Back Aerospatiale SE-313B/SA-318C "Alouette II"
1955

Aerospatiale "Alouette II"

Even before flight testing had been completed, the Alouette II was showing its abilities as a mountain rescue aircraft. The second prototype Alouette II was in the Alps for performance tests in July 1956 when the test team learned that a climber was dying after having a heart attack in the Vallot Mountain refuge, one of the highest in Europe at 4362m.

The first attempt at a rescue was unsuccessful, but the second worked: within five minutes of landing the helicopter had transported the climber to hospital in Chamonix, thereby saving his life.

At the beginning of 1957 two Alouettes carried out a similar rescue, retrieving six mountain guides, and two pilots of an S-55 rescue helicopter which had crashed, from the same refuge.

Since then the Alouette II and its high-altitude version, the Lama, have carried out many mountain rescues, retrieving stranded climbers from places that would not have been reachable by any other means.

The Alouette's successor, the Aerospatiale Ecureuil, is now serving with the Nepalese Army. The type has already retrieved climbers from high on Everest.

R.Jackson "Helicopters. Military, Civilian, and Rescue Rotorcraft", 2005

Aerospatiale "Alouette II"

Of conventional configuration but sturdy design, the Aerospatiale Alouette II was one of the first true light multi-purpose helicopters and excelled in a variety of roles. This adaptability was facilitated by its reliable turboshaft engine, easy maintenance, and landing gear which could be either of wheel or skid type, or floats, with provision for emergency flotation gear.

The Alouette II originated as the Sud-Est SE 3120 Alouette (Lark), a three seat light helicopter designed mainly for agricultural purposes. The first SE 3120 prototype was flown on 31 July 1952, powered by a 149kW Salmson 9NH radial engine, and a year later established a new international helicopter closed-circuit duration record of 13 hours 56 minutes. The basic airframe was then completely redesigned to take the 269kW Turbomeca Artouste I turboshaft, and the first of two prototypes, designated SE 3130, was flown on 12 March 1955, followed by three pre-production aircraft in 1956. The Alouette II was granted a French Certificate of Airworthiness on 2 May 1956, and was soon in demand on the international market. In 1957 Sud-Est merged with Sud-Aviation, at which time the designation of the Alouette II was altered to SE 313B, remaining unchanged after Sud's take-over by Aerospatiale.

From the beginning, the Alouette II proved a most successful design and was found particularly suitable for operations in higher altitudes. Thus, during the period 9-13 June 1958, an Artouste-powered Alouette II set up a helicopter altitude record of 10981m for all classes, and a height record of 9583m in the 1000/1750kg category. By September 1960 no fewer than 598 Alouette IIs had been ordered by customers in 22 different countries and the type was being assembled by Republic in the USA and Saab in Sweden. It also became the first French aircraft of any kind, and the first helicopter in the world, to be granted an American certification.

A development of the Alouette II with a 298kW Turbomeca Turmo II engine, with the designation SE 3140, was announced in May 1957 but did not reach the production stage. Another derivative, powered by the more economical Astazou IIA turboshaft engine and featuring a new centrifugal clutch, was far more successful. The first prototype, designated SA 3180, was flown on 31 January 1960 and after thorough trials an extension of the Alouette II French Certificate of Airworthiness was granted on 18 February 1964. Production, as the SA 318C, commenced in the same year, with first deliveries taking place in 1965. Of generally similar appearance and versatility, the SA 318C had a slightly higher level speed, longer range and was capable of lifting heavier loads, but is less suitable for operations in higher altitudes. The success of the basic Alouette II design was reflected in the growing number of civil and military customers: by 1 June 1967 a total of 988 Alouette IIs (including those with Astazous engines) had been ordered (and 969 delivered); by 21 May 1970 the total had increased to 1,200 (923 with Artouste and 277 with Astazou engines); this total included 450 Alouette IIs delivered to the French air force, army and navy as well as private customers. By the spring of 1975, when the production of this helicopter was terminated, the number of Alouette IIs sold had reached 1,300, and it was used by 126 civil and military operators in 46 countries.

