The Airbus Helicopters H215, previously known as the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma, is a twin-engine, medium-size utility helicopter with four blades.
Originally developed and marketed by Aérospatiale, it was later taken over by Eurocopter and is currently under Airbus Helicopters.
This model is an upgraded and larger version of the original Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma.
The Super Puma made its first flight in 1978 and became the primary production model in 1980, replacing the SA 330 Puma.
Military versions of the Super Puma have been sold under the AS532 Cougar designation since 1990.
The Super Puma was developed in the 1970s as an evolution of the SA 330 Puma.
The fuselage was redesigned to enhance damage tolerance and crashworthiness, incorporating more composite materials.
It also featured more powerful Turbomeca Makila turboshaft engines, a streamlined nose, and other modifications.
Two versions with different fuselage lengths were created.
The SA 331 preproduction prototype flew for the first time on September 5, 1977, followed by the first true Super Puma a year later.
By 1980, the Super Puma had replaced the SA 330 Puma as Aérospatiale’s primary utility helicopter.
The Super Puma has proven to be a highly successful aircraft for military customers.
The French Army was an early adopter, utilising the Super Puma in their new rapid response task force, the Force d’Action Rapide.
They regularly deployed Super Pumas to provide support for France’s overseas missions in Africa and the Middle East.
Indonesia also became a significant user of the Super Puma, with PT Dirgantara Indonesia, the state-owned aircraft manufacturer, obtaining a licence to produce it locally.
Military versions of the Super Puma have been marketed as the AS532 Cougar since 1990.
Variants
SA 331
Initial prototype, based on SA 330 airframe, first flew on September 5, 1977 AS 332A
Military version AS 332B1
First military version AS 332C
SAR version, equipped with a search radar and six stretchers AS 332F
Military anti-submarine and anti-ship versions AS 332F1
Naval version AS 332M
Military version of the AS 332L AS 332M1
Stretched military version NAS 332
Licenced version built by IPTN, now Indonesian Aerospace PT DI VH-34
Brazilian Air Force designation for the two VIP-configured Super Pumas
Specifications
Crew
2
Capacity
24 passengers plus attendant / 4,490 kg (9,899 lb)
Length
16.79 m (55 ft 1 in) fuselage
18.7 m (61 ft) rotor turning
Height
4.97 m (16 ft 4 in)
Empty weight
4,660 kg (10,274 lb)
Max take-off weight
9,150 kg (20,172 lb)
Powerplant
2 × Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft
1,376 kW (1,845 hp) each
Main rotor diameter
16.2 m (53 ft 2 in)
Main rotor area
206.12 m2 (2,218.7 sq ft)
Blade section
Root
NACA 13112
Tip
NACA 13106
Performance
Cruise speed
277 km/h (172 mph, 150 kn) max
247 km/h (153 mph; 133 kn) econ
Never exceed speed
327 km/h (203 mph, 177 kn)
Range
851 km (529 mi, 460 nmi)
Service ceiling
5,180 m (16,990 ft)
Rate of climb
7.4 m/s (1,460 ft/min)
Sources
Helicopters: An Illustrated History of their Impact-S S McGowen.
How the Helicopter Changed Modern Warfare-W Boyne.
National Air and Space Museum of France.
