SA.319B Alouette III

Mathll · August 29, 2025, 7:28pm

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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to the French Navy’s first anti-submarine/anti-ship combat helicopter, the SA.319B Alouette III.

In the 1960s, the French Navy adapted the Alouette III for anti-submarine warfare (ASM) missions in order to modernize its onboard resources. Developed from the SA.316B airframe, the ASM version was equipped with a search radar and a weapons system allowing the carriage of a lightweight torpedo (mainly the American Mk 46 torpedo). Thanks to its small size, maneuverability and landing capabilities on small surface vessels, it was particularly suited to close escort of convoys and anti-submarine surveillance in coastal areas. This adaptation represented an important step, as it allowed the embarkation on small ships of an aerial vector for ASM detection and attack, thus strengthening the defense of the French fleet.

The ASW version of the Alouette III was deployed primarily by the Naval Air Force from the 1960s onwards, notably within units 31F and 34F, on escort vessels, escort-avisos, and frigates. In this role, it carried out detection patrols, pursuit missions, and, in the event of contact, torpedo launches. Despite its limited performance against faster and more discreet modern submarines, the Alouette III ASW was a valuable tool during the Cold War for maintaining constant vigilance against the submarine threat. It also served as a transition to heavier and better-equipped helicopters, such as the Lynx and later the NH90 Caïman Marine, which eventually took over. Its service marked the entry of the French Naval Air Force into the era of helicopter-borne ASW warfare, with a compact but versatile aircraft.

It is worth noting that the French Navy’s Alouette III is one of the longest-serving aircraft, having been commissioned in 1962 and withdrawn from operational service in 2022, representing 60 years of service.

Characteristics

Length : 10.03 m
Width : 11.02 m
Height : 3.09 m
Mass : 2250 kg

This version is powered by a new 600hp Turboméca Astazou XIV turbine, allowing the aircraft to reach a cruising speed of 90 knots. With its 575 liters of fuel, the Alouette III can fly for a maximum of 2 hours 45 minutes (the new turbine greatly reduces consumption). Its crew consists of a pilot and a co-pilot responsible for operating the weapon system. 6 passengers can be seated in the rear.

Equipment

Radar :

OMERA ORB-32 radar

The ORB-32 radar (also called Heracles) is a maritime radar intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine detection and combat, with an announced range of 60 nautical miles. This radar can also be used to guide the Exocet missile.

Weapons

The sole armament of this aircraft is a pair of American Mk-46 torpedoes (one torpedo installed on each side of the aircraft). This lightweight torpedo, weighing approximately 250 kg, allows the Alouette III to fulfill its anti-submarine and anti-ship mission. When released from the helicopter, the torpedo is braked by a parachute before entering the water.

A magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) (used to detect the metallic presence of a submarine underwater) can also be installed in place of one of the torpedoes on the left side of the aircraft.

The idea is that this aircraft is not intended to be added immediately to the game, as naval combat helicopters are not yet present in the game. However, if they are added, this variant of the Alouette III would probably be one of the first helicopters of this type to be added. This makes it a unique and very interesting addition to the French tree and to the game.

Pictures