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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I’m talking to you about an iconic aircraft of the French Navy, the Super Frelon.
The Super Frelon, officially designated SA 321 Super Frelon, is a heavy transport helicopter developed by Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale) from the late 1950s, in partial collaboration with Italy and the United States for certain components. Its first flight took place in 1962. Equipped with three turbines, a six-blade main rotor and a five-blade tail rotor, it stood out at the time for its exceptional capabilities: long range, high speed (world record in 1963 with 350 km/h), and high payload capacity. It was designed from the outset for both naval and land missions, including troop transport, logistical support, sea rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. The Super Frelon had limited international distribution, but it was a mainstay of the French forces for several decades. Its marine version is designed to operate from ships and withstand saline environments.
In the French armed forces, the Super Frelon was primarily operated by the French Navy, from 1966, for heavy maritime transport missions, search and rescue at sea, and especially anti-submarine warfare (in its ASW version equipped with sonar, sonobuoys and torpedoes). It was embarked aboard ships such as helicopter carriers or frigates, where it ensured the protection of naval groups against underwater threats. Its capacity to carry more than 25 soldiers or several tons of cargo also made it very useful in amphibious and humanitarian operations. The Super Frelon was also used by the French Air Force in its SA 321G version, for combat rescue missions and strategic logistics transport. Gradually replaced from the 2000s, notably by the NH90 Caïman Marine, the Super Frelon was withdrawn from French service in 2010, after more than 40 years of faithful service. It remains one of the most emblematic helicopters in French naval history.
This aircraft was mainly operated by the 32F flotilla of the French Navy.
Characteristics
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Length : 23.03 m
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Width : 18.90 m
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Height : 6.66m
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Mass :
- Min : 6,865 kg
- Max : 13,000 kg
The Super Frelon is powered by three 1,500 hp Turboméca Turmo III C6 turboshaft engines, allowing it to reach a top speed of 275 km/h and an altitude of 3,100 meters. This aircraft is distinguished by its impressive 6-blade rotor.
Equipment
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ORB 32 Herakles
The ORB-32 radar located in the nose of the aircraft is a radar that allows the accomplishment of many tasks for a maritime aircraft. Indeed, it serves as a weather radar but also as a search radar for targets/objects at sea during surveillance and SAR missions. It also allows the firing and guidance of the Exocet missile. -
FLIR CHLIO
The second generation FLIR Chlio developed by Thales is present on many French aircraft, this allows the return of an infrared image to the crew, which is very practical for designation and location of taget. -
Night vision
The cockpit of the Super Frelon is adapted for night flight with night vision goggles, which made it one of the first French aircraft capable of all-weather rescue.
Weapons
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Aerojet Mk 46
The Mk 46 lightweight torpedo can be carried on the aircraft, two torpedoes can be installed on each side of the hull -
Mu-90
A modern multi-purpose torpedo, the Mu90 can be carried on either side of the cabin as a single unit. -
AM-39 Exocet
The Exocet anti-ship missile, well known to the French and British armies, can be carried on the helicopter (one missile on each side of the cabin).
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20 mm Mk 621 F1
A 20mm cannon can be installed in the hold for porthole firing (similar to what can be found on Puma, Cougar or Caracal), this 700 rounds/minute cannon allows effective defense of ground troops
A configuration of 4 AS-12 missiles (two on each side of the cabin) also appears to have been tested, but few sources report this.
