Difference between revisions of "SA 313B Alouette II (Germany)"

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m (Not stable at high speeds anymore. Apparently retreating blade stall effect starts as early as 100 knots / 185 kph and gets bad very quickly which is why the helicopter can no longer do 140 knots in a straight like like in 1.89.)
(Pros and cons)
(10 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
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{{Specs-Card|code=sa_313b}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = German utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = German utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Alouette (Family)
 
| link = Alouette (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=sa_313b
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]]. A [[SA.313B Alouette II|French design]], the ''Alouette II'' was in West-German service and could carry a multitude of armaments.
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]]. A [[SA.313B Alouette II|French design]], the ''Alouette II'' was in West-German service and could carry a multitude of armaments.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
<!--Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.-->
+
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
The Alouette II is a small, nimble utility helicopter capable of maintaining speeds of 225 km/h (1.93)<!-- link patches in this paragraph --> and is longitudinally stable above 35km/h.<!-- needs more testing, estimate only --> The Alouette II design is the only helicopter in the game without some form of SAS mode aside from the [[UH-1 (Family)|Huey family]],<!-- needs link --> however since 1.91 the rotorcraft has the option for co-pilot assistance and since 1.89, autopilot assistance while in ATGM binocular view. The Alouette II is unstable with the default trim settings so it is highly recommended to go through test flight to assign the default trim settings.<!-- needs tutorial article because tihs is a special case and almost all joystick pilots never get a single ground kill until after maybe 10 deaths due to the difficulty in learning to fly this especially with the default trim settings. --> The Alouette II has the lowest retreating blade stall speed starting margin of only 185 km/h however retreating blade stalls can easily be recovered from by pitching up and yawing to the right in joystick mode.<!-- TODO: insert example video | trim from https://youtu.be/SSY1tbRruZk?t=194 -->The Alouette also lacks rotor control authority compared to other helicopters and struggles to get into and maintain efficient gliding due to its tendency to yaw and pitch down with the high drag skeleton tail.
+
The Alouette II is a small, nimble utility helicopter capable of maintaining speeds of 225 km/h and is longitudinally stable above 35 km/h.<!-- needs more testing, estimate only --> The Alouette II design is the only helicopter in the game without some form of SAS mode aside from the [[UH-1 (Family)|Huey family]],<!-- needs link --> however since 1.91 the rotorcraft has the option for co-pilot assistance and since 1.89, autopilot assistance while in ATGM binocular view. The Alouette II is unstable with the default trim settings so it is highly recommended to go through test flight to assign the default trim settings.<!-- needs tutorial article because tihs is a special case and almost all joystick pilots never get a single ground kill until after maybe 10 deaths due to the difficulty in learning to fly this especially with the default trim settings. --> The Alouette II has the lowest retreating blade stall speed starting margin of only 185 km/h however retreating blade stalls can easily be recovered from by pitching up and yawing to the right in joystick mode.<!-- TODO: insert example video | trim from https://youtu.be/SSY1tbRruZk?t=194 -->The Alouette also lacks rotor control authority compared to other helicopters and struggles to get into and maintain efficient gliding due to its tendency to yaw and pitch down with the high drag skeleton tail.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Characteristics
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
|-
 
! colspan="3" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - at sea level)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - at sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| 170 || 159 || {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
! Stock
 +
| 168 || 155 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| 202 || 185
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - at sea level)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
| ??? || 185 || {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, how many engines the vehicle has. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.-->
+
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
  
The Alouette II has no armour. However its small size allows it to easily weave through forests to stay hidden and actively dodge ATGMs. However it is highly prone to rotor linkage, engine and fuel tank damage. The Alouette II does not have infrared imaging devices (but it does have an image intensifier) nor a Radar Warning System.<!-- I haven't confirmed if a dead main pilot and an alive co-pilot will allow the vehicle to live. Afaik it counts as a death. -->  
+
The Alouette II has no armour. However its small size allows it to easily weave through forests to stay hidden and actively dodge ATGMs. However it is highly prone to rotor linkage, engine and fuel tank damage. The Alouette II does not have infrared imaging devices (but it does have an image intensifier) nor a Radar Warning System.<!-- I haven't confirmed if a dead main pilot and an alive co-pilot will allow the vehicle to live. Afaik it counts as a death. -->
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
+
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
{{main|MG 3 (7.62 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|MG3 (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 4 x 7.62 mm MG 3 machine gun (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
+
* 4 x 7.62 mm MG3 machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
  
