engine rated at 300 kW (400 hp) for takeoff, which increased the maximum takeoff weight to 1600 kg.
It was introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On". The SA 313B Alouette II is quite a versatile helicopter. Compared to other low tier helicopters, it has access to stock ATGMs, which means that spading it is not as hard as on other helicopters. However, like all helicopters with ATGMs at this BR, the missiles are slow and not very manoeuvrable. The aircraft only has 4 missiles and only 4 x 7.62 mm MGs, while the lack of armour means that critical components and even the pilots are very exposed to enemy fire even from roof-mounted MGs.
General info
Flight performance
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - at sea level) |
Max altitude (metres) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | ||
| Stock | 168 | 155 | 2300 |
| Upgraded | 202 | 185 | |
Survivability and armour
This helicopter has very little armour, the design is not the best suited close quarters combat, and it means that pilots and critical components are very exposed to anti-aircraft fire.
Modifications and economy
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Armaments
Offensive armament
The SA 313B Alouette II is armed with:
- 4 x 7.62 mm MG3 machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
Suspended armament
The SA 313B Alouette II can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- 4 x AS.11 missiles
Usage in battles
Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Small size
- Stock ATGMs
Cons:
- Only 4 anti-tank missiles
- Low maximum speed means that it is slow to react
- Poor armour
- Poor offensive armament
History
With its excellent versatility, the Alouette II has been a proven and reliable light helicopter for roles such as reconnaissance, liaison, as well as uses in multiple militaries as a trainer. The story begins in 1955 when on March 12th the first prototype flew. Based off of the original SE.3120 Alouette, this design was simpler and easy to produce in comparison, and caught the attention of the French Government. This original design saw the use of Salmson 9 piston-powered engines, but later in development these were replaced by Turbomeca Artouste I turbine engines. The Alouette II the same year became the first rotorcraft to fly over 8,200 meters (26,900 ft), a record which it would break again at 10,900 meters (36,000 ft) in June of 1958. Originally designed, developed, and produced by French company Sud-Est, the company would later merge with Sud-Ouest in 1957 to form the newly named Sud-Aviation, creating some noticeable redesigned from the transition from Sud-Est to the new company. Production of the Alouette II was handled from 1957 to 1970 when Sud-Aviation merged with Nord Aviation, creating Aérospatiale who then, from 1970 to 1975, handled production of the helicopter under the new Aérospatiale nameplate.
The helicopter, while appearing frail, is quite robust as well as versatile in its uses. With a cockpit placed at the forward-most section of its rather small fuselage, it gives the pilot great all visibility through curved windscreens surrounding the cockpit. Entry and seating are also rather simple, with two doors (One on each side) opening up to a seating arrangement of 3-4 seats, including the pilot. This gave the helicopter great use as a transportation vehicle for personnel. The helicopter is powered by a single Turbomeca Artouste IIC6 putting out a downgraded 460 HP compared to the engines original 530 HP, and is situation atop the fuselage towards the rear near the network of struts that form the empennage. Along the tail-section housed the shaft driving the single tail-rotor. With a top-speed of 115 mph, it was by no means sluggish. Being able to retain a cruise speed of 106 mph with a 350-mile service range. This has been proven useful in a multitude of roles, such as anti-tank and anti-ship warfare, being fitted with wire-guided missile launchers as well as torpedoes when necessary. The use of ordnance proved very useful as its small size and relatively low profile gives it great survivability against small arms fire and ground-based anti-air threats. Now an over 60-year-old design, the helicopter is proving itself even today. With multiple militaries continuing to swear by the light-vehicles usability while others have or are planning to replace it. With notable operators such as Sweden, Switzerland, France, Germany, and India it has seen in both military and civil operations with great success and reliability. India for example produced the Alouette II locally with the help of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the name "Lama", built with components of the later Alouette III, featuring the engine and main rotor sections. This variant was further produced, again by HAL, as the "Cheetah", both of which is still used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as of 2021.
Media
- Skins
- Videos
See also
Rotor craft of the same family
Rotorcraft of comparable role, configuration and era
External links
| Aérospatiale | |
|---|---|
| Utility | SA 313B Alouette II · SA 316B Alouette III · SA.341F Gazelle · SA.342M Gazelle |
| Export | ◄SA 313B Alouette II · HKP2 · SA.342L Gazelle |
| France helicopters | |
|---|---|
| Attack | ▄H-34 · EC-665 Tiger HAD · Tiger HAD Block 2 · EC-665 Tiger HAP |
| Utility | IAR 316B · SA 313B Alouette II · SA 316B Alouette III · SA.341F Gazelle · SA.342M Gazelle |