In the military role, both Alouette II versions can be fitted with a wide variety of rockets, missiles and guns.

D.Donald "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft", 1997

Aerospatiale "Alouette II"

The Alouette success story may be regarded as beginning with the SNCA du Sud-Est's SE.3101, the first all-French helicopter to be designed and built after World War 2. A single-seater, the SE.3101 was powered by an 85hp Mathis engine and flew for the first time in June 1948. There then followed the 2-seat SE.3110 (F-WFUE), which had a 200hp Salmson 9 NH piston engine. The first of the line to be named Alouette (Lark) was developed originally for an agricultural role. Two SE.3120 prototypes, F-WGGD and 'GE, were completed, also with the Salmson as powerplant, and this type established several world and national helicopter records in July 1953.

The production model, however, was turbine-powered. This was the SE.3130 Alouette II, two prototypes of which were built with Artouste II shaft turbine engines. The first flight of an SE.3130 occurred on 12 March 1955, and three months later the Alouette II set a new helicopter altitude record of 8209m. Three similar pre-series SE.3130's were completed, and the Alouette II gained its domestic certificate of airworthiness on 2 May 1957. Production aircraft were delivered initially to fulfil orders from the French forces and civilian customers, but when production ended nine hundred and twenty-three of the Artouste-powered Alouette II's had been built for customers in thirty-three countries. Three-hundred and sixty-three of these were built for the French services — particularly the Aviation Legere de I'Armee de Terre - and a further two hundred and sixty-seven were built for the Federal German Heeresfliegerei. Other large military operators of the Alouette II include the Belgian Army (thirty-nine), Swiss Army (thirty), all three Swedish air arms (total twenty-five), and Britain's Army Air Corps (seventeen). Alouette II's were also delivered to the air forces of Austria (sixteen), Cambodia (eight), Congo Leopoldville (three), Dominican Republic (two), Indonesia (three), Israel (four). Ivory Coast (two), Laos (two), Lebanon (three), Mexico (two), Morocco (seven), Netherlands (eight), Peru (six), Portugal (seven) and South Africa (seven). Primary military roles of the Alouette II are those of observation, photography, air/sea rescue, liaison and training, but the aircraft can be equipped for more belligerent duties. Alouettes of the ALAT have carried out firing trials using Nord AS.10 or AS.11 anti-tank missiles, while some of the Aeronavale's machines have been used to carry homing torpedoes.

Other uses to which the Alouette II is put include casualty evacuation (with two external stretcher panniers), crop-spraying and flying crane (with a 500kg external sling load). Wheel, skid or pontoon landing gear may be fitted as required to all versions. Licences to assemble and market the Alouette II were granted to Saab in Sweden and Republic in the United States, and in 1963 an Alouette became the first commercially operated turbine helicopter in the USA.

Production of the SE.3130 (which was redesignated SE.313B in 1967) has been gradually running down since about 1964, but output is still maintained of the SA.318C (originally SE.3180) which first flew on 31 January 1961 and received domestic type approval on 18 February 1964. This is basically the same airframe, but with a 550shp Astazou IIA shaft turbine (derated to 360shp) and the strengthened transmission system of the Alouette III. An initial fifteen Alouette II Astazou's were built for the ALAT; by September 1967 orders had reached seventy-eight, for the Gendarmerie, the Federal German police force and other customers. A lighter-weight 'long-life' version was being developed during 1967, and one Alouette Astazou is testing the Bolkow rigid-rotor system.

K.Munson "Helicopters And Other Rotorcraft Since 1907", 1968

Aerospatiale SE-313B/SA-318C "Alouette II"

The French Alouette II has undoubtedly been one of the most successful civil and military light helicopters. It was derived from the SE.3120 built by Sud-Est soon after the war. The prototype had a three-blade rotor, and a 200hp reciprocating engine. Two other prototypes followed, one of which was a three-seater. The aircraft originally had no outstanding features, but the situation changed with the introduction of the Artouste II turbine. The SE.3130 made its first flight on 12 March 1955, as did a second model immediately afterwards. Just three months after its maiden flight, the aircraft achieved world fame by setting an altitude record of 8209m, showing its ability to operate in mountainous areas.

