The Aérospatiale (formerly Sud Aviation) SA 321 Super Frelon (“Super Hornet”) is a three-engined heavy transport helicopter produced by aerospace manufacturer Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale) of France. It held the distinction of being the most powerful helicopter to be built in Europe at one point, as well as being the world’s fastest helicopter.

Engine: the Turbomeca Turmo III C7 is a French turboshaft engine developed for helicopter use. A descendant of Turbomeca’s pioneering Artouste design, later versions delivered around 1,200 kW (1,600 shp).

General characteristics

Crew: 5
Capacity: 27 passengers or 15 stretchers
Length: 23.03 m (75 ft 7 in) (overall, rotors turning)
Fuselage length: 19.40 m (63 ft 8 in)
Height: 6.66 m (21 ft 10 in)
Empty weight: 6,863 kg (15,130 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 13,000 kg (28,660 lb)
Fuel capacity: 3,975 L (1,050 US gal; 874 imp gal) (normal)
Powerplant: 3 × Turboméca Turmo IIIC turboshafts, 1,160 kW (1,550 shp) each
Main rotor diameter: 18.90 m (62 ft 0 in)
Main rotor area: 280.6 m2 (3,020 sq ft)

Performance

Cruise speed: 249 km/h (155 mph, 134 kn) at sea level
Never exceed speed: 275 km/h (171 mph, 148 kn)
Range: 1,020 km (630 mi, 550 nmi)
Endurance: 4 hr
Service ceiling: 3,150 m (10,330 ft)
Rate of climb: 6.66 m/s (1,312 ft/min)

Armament

4× homing torpedoes in the ASW role or
2× Exocet missiles in the anti-ship role

 

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