Aérospatiale Alouette III
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox aircraft
The Aérospatiale Alouette III ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}, Lark; company designations SA 316 and SA 319) is a single-engine, light utility helicopter developed by French aircraft company Sud Aviation. During its production life, it proved to be a popular rotorcraft; including multiple licensed manufacturers, more than 2,000 units were built.
The Alouette III was developed as an enlarged derivative of the earlier and highly successful Alouette II. Sharing many elements with its predecessor while offering an extra pair of seats and other refinements, it quickly became a commercial success amongst both civil and military customers. Further variants were also developed; amongst these was a high-altitude derivative, designated as the SA 315B Lama, which entered operational service during July 1971. The Alouette III was principally manufactured by Aérospatiale; the type was also built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India as the HAL Chetak, by Industria Aeronautică Română (IAR) in Romania as the IAR 316 and F+W Emmen in Switzerland.
Similar to the Alouette II, in military service, it was used to perform missions such as aerial observation, photography, air-sea rescue, liaison, transport and training; it could also be armed with anti-tank missiles, anti-shipping torpedoes, and a fixed cannon. In a civilian capacity, the Alouette III was commonly used for casualty evacuation (often fitted with a pair of external stretcher panniers), crop-spraying, personnel transportation, and for carrying external loads. By the 2010s, many operators were in the process of drawing down their fleets and replacing them with more modern types; the French military intend to replace their Alouette IIIs with the newly developed Airbus Helicopters H160.<ref name="frenavy retire">Trevithick, Joseph. "The French Navy Is Finally Retiring These Antique Helicopters After 55 Years of Service." Template:Webarchive thedrive.com, 22 January 2018.</ref>
DevelopmentEdit
OriginsEdit
The Alouette III has its origins with an earlier helicopter design by French aircraft manufacturer Sud-Est, the SE 3120 Alouette, which, while breaking several helicopter speed and distance records in July 1953, was deemed to have been too complex to be realistic commercial product.<ref name = "euro alouette"/><ref name = "boyne 101">Boyne 2011, p. 101.</ref> Having received financial backing from the French government, which had taken an official interest in the venture, the earlier design was used as a starting point for a new rotorcraft that would harness the newly developed turboshaft engine; only a few years prior, Joseph Szydlowski, the founder of Turbomeca, had successfully managed to develop the Artouste, a Template:Cvt single shaft turbine engine derived from his Orédon turbine engine. An improved version of this engine was combined with the revised design to quickly produce a new helicopter, initially known as the SE 3130 Alouette II.<ref name="euro alouette">"1955: SE3130 "Alouette II"." Template:Webarchive Eurocopter, Retrieved: 20 December 2015.</ref><ref name = "boyne 271">Boyne 2011, p. 271.</ref><ref name = "mcgow 226">McGownen 2005, p. 226.</ref>
During April 1956, the first production Alouette II was completed, becoming the first production turbine-powered helicopter in the world.<ref name = "euro alouette"/> The innovative light helicopter soon broke several world records and became a commercial success.<ref name=alt10>"FAI Record ID #9874 – Altitude without payload. Class E-1 (Helicopters), turbine Template:Webarchive" Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). Retrieved: 21 September 2014.</ref><ref name="JAWA66 p2">Taylor 1966, p. 2.</ref> As a result of the huge demand for the Alouette II, manufacturer Sud Aviation took a great interest in the development of derivatives, as well as the more general ambition of embarking on further advancement in the field of rotorcraft.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/>
In accordance with these goals, the company decided to commit itself to a new development programme with the aim of developing a more powerful helicopter that would be capable of accommodating up to 7 seats or a pair of stretchers. The design team was managed by French aerospace engineer René Mouille.<ref name = "airbus 1959">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name = "mcgow 75"/><ref>Polmar and Kennedy 1981, p. 32.</ref> The design produced, designated as the SE 3160, featured several improvements over the Alouette II; efforts were made to provide for a higher level of external visibility for the pilot as well as for greater aerodynamic efficiency via the adoption of a highly streamlined exterior.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/>
Into flight and productionEdit
On 28 February 1959, the first prototype SE 3160 performed its maiden flight, piloted by French aviator Jean Boulet.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/><ref name = "mcgow 75">McGownen 2005, p. 75.</ref> Shortly thereafter, the SE 3160 would become more commonly known as the Alouette III. During its flight test programme, the prototype demonstrated its high altitude capabilities on several occasions; in June 1959, it landed at an altitude of over 4,000 metres in the Mont Blanc mountain range and, during October 1960, it was able to achieve the same feat at an altitude more than 6,000 metres in the Himalayas. During these attempts, it was flown by Jean Boulet, who was accompanied by a pair of passengers and 250 kg of equipment.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/>
