Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids SA 330 Puma

A French Army Puma performing over RIAT, 2010
Role	Utility helicopter
National origin	France
Manufacturer	Sud Aviation Aérospatiale
First flight	15 April 1965
Introduction	1968
Status	In service
Primary users	French Army Royal Air Force Romanian Air Force Pakistan Army
Produced	1968–1987
Number built	697
Variants	IAR 330 Atlas Oryx
Developed into	Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma Eurocopter AS532 Cougar Denel Rooivalk

The Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma is a powerful helicopter from France. It has four main rotor blades and two engines. It was designed to carry up to 20 passengers or different types of cargo. Some Pumas can also carry weapons.

This helicopter was first made in the mid-1960s for the French Army. They needed a medium-sized helicopter that could fly in all kinds of weather. The first Puma flew on April 15, 1965. The first helicopters for customers were ready in 1968. The French Army started using them in early 1969.

The Puma quickly became very popular around the world. It was built until the 1980s. Other countries, like Romania, also built the Puma under a special agreement. South Africa even made its own versions, like the Atlas Oryx and the Denel Rooivalk attack helicopter. Newer versions, like the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma and Eurocopter AS532 Cougar, are still made today.

The Puma has been used in many conflicts by different countries. These include the Gulf War, the Falklands War, and the Iraq War. Many countries have updated their Pumas with new technology. This includes modern cockpits, Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, and ways to protect themselves. The Puma was also used a lot by civilian companies. For example, Bristow Helicopters used them to fly workers to oil rigs in the North Sea.

How the Puma was Developed

The SA 330 Puma was created by a French company called Sud Aviation. The French Army needed a helicopter that could carry up to 20 soldiers or various supplies. Work on this new helicopter started in 1963.

The first Puma prototype flew on April 15, 1965. Six more test models were built after that. The first Puma ready for customers flew in September 1968. The French Army began receiving their Pumas in early 1969.

SA 330B Puma, 2004

In 1967, the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the UK chose the Puma. They were very impressed by how well it performed. France and the UK worked closely together to build these helicopters. This partnership also led to the UK buying French Gazelle helicopters and France buying British Lynx helicopters.

The SA 330 Puma was very successful around the world. Many countries bought it for their military. It was also popular for civilian use, like transporting people to oil platforms far out at sea. For most of the 1970s, the SA 330 Puma was the most popular transport helicopter made in Europe. By 1978, over 50 Pumas had been sold to civilian customers.

Romania made a deal to build the Puma themselves, calling it the IAR 330. They built at least 163 of them. Indonesia also built the SA 330. South Africa made big changes to their Pumas, creating the Atlas Oryx. Later, in the 1990s, South Africa also developed an attack helicopter called the Denel Rooivalk based on the Puma.

In 1974, the French company Aérospatiale started working on better versions of the Puma. This led to the AS332 Super Puma. The first Super Puma flew on September 13, 1978. It had stronger engines and a longer body. By 1980, more Super Pumas were being built than the original SA 330 Puma. Aérospatiale stopped making the SA 330 Puma in 1987, after selling 697 of them. However, Romania continued to build them into the 21st century.

Puma Design Features

The cockpit of an SA 330 Puma used by West German border police in 1985.

The SA 330 Puma is a helicopter with two engines. It is designed to carry people and supplies. It can carry up to 16 soldiers on seats that fold up. If it's used to carry injured people, it can hold six stretchers and four other people. The Puma can also carry cargo inside or hanging from a hook underneath, up to 2,500 kg. Civilian Pumas can have different seating arrangements, even for important people (VIPs). For search and rescue missions, a hoist is often added to the side.

Two Turbomeca Turmo turboshaft engines, located on the roof, power the Puma's four-blade main rotor. The rotor spins at about 265 rotations per minute. The helicopter's design included new ideas for its time. For example, the main rotor shaft was made in one piece. It also had special features to reduce vibrations. The Puma had a system to check the rotor blades for cracks. It has two separate hydraulic systems. One controls the flight, and the other handles the autopilot, landing gear, and rotor brake.

