Sud-Aviation
Alouette II
The Aérospatiale Alouette II was the world’s first production helicopter powered by a gas‑turbine engine, a breakthrough that set new standards for performance and reliability. Developed by Sud‑Aviation in the early 1950s, the prototype first flew on 22 January 1955 and entered service the following year, quickly gaining acceptance in both civilian and military roles. Its compact airframe, featuring a three‑bladed main rotor and a lightweight yet robust aluminum‑alloy fuselage, was equipped with the Turbomeca Artouste I turboshaft delivering 400 shaft horsepower, which gave the type a remarkable power‑to‑weight ratio and enabled operation at altitudes exceeding 4,000 metres. The flexible cabin could be configured for reconnaissance, medical evacuation, training, or transport of up to five passengers, and optional equipment such as radio‑navigation aids and external rescue winches expanded its utility. Over 1,300 Alouette IIs were produced for more than 30 countries, where they proved indispensable in mountainous terrain, hot‑and‑high environments, and humanitarian missions. By pioneering turbine‑driven rotorcraft, the Alouette II paved the way for successive models such as the Alouette III and the iconic SA 315B Lama, cementing its legacy as a milestone in modern aviation.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 9.66 metre
- Height
- 2.75 metre
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 2300 metre
- Range
- 565 kilometre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1,300
- First Flight
- 1955
- Service Entry
- 1957