During 1961, the initial SE 3160 model of the type entered serial production.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> On 15 December 1961, the Alouette III received its airworthiness certificate, clearing it to enter operational service. Despite an order placed by the French Army for an initial batch of 50 Alouette IIIs during June 1961, the first two customers of the rotorcraft were in fact export sales, having been sold outside of France.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> The Alouette III was specifically designed to fly at high altitudes, as such, it quickly earned a reputation for its favourable characteristics during rescue operations. According to its manufacturer, it was the first helicopter to present an effective multi-mission capability and performance to match with its diverse mission range in both civil or military circles.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/>
The SE 3160 model continued to be produced until 1968, when it was replaced by the refined SA 316B model.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> (After its production ended, the SE 3160 has sometimes been retroactively redesignated "SA 316A", but its original SE 3160 designation is more commonly used, especially in older sources.) Both the SE 3160 and the SA 316B were powered by a more powerful version of the Artouste engine, the Artouste IIIB, whose turbine was rated to produce Template:Convert, though because of the limits of the engine's reduction gearbox, the Artouste IIIB was de-rated to generate Template:Convert in service. The later SA 319B model adopted the more fuel-efficient Turbomeca Astazou XIVB engine, extending its range and endurance; on 10 July 1967, the Astazou-powered Alouette III performed its first flight.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> During 1979, the 1,437th Alouette III departed from the company's assembly line in Marignane, France, after which the main production line was closed down as a consequence of diminishing demand for the type. During 1985, the final French-produced Alouette III was delivered.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> It had been produced from 1961 to 1985 in France, however, license production continued.<ref name="airbus 19592">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Overseas productionEdit
Despite the closure of Aérospatiale 's own production line, the event was not the end of the type's manufacturing activity. Over 500 Alouette IIIs are recorded as having been manufactured under licence abroad in several countries, such as Romania, India, and Switzerland.<ref name="airbus 1959" /><ref name=":3" /> Various versions of the Alouette III were also either licence-built or otherwise assembled by IAR in Romania (as the IAR 316), F+W Emmen (de) in Switzerland, by Fokker and Lichtwerk in the Netherlands, and in India as the HAL Chetak.<ref name="airbus 1959" /><ref name="mcgow 227">McGownen 2005, p. 227.</ref> The Romanian IAR 316, was an Aérospatiale SA 316B Alouette III license produced from 1971 to 1987, with 250 made with about half for Romania and half for export.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Additionally, Romania also developed the IAR 317 Airfox, an attack helicopter version of the IAR 316;at least one prototype was made and was debuted at the 1985 Paris Air Show.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) obtained a licence to construct the Alouette III, which was known locally as the HAL Chetak, at their own production facilities in India.<ref name="airbus 1959" /> More than 300 units were built by HAL; the company has continued to independently update and indigenise the helicopter over the decades. A modernised variant of the Chetak has remained production, though at a diminished volume, into the 21st century. The latest HAL Chetak was delivered in 2021, and also included updated avionics.<ref name=":3" /> Over 350 Chetak had been produced the 2020s.<ref name=":4">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Operational historyEdit
ArgentinaEdit
The Argentine Naval Aviation operated a total of 14 Alouette III helicopters. A single SA316B was on board the Template:Ship when she was sunk by torpedoes fired by Template:HMS during the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom. A second Alouette III played an important role during the Argentine Invasion of South Georgia. On 2 December 2010, the last example was retired at a ceremony held at BAN Comandante Espora, Bahía Blanca.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="AFM275">Template:Cite journal</ref>
AustraliaEdit
Between April 1964 and 1967, a small batch of Alouette IIIs were delivered from France in a disassembled state to Australia. Following their assembly, these were used by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at the Woomera Rocket Range for light passenger transport purpose and to assist in the recovery of missile parts in the aftermath of test launches conducted at the Range.<ref>"Father Christmas always arrives in a helicopter." Template:Webarchive listeningtothepast.com.au, 2 December 2017.</ref>
AustriaEdit
Between 1967-69 Austria acquired 12 SE3160 Alouette IIIs, which were upgraded to version SE316B. They are used for liaison and transport purposes and still play a vital role in rescue missions in the high mountains of Austria with their side-mounted hook.