The Puma was designed to fly fast and be very agile. It also performs well in hot weather and at high altitudes. Its engines have extra power. This allows the Puma to fly at its maximum weight even if one engine stops working. The cockpit has controls for both a pilot and a co-pilot. There is also a third seat for another crew member. The Puma has an autopilot system that helps keep it stable.

The Puma can be taken apart to fit inside transport planes like the Transall C-160 and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Its main rotor, landing gear, and tail can all be removed. It was designed to be easy to maintain. Many parts that need checking are visible from the ground. The Puma can fly at night, in bad weather, and in very cold or hot places.

Over time, many Puma operators have added new features. The RAF, for example, added Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation. They also added ways to protect the helicopter, like infrared jammers and flares. They also use night vision goggles for night flights. The French Army has updated their Pumas with digital systems and new mission control tools. Some companies have also upgraded Pumas with modern glass cockpits.

Puma in Action

Argentina

During the Falklands War in 1982, Argentina used five SA 330 Pumas from their army and one from their coast guard. These helicopters could fly from navy ships or across the islands. All of them were lost during the conflict. One Puma was damaged by ground fire while landing troops on April 3. Another was destroyed by a missile on May 9. On May 23, two British Sea Harriers attacked three Pumas. One Puma crashed, and another was destroyed by cannon fire. The third one got away. Another Puma was lost near Mount Kent on May 30, possibly due to accidental friendly fire.

France

In September 1979, four Pumas helped French forces in Operation Barracuda. They transported an assault team to a government building in the Central African Empire. They then quickly moved important documents and valuables to the French embassy.

The Puma was also used in France to carry the President of France. Later, the larger AS332 Super Puma took over these duties.

French Puma during Operation Desert Shield, 1990

During the 1991 First Gulf War, France sent several Pumas to help the international forces against Iraq. Pumas used for search and rescue were given GPS to help them navigate better.

In the 1990s, French Pumas also operated in the Yugoslav Wars, helping with humanitarian aid missions. In April 1994, a French Puma rescued a British special forces team and a downed pilot from inside hostile territory. On June 18, 1999, 20 Pumas worked together to drop French paratroopers. This helped NATO forces quickly secure Kosovska Mitrovica.

The French Army and Navy plan to replace their Pumas with the NHIndustries NH90 helicopter. As of 2016, about 20 SA 330 Pumas are still used by the French Air and Space Force. Some Pumas were sent to Chad and Niger from 2014 to 2015 to fight against an insurgency.

Lebanon

From 1980 to 1984, the Lebanese Air Force received ten SA 330C Pumas from France. They were used by the 9th transport squadron. In 1983, the helicopters were moved to different locations for safety. On August 23, 1984, a Puma carrying high-ranking military officers crashed in thick fog near Beirut, killing everyone on board. On June 1, 1987, the Lebanese Prime Minister Rachid Karami was killed when a bomb exploded on his Puma helicopter. Another Puma crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on January 17, 1988, and the pilots were never found. During the end of the Lebanese Civil War, the remaining Pumas were used for flights to Cyprus. However, they often had to stay on the ground due to lack of fuel and maintenance issues.

After the war, the Lebanese Air Force worked to rebuild its helicopter fleet. In 2010, they received seven IAR 330 SM helicopters from the United Arab Emirates Air Force.

In 2013, the Lebanese Air Force tried to turn an IAR 330 SM into a helicopter gunship. They added a 30mm cannon and rocket launchers. This new version was called the SA 330SM. Even though tests were successful, the Lebanese Air Force decided to use an armed version of the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar instead.

Morocco

In 1974, Morocco bought 40 Puma helicopters from France. During the 1970s and 1980s, Moroccan Pumas were used in battles against separatists in the Western Sahara. However, their use of air power was limited after some aircraft were lost to anti-aircraft missiles in the early 1980s.

