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Aerospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon (Super Hornet)
The AS 321 Super Frelon became the largest helicopter to be produced in Europe in any large number.
By Staff Writer
The SA 321 Super Frelon is a French-produced multirole helicopter falling under the Aerospatiale brand. The mammoth design became the largest production helicopter designed and built in Europe in any number when it went into frontline service with the French Navy. Since then, several nations have accepted the versatile platform into the inventories of their military branches.
SA 321 Super Frelon development stemmed from the prototyped - but not accepted for production - SA 3200 Frelon built to a French military specification. In a joint effort between Sud Aviation and Sikorsky, the base SA 3200 Frelon was developed into the "Super Frelon" (with Frelon translating into "Hornet"). The result was a rather large troop transport version that would go onto to be produced into three different variants.
The French Navy utilized a version designated as the SA 321G, which was fitted in a maritime configuration with a dunking sonar system, torpedoes and other anti-submarine warfare equipment. These specialized versions would later be relegated to search and rescue roles in the navy capacity. China produced the SA 321 Super Frelon under license and the designation of "Z-8" as a multirole transport helicopter. Additionally, Argentina received several SA 321 from Israel while Syria, Iraq and Libya along with South Africa. Argentine versions were Israeli-owned and refitted with the General Electric GE T58 powerplants. South African versions were noted for not being the full amphibious versions of the Super Frelon type.
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| Specifications for the Aerospatiale SA 321G Super Frelon (Super Hornet) |
 Dimensions: |
Length: 63.65ft (19.40m)
Width:0.00ft (0.00m)
Height: 21.85ft (6.66m)
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| Performance: |
About MACH |
Max Speed: 154mph (248kmh; 134kts)
Max Range: 634miles (1,020km)
Rate-of-Climb: 1,214ft/min (370m/min)
Service Ceiling: 10,167ft (3,099m; 1.9miles)
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| Structure: |
Accommodation: 3
Hardpoints: 2
Empty Weight: 14,771lbs (6,700kg)
MTOW: 28,660lbs (13,000kg)
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| Powerplant: |
| Engine(s): 3 x Turbomecha Turmo IIIC turboshafts driving a six-blade main rotor and a five-blade tail rotor generating 1,475shp to 1,630shp. |
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| Armament Suite: |
Mission-specific ordnance can include:
4 x Homing torpedoes
2 x AM 39 Exocet anti-ship missiles
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Aircraft Quick Profile |
Image courtesy of the United States Department of Defense.
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| 1964 |
Designation: Aerospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon (Super Hornet)
Classification Type: Multi-Purpose Utility Helicopter
Contractor: Sud Aviation - France / Sikorsky - USA
Country of Origin: France
Production Total: 99 |
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Operators: France, China, Argentina (through Israel), Libya, South Africa, Syria and Iraq.
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| Variants |
SA 3200 - Base Frelon model; prototyped but never placed into production; formed the basis of further development to become the "Super Frelon" system; developed by Sud Aviation and Sikorsky.
SA 3210-01 - Prototype Super Frelon
SA 321G - Production model as operated by the French Navy in anti-submarine warfare configuration; later relegated to S&R duties.
SA 321GM - Syrian Export Model similar to the SA 321G model series.
SA 321H - Iraqi Export Model similar to the SA 321G model series.
SA 321F - Civilian Transport Variant
SA 321J - Civilian Utility Transport Variant
SA 321L - Non-Amphibious Transport Variant as exported to South Africa.
SA 321K - Israel Export Variant; refitted with GE T58 powerplants; passed on to Argentina.
SA 321M - Libyan Export Variant fitted for Search and Rescue duties and logistical support.
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