They are stationed in Aigen im Ennstal, Klagenfurt and Schwaz in Tirol.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Austria plans to decommission them beginning in 2023, and they are to be replaced by the Leonardo AW169M.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In addition to the original order, three more used Alouette III were acquired from other forces to replace attrition.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
BangladeshEdit
Indian civilian authorities and the IAF donated 1 DC-3 Dakota (gifted by the Maharaja of Jodhpor), 1 Twin Otter plane, and 1 Alouette III helicopter for the newborn Bangladesh Air Force,<ref name="scramble">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> which was to take advantage of the lack of night-fighting capability of the PAF to launch hit-and-run attacks on sensitive targets inside Bangladesh from the air.<ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Alouette III helicopter was rigged to fire 14 rockets from pylons attached to its side and had .303 Browning machine guns installed, in addition to having 1-inch (25 mm) steel plate welded to its floor for extra protection. Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmood, Flight Lieutenant Bodiul Alam, and Captain Shahabuddin, all of whom later won the Bir Uttam gallantry award, operated the helicopter.
ChileEdit
During 1977, the Chilean Navy ordered a batch of ten SA-319Bs. These rotorcraft, which were delivered by the middle of 1978, were only made operational just before the peak of the Beagle conflict between Chile and neighbouring Argentina. The Alouette III was the first real organic maritime ship borne tactical helicopter to be operated by Chile's naval forces; for this role, they were equipped with a radar and armed with rockets, guns, depth charges and a single light anti-submarine torpedo.Template:Citation needed
During the frantic training period in 1978 to meet wartime needs, a sole SA-319B was accidentally damaged, leading to it being placed in storage and subsequently repaired back to an airworthy condition years later. All ten Chilean Navy SA-319Bs were operational and in excellent conditions by the end of the 1980s, shortly after which they were replaced by larger SA532 Super Puma helicopters, and were bought by civilian operators.Template:Citation needed
DenmarkEdit
Between 1962 and 1967, a total of 8 Alouette IIIs were delivered to the Royal Danish Navy. They were primarily tasked with SAR and reconnaissance in support of the navy's Arctic patrol ships. During 1982, they were replaced by a batch of British Westland Lynx.<ref name="Schrøder">Schrøder, Hans (1991). "Royal Danish Airforce". Ed. Kay S. Nielsen. Tøjhusmuseet, 1991, p. 1–64. Template:ISBN.</ref>
FranceEdit
During early 1960, the Alouette III officially entered squadron service with the French armed forces. In June 1971, having been suitably impressed by the type's performance so far, the French Army elected to order a force of 50 Alouette IIIs for their own purposes.Template:Citation needed Amongst the most noteworthy uses that France applied the type to was the first use of helicopter-based anti-tank missiles in the form of the SS.11 MCLOS wire-guided missile.<ref name = "boyne 74">Boyne 2011, p. 74.</ref>
During June 1960, an Alouette III carrying seven people successfully performed both take-offs and landings on Mont Blanc in the French Alps at an altitude of 4,810 metres (15,780 feet), an unprecedented altitude for such activities by a helicopter at the time.<ref name="Donald, p. 22">Donald 1997, p. 22.</ref> The same helicopter again demonstrated the typeTemplate:'s extraordinary performance in November 1960 by making take-offs and landings with a crew of two and a payload of 250 kg (551 lbs) in the Himalayas at an altitude of 6,004 metres (19,698 feet).<ref name="Donald, p. 22"/>
During June 2004, the Alouette III was retired from the French Air Force after 32 years of successful service, having been entirely replaced by the newer twin-engined Eurocopter EC 355 Ecureuil 2. The French Army also withdrew the last of their examples during 2013 in favour of more modern rotorcraft.<ref name = "frenavy retire"/>
By 2017, the French Navy were still using the Alouette III in a reduced capacity, nonetheless being used to routinely conduct both Search and Rescue and logistics missions.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Since the 1970s, the type has gradually been supplanted by the larger Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, and later on, by the specialised Eurocopter AS565 Panther as an anti-submarine warfare platform. The use of twin-engined rotorcraft in the maritime environment has become somewhat of an expected standard, one which the single-engined Alouette III cannot satisfy, putting the type at an obvious disadvantage.