The structure of the Alouette II is very reminiscent of the early Bell models, in that it has a plexiglass cockpit and open-framework fuselage. Although suited to many commercial roles, it has been used above all for military operations such as observation, liaison, search and rescue, training and casualty evacuation, and (armed with wire-guided missiles and torpedoes) in primarily offensive roles.

Mass production started in response to an order from the French Aeronavale (Fleet Air Arm), followed by others from the Armee de Terre and Armee de I'Air (Army and Air Force), amounting to a total of 363 aircraft. By the end of 1962, more than 1000 of the Alouette II had been ordered, including 267 for the German armed forces. Other military customers for the Alouette II (redesignated SE.313B in 1967) included the Belgian Army (39), the Swiss Army (30) and the British Army Air Corps (17). Alouette IIs have also been delivered to the air forces of Austria (16), Belgian Congo (3), Cambodia (8), the Dominican Republic (2), Indonesia (3), Israel (4), Ivory Coast (2), Laos (2), Lebanon (3), Mexico (2), Morocco (7), the Netherlands (8), Peru (6), Portugal (7), South Africa (7), and Tunisia (8).

In 1964, production was switched to the SE.318C variant which differed only in the installation of an Astazou II turbine. The ALAT (Aviation Legere de I'Armee de Terre) ordered 15 helicopters of this type and many others were sold to foreign armed forces. Production ended in 1975, by which time over 1300 had been built.

One Alouette II Astazou was modified experimentally to test a rigid rotor with plastic blade parts, developed by the German Bolkow company. It flew in this configuration on 24 January 1966. A license to produce the Alouette II was also granted to Sweden, India and the United States, but few were built.

From the Alouette II, the SE.3131 Gouverneur executive version and the SE.3140 with a Turbomeca Turmo engine were derived, as was the SE.3150, of which two were built.

G.Apostolo "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters", 1984

FACTS AND FIGURES

- The Alouette II first flew on 12 March 1955; French certification on 2 May 1956 cleared the way for production.

- Germany has used the helicopter for more than 25 years without any crashes.

- Because of the shape of the fuselage the helicopter is known as 'bug-eye.'

- Options available for the helicopter include skid landing gear, floats or a wheeled undercarriage.

- In the rescue role the Alouette has a 120kg capable hoist.

- Many civilian examples operating today are ex-military machines.

- The Alouette II was the first foreign helicopter to gain certification in the US.

- Licences to produce the Alouette II were granted to Saab in Sweden and Republic in the US; few were built, however.


Technical data for Aerospatiale SE-313B "Alouette II"

Crew: 1, passengers: 2, engine: 1 x Turbomeca Artouste II C6 turboshaft, rated at 395kW, main rotor diameter: 10.2m, length with rotor blades folded: 9.7m, height: 2.75m, take-off weight: 1600kg, empty weight: 895kg, max speed: 185km/h, cruising speed: 165km/h, service ceiling: 2150m, range with max fuel: 565km, range with 390kg payload: 300km

Comments
John Giusti, e-mail, 17.09.2017reply

Hello does anyone know where I can get a set of Main rotor blades for a Alouette II , also would like to know of any mechanics for same on the East Coast of USA Tks John

Andrew McNeil, e-mail, 23.10.2022 John Giusti

John,

Do you still have the Alouette II?

Andy

reply

Andrew McNeil, e-mail, 23.10.2022 John Giusti

Hello John.

I saw you advertised on a web page for Alouette mech on east coast. Are you still looking for a mech and do you own an Alouette 2?