The four machine guns are arranged with two above each landing skid. Only the default ammo belt is available. Due to their low calibre, they have limited effectiveness against helicopters and planes, and are almost useless against all but the lightest-armoured ground vehicles. However, they have a high rate of fire (1,200 rpm), which aids damage output at the expensive of total firing time.
+
The four machine guns are arranged with two above each landing skid. Only the default ammo belt is available. Due to their low calibre, they have limited effectiveness against helicopters and planes, and are almost useless against all but the lightest-armoured ground vehicles. However, they have a high rate of fire (1,200 rpm), which aids damage output at the expense of total firing time.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
+
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
{{main|SNEB 37|SS.11}}
+
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|AS.11}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
* 72 x SNEB 37 rockets
+
* 4 x AS.11 missiles
* 4 x SS.11 missiles
 
  
With only 20 grams of explosive mass and at most 10 mm of penetration, the Alouette's SNEB rockets are highly ineffective against armoured targets. For use in ground RB, the mouse guided SS.11 missiles are more recommendable. Although many fewer missiles can be carried, they are able to severely damage and destroy enemy tanks, unlike SNEB rockets. It is important to note that although SS.11 missiles are usable, they are much worse than many missiles carried by other helicopters, and that the Alouette's anti-tank armament is weak in general.
+
Although few missiles can be carried, they are able to severely damage and destroy enemy tanks. It is important to note that although AS.11 missiles are usable, they are much worse than many missiles carried by other helicopters, and that the Alouette's anti-tank armament is weak in general.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using 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).'' -->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
The Alouette doesn't have the power of a conventional helicopter. Being a 1950s helicopter, its engine is very weak compared to its counterparts. Use it at a low altitude and make use of the SS.11 missiles, but beware, the Alouette can only carry 4 of them which is a fairly low amount. Use them wisely. At the start of the battle, just go straight into the air over the ground forces and hunt enemies and pray they don't have SPAA's, or stay low and hidden and snipe enemies. Caution, sometimes there are some other helicopters, but you can solve the problem with SS.11 missiles. Also pray there are no fighters because the Alouette does not have the means to defend itself effectively.
+
The Alouette doesn't have the power of a conventional helicopter. Being a 1950s helicopter, its engine is very weak compared to its counterparts. Use it at a low altitude and make use of the AS.11 missiles, but beware, the Alouette can only carry 4 of them which is a fairly low amount. Use them wisely. At the start of the battle, just go straight into the air over the ground forces and hunt enemies and pray they don't have SPAA's, or stay low and hidden and snipe enemies. Caution, sometimes there are some other helicopters, but you can solve the problem with AS.11 missiles. Also pray there are no fighters because the Alouette does not have the means to defend itself effectively.
  
 
The Alouette's small size makes it highly effective at sneaking zone captures in ground battles. Despite its slow speed, it is still able to get to certain capture zones faster than any ground vehicles in certain domination missions.<!-- domination battles link -->
 
The Alouette's small size makes it highly effective at sneaking zone captures in ground battles. Despite its slow speed, it is still able to get to certain capture zones faster than any ground vehicles in certain domination missions.<!-- domination battles link -->
  
 
With joystick controls, it is best to fly the helicopter around 40 to 60 knots as it is stable in that region without SAS / autopilot flight assistance modes however do be aware of the helicopter creeping forward too close to the battlefield. The helicopter is highly susceptible to ATGM hits with SAS / autopilot modes, however it is much easier to fly with those modes active.
 
With joystick controls, it is best to fly the helicopter around 40 to 60 knots as it is stable in that region without SAS / autopilot flight assistance modes however do be aware of the helicopter creeping forward too close to the battlefield. The helicopter is highly susceptible to ATGM hits with SAS / autopilot modes, however it is much easier to fly with those modes active.
 
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! Survivability
 
! Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Compressor
 
|
 
| Flak jacket
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
|
 
| Helicopter frame
 
|
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Engine
 
| Replacing helicopter blades
 
| NVD
 
| New 7 mm MGs
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
|
 
| Cover
 
|
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 119: Line 86:
 
* Nimble
 
* Nimble
 
* High rate of fire machineguns
 
* High rate of fire machineguns
* Very stable at moderate speeds
+
* Very stable at moderate to high speeds
 
* Maintains energy well in turns (joystick)
 