<ref name = "frenavy retire"/> During January 2018, it was announced that the French Navy would be replacing its remaining Alouette IIIs with rented Aérospatiale SA 330 Pumas as a stop-gap measure; this decision was reportedly taken due to its increasing unreliability, rapidly inflating operating costs, and the sheer age of the fleet.<ref name = "frenavy retire"/><ref>Cabirol, Michel. "En attendant le H160, l'armée va louer des Dauphin pour remplacer ses antiques Alouette." Template:Webarchive La Tribune, 19 January 2018.</ref> However, as of 2021 the Alouette III was still reported to be in service.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The aircraft was finally withdrawn from French Navy service in June 2022.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It had been in service for 60 years and was in active use right to the end, with the last three ending their service at the end of December.<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The aircraft was long known for ease of maintenance, which aided its use overseas, however and the end of its life it was requiring increasing maintenance hours and it was becoming hard to get spare parts which were no longer in production. The aircraft was still be used for training, interdiction missions, and shorter range mission.<ref name=":1" />
IrelandEdit
During 1963, the first pair of Alouette IIIs were delivered to the Irish Air Corps; a third rotorcraft arrived in 1964 and a batch of five further aircraft were delivered between 1972 and 1974. The service ultimately operated a total of eight Alouette IIIs between 1963 and 2007; throughout much of this period, they were the only helicopters operated by the Corps. Template:Citation needed
On 21 September 2007, the Alouette III was formally retired from the Irish Air Corps during a ceremony held at Baldonnel Aerodrome. During 44 years of successful service, the Irish Alouette III fleet amassed over 77,000 flying hours. As well as routine military missions, the aircraft undertook some 1,717 search-and-rescue missions, saving 542 lives and flew a further 2,882 air ambulance flights. The oldest of the Alouettes, 195, is kept in 'rotors running' condition for the Air Corps Museum.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
IndiaEdit
Under a licensing arrangement between Aérospatiale and Indian aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Alouette III has been built under licence by HAL in India. Known locally under the designation HAL Chetak, more than 300 rotorcraft have been manufactured to date; the majority of these were acquired for military purposes with the Indian Armed Forces, who have used them to perform various mission roles, including training, transport, CASEVAC (casualty evacuation), communications and liaison roles.<ref name ='HT010517'/> By 2017, the Chetak was reportedly serving as the most widely used IAF helicopter for training, light utility and light attack roles.<ref>"The Chetak’s Hyderabad connect." Template:Webarchive Deccan Chronicle, 20 December 2017.</ref>
During 1986, the Indian Government constituted the Army's Aviation Corps; consequently, the majority of Chetaks previously operated by AOP Squadrons were transferred from the Indian Air Force to the Indian Army on 1 November 1986. The Air Force has continued to fly a force of armed Chetaks in the anti-tank role as well as for CASEVAC missions and general duties. During the 2010s, the Chetak is being gradually replaced by the newer HAL Dhruv in the armed forces.<ref name ='HT010517'>Template:Cite news</ref> An option to re-engine the HAL Chetak with the Turbomeca TM 333-2B engine, which would better facilitate high-altitude operations in the Himalayas was considered, but ultimately not pursued.Template:Citation needed
In addition to producing the type for Indian customers, HAL has also achieved some export sales of Chetak helicopters to several nations, including Namibia and Suriname.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> India has also opted to donate several secondhand Chetak helicopters to other countries, such as neighbouring Nepal.<ref>Upreti 2008, p. 119.</ref> As of 2017, the Indian Navy has reportedly recognised the necessity of procuring a replacement for the type.<ref>Raghuvanshi, Vivek. "Indian Navy floats $10B helicopter acquisition program." defensenews.com, 23 August 2017.</ref>
HAL Chetak was used in Operation Khukri which was a multinational operation launched in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), involving India, Ghana, Britain and Nigeria .<ref name=VSena>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Beginning in the 1970s, during Republic Day parades, Chetak helicopters have been decorated to look like animals such as dodo birds, fish, and, most notably, elephants. The helicopters decorated like elephants have become iconic in India, and known as names such as "dancing elephant helicopters" and "flying elephants".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }} aerotime.aero</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }} liveindiahistory.com</ref>
