The Super Frelon was a heavy transport helicopter produced by Aérospatiale of France, now out of production.
Both civilian and military versions of the Super Frelon were created, with the military variants being the most numerous by far, entering service with the French military as well as being exported to Israel, South Africa, Libya, China and Iraq.
Three military variants were produced; military transport, anti-submarine and anti-ship.
The transport version is able to carry 38 equipped troops, or alternatively 15 stretchers for casualty evacuation tasks.
The Naval anti-submarine and anti-ship variants are usually equipped with a navigation and search radar (ORB-42), and a 50 metre rescue cable. They are most often fitted with a 20 mm cannon, counter-measures, night vision, a laser designator and a Personal Locator System. It can also be refueled in flight.
A Super Frelon taking off from the flying deck of the Clémenceau
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Super Frelon helicopter of the 35F wing of the French Navy
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A Super Frelon helicopter of the 32F wing, landing on the Ouragan
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Super Frelon helicopter n°165 of the 32F Wing flying over Portsmouth
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Specifications (Naval variant)
General characteristics
- Crew: 5
- Capacity: 27 passengers/15 stretchers
- Length: 23.03 m (75 ft 6.7 in)
- Main rotor diameter: 18.90 m (62 ft)
- Height: 6.66 m (22 ft 2.1 in)
- Empty: 6,863 kg (15,130 lb)
- Loaded: kg (228,660 lb)
- Maximum takeoff: 13,000 kg ( lb)
- Powerplant: 3 Turboméca 3C III turbines, 1,171 kW (1,570 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 248 km/h (154 mph)
- Range: 1,000 km ( miles)
- Service ceiling: m ( ft)
- Rate of climb: 300 m/min ( ft/min)
- Endurance: 4 hours
Armament
- Gun: 1x 20 mm cannon
- Missiles/Torpedos: Four homing torpedos in the ASW role or two Exocet missiles in the anti-ship role