* Maintains energy well in turns (joystick)
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Weak armour
+
* Spalling from a single hit tend to knock out the engine and/or rotor linkage system
* SS.11 maximum range is 3 km
+
* AS.11 maximum range is 3.5 km
* SNEB rockets only have 2mm HE penetration and thus are useless in most circumstances, even for light ground strikes
+
* Missiles are very slow meaning hitting distant targets (+2 km) can be very hard
* Very low retreating blade stall mechanic speed limit, and is only recoverable with joystick controls
+
* Can only carry 4 ATGMs limiting anti-tank usability
* Weak engine
+
* Very low redline speed limit (275 km/h)
* Terrible early modular research progress rate due to lack of modules in Tier II, resultin in a rather costly 65k RP module that cannot be bypassed
+
* Very low retreating blade stall mechanic speed limit (starts at 185 km/h and gets difficult to handle above 220 km/h, and is only recoverable with full real joystick controls past 260 km/h)
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
The light, multipurpose, single-engined SA.313B Alouette II (French for “Skylark”) helicopter was developed by the French company Sud-Aviation in the 1960s and was widely used both by civilian and military organizations. Many other countries also obtained a license to manufacture these helicopters. In addition to civilian use, this light helicopter has a rich military history. The SA.313B fought wars in Algeria and Rhodesia and took part in several local conflicts. The model's success is demonstrated by the fact that the SA.313B is still being used for civilian purposes and by the militaries of some countries nowadays.
+
The light, multipurpose, single-engined SA.313B Alouette II (French for "Skylark") helicopter was developed by the French company Sud-Aviation in the 1960s and was widely used both by civilian and military organizations. Many other countries also obtained a license to manufacture these helicopters. In addition to civilian use, this light helicopter has a rich military history. The SA.313B fought wars in Algeria and Rhodesia and took part in several local conflicts. The model's success is demonstrated by the fact that the SA.313B is still being used for civilian purposes and by the militaries of some countries nowadays.
  
 
Since the SA.313B was not routinely equipped with weapons, this issue has been resolved directly in the places and countries where the vehicle has been used to fulfil combat objectives. The helicopter's armament has been rather exotic at times, such as when rifles and machine guns have been mounted in the apertures of the glass-enclosed front cabin. For the purposes of the game, we have chosen more well-founded projects for arming the SA.313B implemented by French and German crews. Machine gun installations comprised of four 7.62mm MG3 light machine guns placed in pairs on the skids using special fixtures. As an anti-tank weapon, the helicopter could carry SNEB unguided rockets, as well as SS.11 guided anti-tank missiles that were located on special transverse tube-shaped beams along the sides of the fuselage.
 
Since the SA.313B was not routinely equipped with weapons, this issue has been resolved directly in the places and countries where the vehicle has been used to fulfil combat objectives. The helicopter's armament has been rather exotic at times, such as when rifles and machine guns have been mounted in the apertures of the glass-enclosed front cabin. For the purposes of the game, we have chosen more well-founded projects for arming the SA.313B implemented by French and German crews. Machine gun installations comprised of four 7.62mm MG3 light machine guns placed in pairs on the skids using special fixtures. As an anti-tank weapon, the helicopter could carry SNEB unguided rockets, as well as SS.11 guided anti-tank missiles that were located on special transverse tube-shaped beams along the sides of the fuselage.
  
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5808-development-sa-313b-the-first-skylark-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5808-development-sa-313b-the-first-skylark-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sa_313b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
<div><ul>
+
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 001.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 002.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 003.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 004.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 004.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 005.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 005.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 006.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 006.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 007.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 007.jpg
</ul></div>
+
</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 162: Line 132:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the helicopter;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5808-development-sa-313b-the-first-skylark-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> SA.313B: The First Skylark]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5808-development-sa-313b-the-first-skylark-en|[Devblog] SA.313B: The First Skylark]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
 
{{Germany helicopters}}
 
{{Germany helicopters}}

Revision as of 06:56, 16 September 2022

RANK 6 BRITAIN
Rooikat 105 PACK
This page is about the German utility helicopter SA 313B Alouette II (Germany). For other versions, see Alouette (Family).
◄SA 313B Alouette II
sa_313b.png
GarageImage SA 313B Alouette II (Germany).jpg
◄SA 313B Alouette II
AB RB SB
8.7 8.3 8.7
Research:Free
Purchase:390 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ◄SA 313B Alouette II is a rank V German utility helicopter with a battle rating of 8.7 (AB/SB) and 8.3 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea". A French design, the Alouette II was in West-German service and could carry a multitude of armaments.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 0 m185 km/h
Max altitude2 300 m
EngineTurbomeca Artouste IIC6
Power380 hp
Take-off weight2 t

The Alouette II is a small, nimble utility helicopter capable of maintaining speeds of 225 km/h and is longitudinally stable above 35 km/h. The Alouette II design is the only helicopter in the game without some form of SAS mode aside from the Huey family, however since 1.91 the rotorcraft has the option for co-pilot assistance and since 1.89, autopilot assistance while in ATGM binocular view. The Alouette II is unstable with the default trim settings so it is highly recommended to go through test flight to assign the default trim settings. The Alouette II has the lowest retreating blade stall speed starting margin of only 185 km/h however retreating blade stalls can easily be recovered from by pitching up and yawing to the right in joystick mode.The Alouette also lacks rotor control authority compared to other helicopters and struggles to get into and maintain efficient gliding due to its tendency to yaw and pitch down with the high drag skeleton tail.