Newly built HAL Chetak were delivered as recently as 2019, after a 2017 contract for 8 additional Chetak.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The last (or latest for now) new Chetak was delivered in 2021, and in 2022 marked 60 years of service in India.<ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> By the 2020s over 350 Hal Chetak had been produced.<ref name=":4" />
IndonesiaEdit
The Indonesian Army Aviation received seven Alouette III in 1969, replacing their Mil Mi-4 which were grounded due to lack of spare parts.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Their first combat operations was mopping up the Sarawak communist insurgents in Riam Sejawak, West Kalimantan Province.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Indonesian Army sent three Alouette III to participate in the Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975 and its subsequent counter-guerilla operations, performing combat search-and-rescue and reconnaissance roles.<ref>Subroto 2005, p. 44.</ref> In 2003, the Indonesian Army still has a single operational Alouette III.<ref name="wragg03p90"/>
NetherlandsEdit
During the early 1960s the Alouette III replaced the Hiller OH-23 Raven of the Netherlands Armed Forces.<ref name="BeverenMD">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Later it also replaced the Alouette IIs of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.<ref name="BeverenMD" /> A total of 77 Alouette IIIs were ordered in batches over the years, with 27 being built in license by NV Lichtwerk in Hoogeveen.<ref name="BeverenMD" /> The Alouette III served for 51 years in the Netherlands Armed Force before being retired in 2016.<ref name="BeverenMD" />
PakistanEdit
During the 1960s, Pakistan purchased a fleet of 35 Alouette III helicopters to equip the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). These saw active combat during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, in which the type was mainly used for liaison and VIP-transport missions. In 2010, it was announced that Switzerland had come to an agreement with Pakistan for a number of ex-Swiss Alouette IIIs to be donated to the PAF; however, the terms of this agreement restricts their usage to performing search and rescue and disaster relief operations. Pakistan Navy started operating Alouette III helicopters in 1977. The helicopters are still in service and have a long history of flying laurels.<ref name = "swiss pak2010"/>
PortugalEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
Portugal was the first country to use the Alouette III in combat. In 1963, during the Overseas Wars in Angola, Mozambique and Portuguese Guinea, Portugal began using Alouette IIIs in combat, mainly in air assault and medevac operations, where it proved its qualities. Besides the basic transport version (code named canibal, plural canibais), Portugal used a special version of the Alouette III with a MG 151 20 mm autocannon mounted in the rear in order to fire from the left side door; it was designated helicanhão (heli-cannon) and code named lobo mau (big bad wolf).
In the Overseas Wars, the Portuguese usually launched air assaults with groups of six or seven Alouette III: five or six canibais – each usually carrying five paratroopers or commandos – and a lobo mau heli-cannon. The Portuguese practice was for the troops to jump from the canibais when the helicopters were hovering two-three metres above the ground – famous images of these disembarking troops became an iconic image of the war. The landing of the troops was covered by the lobo mau. While the troops performed the ground assault, the canibais moved away from the combat zone, while the lobo mau stayed to provide fire support, destroying enemy resistance and concentration points with the fire from its 20 mm autocannon. Once the ground combat had finished, the canibais returned; firstly to collect the wounded, then the rest of the troops.
In April 2020, the last of Portugal's SE3160 Alouette IIIs were withdrawn from service, the type having been replaced by five AgustaWestland AW119 Koala.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Republic of KoreaEdit
In 1977, the Republic of Korea Navy started operating 12 Alouette IIIs.<ref name = "yna.kr 2019"/> It was typically dispatched aboard several destroyers in an anti-submarine capacity. On 13 August 1983, the Republic of Korea Navy discovered a naval vessel of the Korean People's Army that had entering their sea. A single Alouette III engaged the spy ship and destroyed it using an AS.12 missile;<ref name = "yna.kr 2019"/> following the mission, the specific helicopter involved received a victory marking, which was the only aircraft to receive such a mark in the entire Republic of Korea Armed Forces. The Alouette III was also operated as a rescue helicopter, responding to major incidents such as the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 733 in Mokpo, Republic of Korea, on 26 July 1993.