In 2007, Morocco made a deal with France to modernize 25 of its Pumas.

Pakistan

The Pakistan Army uses Pumas to transport soldiers, food, and equipment near the Siachen Glacier. This glacier is a very high battleground, over 6,000 meters (about 20,000 feet) high. Pakistan keeps a military presence there.

Portugal

In 1969, Portugal was one of the first countries to buy the Puma, ordering 12 for the Portuguese Air Force. Portugal was also the first country to use Pumas in combat during the Portuguese Colonial War. The Puma was very useful because it could fly longer and carry more than other helicopters they had.

In the 1980s, Portugal secretly helped South Africa get parts for their Pumas. This was because the United Nations had placed an embargo on South Africa, meaning France could not sell them parts. Portugal ordered new engines and electronics, pretending they were for their own Pumas. But many parts were sent to South Africa to upgrade their helicopters, which became the Atlas Oryx. Portugal's Pumas also received upgrades as part of this deal.

In 2006, the Portuguese Air Force started getting new AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin helicopters. These larger helicopters replaced the older Puma fleet. Since 2007, Portugal has tried to sell its remaining 8 Pumas.

South Africa

South African Air Force Puma, 2011

From 1972 onwards, Pumas used by the South African Air Force (SAAF) were involved in operations in South West Africa and Angola during the South African Border War. Pumas were used for moving troops, quick deployments, radio communication, rescuing injured people, inserting special forces, and large operations across borders.

South Africa bought most of its Pumas and spare parts before a United Nations embargo was put in place in 1977. After the embargo, South Africa upgraded many of its Pumas, leading to the creation of the Atlas Oryx. They got help and parts through secret deals with Portugal during the embargo.

In December 1979, South Africa's government admitted its military was operating in Rhodesia. Pumas were regularly used to support the ground forces. In June 1980, 20 Pumas joined 8,000 troops during an invasion of Angola. In 1982, 15 servicemen were killed when a South African Puma was shot down. This was one of the biggest losses in a single event during the conflict.

In the 1990s, there were secret attempts to buy old SAAF Pumas by the President of the Republic of Congo. These were likely for use in the Congolese Civil War. In 1991, when the cruise ship MTS Oceanos sank off South Africa, 13 Pumas played a key role in the rescue. They lifted 225 survivors to safety in bad weather.

United Kingdom

Upgraded British Puma HC2 in 2014

A RAF Puma HC1 in flight, 2012

The first two Pumas for the Royal Air Force (RAF) arrived on January 29, 1971. The first squadron, 33 Squadron, started using them on June 14, 1971. The RAF ordered 48 Puma HC Mk 1s for transport. During the Falklands War, a Puma captured from Argentina was later used by the RAF for training. The Puma became a common helicopter for British special forces, like the SAS, because it was good for secret missions.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, RAF Pumas were based at several locations, including RAF Odiham and RAF Gutersloh. They also had a detachment in Northern Ireland during The Troubles. In 1994, 230 Squadron moved to RAF Aldergrove to provide a permanent presence. In 2009, both 230 and 33 Squadrons moved to RAF Benson.

RAF Pumas have also served in Venezuela, Iraq, Yugoslavia, and Zaire. Britain has often sent Pumas for disaster relief and humanitarian missions. For example, they helped during the 2000 Mozambique flood and the 1988 Jamaican flash flood. They also helped with peacekeeping in places like Zimbabwe and the Persian Gulf.

During the end of the First Gulf War, Pumas from 230 and 33 Squadrons quickly moved troops. This helped stop Iraqi forces from damaging the Rumaila oil field. From 2003 to 2009, RAF Pumas were used in the Iraq War to move troops. On April 15, 2007, two RAF Pumas crashed during a special forces mission near Baghdad. In November 2007, another Puma crashed during an operation. An investigation found that pilot error was the main cause. However, the Ministry of Defence was criticized for not giving RAF Pumas night vision goggles and for poor maintenance. These issues were fixed after the incident.