Thank you

Andrew

reply

MAURO ZELLI, e-mail, 09.02.2013reply

Hi there any body have any information and date of Alouette II (3130?)first flown in Israel by GERARD HENRY , It was a delivery flight? Or was a test flight? And dates? I belive that Israel was one of the first Country to aquire an Aluette II Any information would be very much appreciated. Thank you Mauro

Kasi Davison, e-mail, 01.10.2010reply

Is there any way you guys have engine parts or the tools for a alouette II ? IF you do or have any idea of who would please get a hold of me! Thank you.

SS GILL, e-mail, 23.01.2011reply

Dear sir,
I am looking for a run out turbine helicopter.

SS GILL

JM, e-mail, 04.04.2011reply

Have 2 3130 aircraft with no airworthy cert. Anyone out there have knowledge of how to fight FAA to get certificates back? Want normal or restricted not experimental!

Andrew McNeil, e-mail, 23.10.2022 JM

JM,

Do you still have the Alouette !!?

Thank you Andy

reply

Mrs Turai Yaradua, e-mail, 06.04.2011reply

Dear Friend, I am Mrs Turai Y"aradua, the wife of the late president
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria .I would like you to indicate your
interest to receive the transfer of $30 MILLION DOLLARS (USD). I will
like to transfer this money from my late husbands account which is
presently dormant. For claims. You are advised to send the following
information:
1-Your full names
2-Your safe address (NO POB /P.MAIL BOX)
3-Your direct phone /fax numbers
4-Your occupation
5-Your age
Thanks
Mrs Turai Yaradua

Rob, e-mail, 12.08.2012reply

JM do you live in France??

I recently spotted two ex-Gendarmerie Alouette II's in a breakers yard in France. Both were in sad, but still restorable condition (well that's my opinion) although most of the plexiglass was smashed, the engines and main structure was still in pretty good shape.
I did take pics and have a location.
:-))

Felix Drescher, e-mail, 07.05.2010reply

felix.drescher@web.de

Felix Drescher, e-mail, 07.05.2010reply

@ Peter Amos: G-AWAP came down on June 26. 1983 in England at The Wash.
http: / /www.aaib.gov.uk /publications /formal_reports /3_1985_g_awap.cfm

deedee, e-mail, 12.12.2009reply

was this used in world war 2?

Clive Bartram, e-mail, 28.08.2009reply

Production question. January 1970 saw Sud Aviation and Nord join to become Aerospatiale. What was the construction number of the first Aerospatiale built Alouette II ?

James Davison, e-mail, 15.08.2009reply

Do you guys have any main rotor blades and any tail rotor blades for a alouette 2 or may know of anyone with any Blades i really need to find both sets of blades if you could contact me please.

James Davison, e-mail, 15.08.2009reply

Do you guys have any main rotor blades and any tail rotor blades for a alouette 2 or may know of anyone with any Blades i really need to find both sets of blades if you could contact me please.

Krzysztof, e-mail, 20.11.2008reply

Hi,

Anybody knows whats are:
- a really range of 3130 /313B with max. payload and with max. fuel?,
- max. speed and cruising speed (economical)?,
- fuel consumption?
I`m expecting pilot`s responses specially, because I`m going to buy that chopper.

Sincerely,
Krzysztof

Brett, e-mail, 13.09.2008reply

Hi, have any alouette 2's been on the register or flown in Australia?
Thanks.

Blake Davison, e-mail, 05.08.2008reply

hi there is there anyway that you have any high skids for the alouette 2? because we have a alouette and we need some high skids so please contact me thanks

Fancois Marais, e-mail, 30.09.2007reply

hi there
please let me now if there is any alouette 2or3 with good component time for sale.
Francois marais

ERic, 08.09.2007reply

franklin there is a NTSB hearing on Sept11 reguarding the 7h1 and the FAA. Follow the news on avweb.com. There are interiews on this subject
Eric1266@earthlink

Peter Amos, e-mail, 25.07.2007reply

Do you have any details of the crash of G-AWAP and can you please confirm the date and place?

Many thanks

franklin, e-mail, 03.05.2007reply

please informe the certificacion 7h1 the faa it doesnt grant this certification according notice 8300.124 give me some comment about it

Do you have any comments ?

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