Following the introduction of the Westland Lynx during the early 1990s, the Alouette IIIs were diverted to secondary roles, such as training, and were gradually phased out of service. A substantial number were withdrawn in 2006. South Korea's remaining Alouette IIIs were withdrawn from service in December 2019.<ref name = "yna.kr 2019">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
RhodesiaEdit
The nation of Rhodesia emerged as a prolific user of both the Alouette II and its enlarged sibling, the Alouette III.<ref name = "cocks 18">Cocks 2015, p. 18.</ref> Early operations were flown with an emphasis on its use by the Rhodesian Army and British South Africa Police, including paramilitary and aerial reconnaissance operations. Throughout the 1960s, the type progressively spread into additional roles, including aerial supply, casualty evacuation, communications relays, and troop-transports.<ref name = "cocks 20">Cocks 2015, p. 20.</ref> Rhodesian aerial operations would typically involve flying under relatively high and hot conditions, which reduced the efficiency of aircraft in general; however, the Alouette II proved to be both hardy and relatively resistant to battle damage.<ref name = "cocks 19">Cocks 2015, p. 19.</ref> In order to extend the inadequate range of the type, fuel caches were strategically deployed across the country to be used for refuelling purposes.<ref name = "cocks 20"/>
At its peak, No. 7 Squadron of the Rhodesian Air Force operated a force of 34 Alouette IIIs, which would normally operate in conjunction with a smaller number of Alouette IIs. They played a major part in the Rhodesian Forces' Fireforce doctrine, in which they would rapidly deploy ground troops, function as aerial observation and command posts, and provide mobile fire support as armed gunships.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In order to improve performance, Rhodesia's Alouette fleet was subject to extensive modifications during its service life, including changes to their refueling apparatus, gun sights, and cabin fittings, along with the installation of additional armouring and armaments.<ref name = "cocks 20 22">Cocks 2015, pp. 20–22.</ref>
Over time, the Rhodesian Security Forces developed an innovative deployment tactic of rapidly encircling and enveloping enemies, known as the Fireforce, for which the Alouette II was a core component.<ref name = "cocks 18"/> The quick-reaction Fireforce battalions were typically centred at Centenary and Mount Darwin; however, a deliberate emphasis was placed on locating both rotorcraft and troops as close to a current or anticipated theatre of operations as would be feasibly possible.<ref name = "cocks 21 22">Cocks 2015, pp. 21–22.</ref>
South AfricaEdit
The Alouette III served for over 44 years in the South African Air Force (SAAF); it is believed that 121 examples were acquired between 1962 and 1975 for the service from France.<ref name = "scimil 12">Wessels, André. "The South African Air Force, 1920–2012: A Review of its History and an Indication of its Cultural Heritage." Template:Webarchive Scientia Militaria, vol 40, no 3, 2012, pp. 222–249.</ref> During 1966, by which point the SAAF had built up a fleet of around 50 Alouette IIIs already, it was decided to dispatch several of the type to support ground troops stationed in South West Africa attempting to contain the emerging South West African People's Organisation (SWAPO); this would be the beginnings of what would become the lengthy South African Border War.<ref name = "scimil 12"/> The type saw considerable action during the conflict; while initially used for more passive operations such as aerial reconnaissance, from July 1967 onwards, Alouette III participated in active combat missions as well. It was frequently employed as a support platform for performing South African counterstrike operations inside neighbouring Namibia and Angola.<ref name = "saaf retire"/> Reportedly, a total of eight Alouette IIIs had been listed as having been lost over the conflict zone by the end of the war.<ref name = "scimil 12"/>
By 1990, there were a total of 70 Alouette III helicopters remaining in active service.<ref name = "scimil 12"/> Throughout the course of its service life with the SAAF, the Alouette III fleet was recorded as having accumulated more than 346,000 flight hours. During June 2006, the last Alouette III was officially withdrawn from SAAF service at a ceremony held at AFB Swartkop, near Pretoria.<ref name = "saaf retire">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