To keep the Pumas flying longer, Britain bought six old SA 330L helicopters from South Africa in 2002. A big upgrade program for the RAF's Pumas started in late 2012 and finished by early 2014. This created the Puma HC Mk2, which will keep the fleet flying until 2025. The upgrades include two stronger Turbomeca Makila engines, new gearboxes, new tail rotors, digital autopilot, and better protection for the crew and passengers. The upgraded helicopter can carry twice the load over three times the distance.

The RAF plans to replace its Puma fleet in the mid-2020s with new helicopters.

Civilian Use

One of the biggest users of the Puma was Bristow Helicopters. They regularly used the Puma for flights to oil platforms in the North Sea. Bristow started replacing their older helicopters with Pumas in the 1970s. The Puma became a main part of Bristow's fleet from 1979 onwards. In 1982, Bristow also started using the more powerful Super Puma.

Erickson Inc. has used four Pumas since 2014. They use them to deliver supplies to US Navy ships.

Puma Versions

Portuguese Air Force Puma during a Space Shuttle recovery exercise in 2004

French Army Puma at RIAT 2010

Aérospatiale Versions

SA 330A: These were the first test models.
SA 330B: The first version made for the French Army Light Aviation.
SA 330 Orchidée: A special Puma designed to carry a radar system for battlefield spying. Only one was built.
SA 330C: The first version made for other countries to buy.
SA.330E: The version built by Westland Helicopters for the RAF, called Puma HC Mk. 1.
SA.330F: The first version for civilian use.
SA.330G: An improved civilian version with stronger engines.
SA.330H: An improved version for the French Army and other countries. All older French Army SA 330Bs were updated to this type.
SA.330J: An improved civilian transport version with better rotor blades and could carry more weight.
SA.330L: An improved version that worked well in "hot and high" places. It was the military version of the SA.330J.
SA.330S: An upgraded SA 330L version for the Portuguese Air Force with new engines.
SA.330SM: A Lebanese version that was turned into a gunship with a 30mm cannon and rocket launchers.
SA.330Z: A test model with a different type of tail rotor called a "fenestron."
SA.331 Puma Makila: A test helicopter for the Super Puma's new engines.

Versions by Other Companies

Atlas Aircraft Corporation Oryx: A rebuilt and upgraded SA 330 Puma made for the South African Air Force.
IPTN NAS 330J: A version put together in Indonesia. Eleven were made.
IAR 330: The Puma built in Romania under a special agreement.
- IAR-330 Puma SOCAT: 24 Pumas changed for fighting tanks.
- IAR-330 Puma Naval: 3 Pumas changed for the Romanian Navy, using the SOCAT systems.
Westland Puma HC Mk 1: The SA 330E version built by Westland Helicopters for the RAF. The RAF first ordered 40 Pumas in 1967.
Westland Puma HC Mk 2: Modified Puma HC Mk1s. 24 were upgraded with stronger engines, a modern cockpit, new electronics, and better protection.

