4 replies to this topic

[dodgy-alan]

The Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon is a three-engined heavy transport helicopter still in service in some parts of the world. In China it is built under licence as the Z8 in military service while a new civil version is called the AC313. The aircraft first flew in 1962 and entered service in 1966, In July 1963 a specially modified version captured the world speed record for helicopters at 217.7 mph but the normal "never exceed" service speed was 170mph. it has a MTOW of 13,000 kg and an endurance of 4 hours making it ideal for both SAR and assault/attack roles. the Early aircraft lacked the search radar on the nose but many were later retrofitted depending on their role. France and Israel have now both retired theirs but others are still operating. A civil one used by Greece is now on display at The Helicopter Museum in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset. Many of the systems featured on the Super Frelon found their way on to the later Puma.
Air sea rescue

anti submarine

Troop carrier

anti-ship with Exocet

Torpedo carrier

it is fully amphibious

sitting on St Marys ,Isles of Scilly during a long range search mission

maritime Patrol


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNCPlOq4gyE&feature=related

thanks for viewing

[hurricanemk1c]

Love the shot in the water! Great shots Alan!

[mutley]

Wow she's a big bird, I like the hull shaped bottom.
Nice St.Mary's scenery too.

[needles]

She looks mighty close to the Terminal on St Mary's methinks, considering the rotor span.
Nice looker though.

[brett]

Great shots, thanks for the airshow.