During January 2013, reports emerged that South African defense officials were in the process of planning to transfer some of the retired fleet, along with spare parts and associated support equipment, to the Zimbabwean Air Force; South African newspaper Mail & Guardian claimed that the rotorcraft could be used to sway politics in the nation in favour of the incumbent President, Robert Mugabe.<ref>Brümmer, Stefaans and Craig McKune. "South Africa's helicopter gift for Mugabe." Template:Webarchive Mail & Guardian, 25 January 2013.</ref> However, during February 2013, an interim court order was issued which blocked the proposed sale of South African Alouette IIIs to Zimbabwe.<ref>SABC: Zim helicopter interdict confirmed. Template:Webarchive sabc.co.za, 2 February 2013.</ref> In February 2014, reports emerged that South Africa now intended to sell part of the ex-SAAF fleet to Namibia instead.<ref>"South African Alouette IIIs apparently destined for Namibia, not Zimbabwe." Template:Webarchive defenceweb.co.za, 18 February 2014.</ref>
SurinameEdit
During 1986, the South American country of Suriname purchased a pair of secondhand Alouette III helicopters from Portugal. During 1999, the Surinam Air Force opted to retire and sell off its Alouette III helicopters. In their place, three newly built HAL Chetaks (an Indian version of the Alouette IIIs) were delivered to the Suriname Air Force on 13 March 2015, while the pilots and technicians of the Surinam Air Force underwent training on the type in Bangalore, India for some time.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="m.starnieuws.com">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
SwitzerlandEdit
During 1964, the Swiss Air Force opted to procure a batch of nine Alouette III rotorcraft directly from Aérospatiale; further orders included one placed in 1966 for 15 more. In addition, a total of 60 SA-316Bs (often referred to as the F+W Alouette IIIS) were licence-assembled by F+W Emmen in Switzerland.Template:Citation needed
During 2004, the Swiss Armed Forces announced the expected withdrawal of the Alouette III from front-line service would commence by 2006 and that it was to be entirely retired by 2010; they have been replaced by a smaller force of 20 new-built Eurocopter EC635s.<ref>Eurocopter Press Release – First Eurocopter EC635 For Swiss Air Force Takes To The Air Template:Webarchive</ref> Since their retirement, at least 10 ex-Swiss Alouettes have been gifted to Pakistan to perform search and rescue operations.<ref name = "swiss pak2010">"Switzerland Gives Its Alouette III Helicopters to Pakistan to Reinforce Search and Rescue Assets." Template:Webarchive defense-aerospace.com, 8 September 2010.</ref>
VariantsEdit
- SE 3160 : the first production version. Sometimes retroactively redesignated SA 3160 or SA 316A.<ref>Chant 2014, pp. 348–349.</ref> Maximum weight of Template:Cvt; powered by Turbomeca Artouste IIIB or IIIB1 turboshaft engine rated at Template:Cvt for takeoff (Template:Cvt for IIIB1) and Template:Cvt continuous, but restricted by rotor transmission limitations to Template:Cvt for takeoff and Template:Cvt continuous.<ref name=DGAC_no61>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=FAA_H1IN>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=EASA_R.123>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- SA 316B : like SE 3160, but with strengthened main and tail rotor for greater performance; maximum weight of Template:Cvt, and rotor transmission limit on takeoff power increased to Template:Cvt.<ref name=DGAC_no61 /><ref name=FAA_H1IN /><ref name=EASA_R.123 /> The SA 316B was built under licence in India as the HAL Chetak, and again under licence in Romania as the IAR 316.<ref name = "chant 349">Chant 2014, p. 349.</ref>
- HAL Chetak : Indian production version of the SA 316B.<ref name = "chant 349"/>
- HAL Chetan : HAL/Turbomecca TM 333-2M2 Shakti engine.
- IAR 316 : Romanian production version of the SA 316B.<ref name = "chant 349-415"/>
- F+W Alouette IIIS : 60 SA-316B licence-assembled in Switzerland by F+W Emmen (de) between 1970 and 1974.
- SA 319B (sometimes called "Alouette III Astazou") : developed from the SA 316B. Maximum weight of Template:Cvt; powered by a Turbomeca Astazou XIVB turboshaft engine rated at Template:Cvt for takeoff and Template:Cvt continuous, but rotor transmission limitations restricted continuous power to Template:Cvt.<ref name=DGAC_no61 /><ref name=FAA_H1IN /><ref name=EASA_R.123 /><ref name = "chant 349"/>
- SA 316C : developed from the SA 316B. Maximum weight of Template:Cvt; powered by a Turbomeca Artouste IIID turboshaft engine rated at Template:Cvt for takeoff and Template:Cvt continuous, but rotor transmission limitations restricted continuous power to Template:Cvt.<ref name=DGAC_no61 /><ref name=FAA_H1IN /><ref name=EASA_R.123 /> The SA 316C was only built in small numbers.<ref name = "chant 349"/>
- G-Car and K-Car : Helicopter gunship versions for the Rhodesian Air Force.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The G-Car was armed with two side-mounted Browning .303 or a single 7.62mm MAG machine guns. The K-Car was armed with a 20 mm MG 151 cannon, fitted inside the cabin, firing from the port side of the helicopter.