Who Uses the Puma Now

A French Army Aérospatiale Puma

Brazil Brazilian Air Force
Chile Chilean Army
Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Congo Air Force
Ecuador Ecuadorian Army
France French Air and Space Force
- Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport, French Guiana
  - ET 00.068
- Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport, Djibouti
  - ET 00.088
- La Tontouta International Airport, New Caledonia
  - ET 00.052
- Solenzara Air Base, Haute-Corse, France
  - EH 01.044
French Army
Gabon Military of Gabon
- Léon-Mba International Airport, Libreville
  - Escadrille Aérienne Transport
Guinea Guinea Air Force
Indonesia Indonesian Air Force
- Atang Senjaya Airbase, West Java
  - Skadron Udara 8
Kenya Kenya Air Force
- Moi Air Base, Nairobi City County
  - Helicopter Squadron
Kuwait Kuwait Air Force
Lebanon Lebanese Air Force
- Wujah Al Hajar Air Base, Hamat
  - 9 Squadron
Malawi Malawi Army
Morocco Royal Moroccan Air Force
- First Air Base, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
  - Escadrons de Manoeuvres Tactiques
Pakistan Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Army
- Multan International Airport, Punjab
  - 24th Army Aviation Squadron
- Qasim Airbase, Dhamial
  - 13th Army Aviation Squadron
  - 28th Army Aviation Squadron
Romania Romanian Air Force (See IAR 330)
- 71st Air Base, Cluj County
  - Escadrila 712
  - Escadrila 713
- 90th Airlift Base, Ilfov County
  - Escadrila 903
- 95th Air Base, Bacău County
  - Escadrila 952
Romanian Navy (See IAR 330)
- Tuzla Aerodrome, Constanța County
  - Grupul 256

A Puma HC2 of No. 33 Squadron using flares over Afghanistan in 2015.

United Kingdom Royal Air Force
- RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus
  - No. 84 Squadron (2023–present)
- RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, England
  - No. 22 Squadron (OEU) (2020–present)
  - No. 33 Squadron (1971–present)
  - No. 230 Squadron (1971–present)
- RAF Odiham, Hampshire, England
  - No. 28 Squadron (OCU) (2015–present)
- Medicina Lines, Brunei
  - No. 1563 Flight (1971–1993; 2004–2009; 2022–present)

Who Used the Puma Before

Algeria Algerian Air Force
Argentina Argentine Army
Argentine Coast Guard
Belgium Gendarmerie

An Aérospatiale Puma of the Spanish Air Force

Cameroon Cameroon Air Force
Ethiopia Ethiopian Air Force
Iraq Iraqi Air Force
Ireland Irish Air Corps
Mexico Mexican Air Force
Nigeria Nigerian Air Force
Oman Royal Air Force of Oman

A contracted Puma resupplies the USS Benfold for the US Navy Sealift Command

Philippines Philippine Air Force

A SA 330 Puma formerly used by West Germany's Bundesgrenzschutz (border police).

Portugal Portuguese Air Force
Senegal Senegalese Air Force
South Africa South African Air Force
Togo Togolese Air Force
Tunisia Tunisian Air Force
United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates Air Force
United Kingdom Royal Air Force
- RAF Odiham, Hampshire, England
  - No. 27(R) Squadron (OCU) (1993–1998)
  - No. 240 Operational Conversion Unit (1971–1993)
- RAF Aldergrove, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
  - No. 72 Squadron (1997–2002)

Important Accidents

On March 29, 2022, eight UN peacekeepers died when a Puma helicopter crashed. Six were from Pakistan, one from Russia, and one from Serbia. They were part of a UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

Specifications (SA 330H Puma)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77

General characteristics

Crew: 3
Capacity: 16 passengers
Length: 18.15 m (59 ft 6½ in)
Rotor diameter: 15.00 m (49 ft 2½ in)
Height: 5.14 m (16 ft 10½ in)
Disc area: 177.0 m² (1,905 ft²)
Empty weight: 3,536 kg (7,795 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 7,000 kg (15,430 lb)
Powerplant: 2× Turbomeca Turmo IVC turboshafts, 1,175 kW (1,575 hp) each

Performance

Never exceed speed: 273 km/h (147 knots, 169 mph)
Maximum speed: 257 km/h (138 knots, 159 mph)
Cruise speed: 248 km/h (134 knots, 154 mph) econ cruise
Range: 580 km (313 nm, 360 mi)
Service ceiling: 4,800 m (15,750 ft)
Rate of climb: 7.1 m/s (1,400 ft/min)

Armament

Guns:
- Coaxial 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine guns
- Side-firing 20 mm (0.787 in) cannon
- Various others