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

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural300 km/h
Gear320 km/h

The Alouette II has no armour. However its small size allows it to easily weave through forests to stay hidden and actively dodge ATGMs. However it is highly prone to rotor linkage, engine and fuel tank damage. The Alouette II does not have infrared imaging devices (but it does have an image intensifier) nor a Radar Warning System.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB9 288 → 12 566 Sl icon.png
RB2 742 → 3 709 Sl icon.png
SB4 621 → 6 252 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications113 800 Rp icon.png
210 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts390 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
37 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
68 000 Sl icon.png
850 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
M163_Minigun_new_gun
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Offensive armament

Ammunition1 000 rounds
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG3 (7.62 mm)

The SA 313B Alouette II (Germany) is armed with:

  • 4 x 7.62 mm MG3 machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total)

The four machine guns are arranged with two above each landing skid. Only the default ammo belt is available. Due to their low calibre, they have limited effectiveness against helicopters and planes, and are almost useless against all but the lightest-armoured ground vehicles. However, they have a high rate of fire (1,200 rpm), which aids damage output at the expense of total firing time.

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 14 x AS.11 missiles
Main article: AS.11

The SA 313B Alouette II (Germany) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 4 x AS.11 missiles

Although few missiles can be carried, they are able to severely damage and destroy enemy tanks. It is important to note that although AS.11 missiles are usable, they are much worse than many missiles carried by other helicopters, and that the Alouette's anti-tank armament is weak in general.

Usage in battles

The Alouette doesn't have the power of a conventional helicopter. Being a 1950s helicopter, its engine is very weak compared to its counterparts. Use it at a low altitude and make use of the AS.11 missiles, but beware, the Alouette can only carry 4 of them which is a fairly low amount. Use them wisely. At the start of the battle, just go straight into the air over the ground forces and hunt enemies and pray they don't have SPAA's, or stay low and hidden and snipe enemies. Caution, sometimes there are some other helicopters, but you can solve the problem with AS.11 missiles. Also pray there are no fighters because the Alouette does not have the means to defend itself effectively.

The Alouette's small size makes it highly effective at sneaking zone captures in ground battles. Despite its slow speed, it is still able to get to certain capture zones faster than any ground vehicles in certain domination missions.

With joystick controls, it is best to fly the helicopter around 40 to 60 knots as it is stable in that region without SAS / autopilot flight assistance modes however do be aware of the helicopter creeping forward too close to the battlefield. The helicopter is highly susceptible to ATGM hits with SAS / autopilot modes, however it is much easier to fly with those modes active.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Small airframe
  • Small rotor system
  • Nimble
  • High rate of fire machineguns
  • Very stable at moderate to high speeds
  • Maintains energy well in turns (joystick)

Cons:

  • Spalling from a single hit tend to knock out the engine and/or rotor linkage system
  • AS.11 maximum range is 3.5 km
  • Missiles are very slow meaning hitting distant targets (+2 km) can be very hard
  • Can only carry 4 ATGMs limiting anti-tank usability
  • Very low redline speed limit (275 km/h)
  • Very low retreating blade stall mechanic speed limit (starts at 185 km/h and gets difficult to handle above 220 km/h, and is only recoverable with full real joystick controls past 260 km/h)

History

The light, multipurpose, single-engined SA.313B Alouette II (French for "Skylark") helicopter was developed by the French company Sud-Aviation in the 1960s and was widely used both by civilian and military organizations. Many other countries also obtained a license to manufacture these helicopters. In addition to civilian use, this light helicopter has a rich military history. The SA.313B fought wars in Algeria and Rhodesia and took part in several local conflicts. The model's success is demonstrated by the fact that the SA.313B is still being used for civilian purposes and by the militaries of some countries nowadays.

Since the SA.313B was not routinely equipped with weapons, this issue has been resolved directly in the places and countries where the vehicle has been used to fulfil combat objectives. The helicopter's armament has been rather exotic at times, such as when rifles and machine guns have been mounted in the apertures of the glass-enclosed front cabin. For the purposes of the game, we have chosen more well-founded projects for arming the SA.313B implemented by French and German crews. Machine gun installations comprised of four 7.62mm MG3 light machine guns placed in pairs on the skids using special fixtures. As an anti-tank weapon, the helicopter could carry SNEB unguided rockets, as well as SS.11 guided anti-tank missiles that were located on special transverse tube-shaped beams along the sides of the fuselage.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Images

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the helicopter;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

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

Germany helicopters
Attack 
Hip  ◊Mi-8TB
Hind  ◊Mi-24P · ◄Mi-24P HFS 80
Tiger  EC-665 Tiger UHT
Utility 
BO 105  BO 105 CB-2 · BO 105 PAH-1 · BO 105 PAH-1A1
Alouette  ◄SA 313B Alouette II
Huey  ◄UH-1D