- SA.3164 Alouette-Canon: Modified in 1964 as a gunship version armed with a 20mm gun in the nose and external hardpoints for missiles mounted on each side of the fuselage. Only one prototype was built.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- IAR 317 Airfox: A Romanian helicopter gunship project based on the IAR 316. Only three prototypes were ever built.<ref name = "chant 349-415">Chant 2014, pp. 349–415.</ref>
- Atlas XH-1 Alpha: South African two-seat attack helicopter project. It was used in the development of the Denel Rooivalk.<ref name = "chant 349"/><ref name = "mcgow 204">McGownen 2005, p. 204.</ref>
- K-1 'Chetak', informally- 'Frenchman': 8 HAL Chetaks were bought by the Soviet Union for testing purposes at Kacha airfield, Sevastopol,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> in 1985, and later 2 of them were used by DOSAAF from Karagoz airfieldTemplate:Citation needed
OperatorsEdit
Current military operatorsEdit
- Angola Defence Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Bolivian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Burundi National Army<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Chad Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Congo Democratic Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Eswatini Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Ethiopian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Gabonese Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- {{#invoke
- flag||India}}
- Indian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Indian Army<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Indian Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- {{#invoke
- flag||Malta}}
- Maltese Air Wing<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Mauritius Police Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Namibian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Pakistan Army<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Pakistan Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Surinam Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Tunisian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Air Force of Zimbabwe<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
Former military operatorsEdit
- Abu Dhabi Air Wing<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Argentine Naval Aviation<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||Austria}}
- Austrian Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||Belgium}}
- Belgian Air Component<ref name="Belgian Alouette 3 retirement">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Belgian Naval Component<ref name="Belgian Alouette 3 retirement"/>
- Biafran armed forces<ref name="auto">Jowett 2016, p. 18.</ref>
- Bangladesh Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Bophuthatswana Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Burma Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Cameroon Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Chilean Navy<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||Denmark}}
- Royal Danish Navy<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Dominican Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Ecuadorian Navy<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Air Force of El Salvador<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||France}}
- French Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- French Army<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- French Navy<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Sécurité Civile<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Ghana Air Force<ref name="World’s Air Forces 2013">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Hellenic Navy<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Guinean Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Guinea-Bissau Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Guyana Defence Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Indonesian Army Aviation<ref name="wragg03p90">Template:Cite book</ref>
- Iraq Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||Ireland}}
- Irish Air Corps<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Jordanian Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Lebanese Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Libyan Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 68">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Libyan National Army<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 68"/>
- Malagasy Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Malawi Army Air Wing<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 68"/>
- Mexican Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 72">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Mexican Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 72"/>
- Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 73">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Mozambique Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 73"/>
- Yemen Arab Republic Air Force<ref>Cooper 2017, p. 34.</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||Netherlands}}
- Royal Netherlands Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Sandinista Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Pakistan Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Peruvian Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 77">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Peruvian Army<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 77"/>
- Peruvian Naval Aviation<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 77"/>
- Portuguese Air Force<ref name=":0" />
- Rhodesian Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Rwandan Defence Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Royal Saudi Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Seychelles Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Singapore Air Force<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- South African Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Republic of Korea Naval Air Arm<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- South Vietnamese Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||Spain}}
- Spanish Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Spanish Army<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Swiss Air Force<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Upper Volta Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Venezuelan Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Yugoslav Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Zaire Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Former civilian operatorsEdit
- Air – Transport Europe<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Specifications (SA 316B)Edit
See alsoEdit
Template:Portal Template:Aircontent
ReferencesEdit
NotesEdit
CitationsEdit
BibliographyEdit
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite magazine
- Template:Cite magazine
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite journal
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
External linksEdit
- Aérospatiale SA 316B/ VSV/ SA 319B Alouette III
- Sud Aviation SA 316/319 Alouette III
- The Virtual Aviation Museum – Aérospatiale SE 3160 Alouette III
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited – Chetak
- Template:YouTube
Template:Alouette family Template:Sud/Aérospatiale aircraft Template:Spanish helicopters Template:ADF aircraft designations