Alouette III

Helicopter Air Force is not just composed of attack aircraft like the AH-64 Apache or the heavy-lift CH-47 Chinooks. A wide range of military tasks can also be covered by smaller utility helicopters, including the very successful Alouette III.

This originally French aircraft has replaced the previous version - the Alouette II in 1960. Compared to it, Alouette III has improved design and more modern equipment. The helicopter is powered by a 190 kW Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turbo-shaft engine that takes care of the three-blade main rotor and the balancing rotor.

Alouette III is characterized by excellent flight characteristics and high variability of use in both military and civilian sectors. The helicopter can be used for transport of material, people, but also for close air support. Alouette went through several operational deployments, especially in South America or Africa (conflict in Rhodesia, Angola and others). In the civilian sphere, it often fulfils a monitoring role, and itis also used for aerial photography or rescue operations. In this role, the helicopter also served in former Czechoslovakia, where it was operated by the Mountain Rescue Service of the Tatra National Park.

Alouette III was also produced under license in India, Romania and Switzerland, so over 2,000 units were built between 1961 and 1985. Currently, the Alouette III is still in service in many African states, but it can also be found in the Air Force of Belgium, France, Portugal, Austria or Greece.

► Aviantion Archive - Alouette III

Source: Airforce Technology