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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new offering.
Today, after the SA.361.HCL, I’m introducing another French helicopter prototype that led to the creation of the Dauphin and Panther helicopters.
The SA.361 C helicopter is an evolution of the SA.360 Dauphin. Same aircraft as the SA.361 HCL version, the C version aims to carry out more in-depth tests on the helicopter with the aim of making it a functional aircraft. The major visual difference between the two aircraft lies in the missile aiming and guidance system used. Indeed, where the HCL uses a VENUS optronic ball placed in front of the cockpit, the C has a VOMM (Mast-Mounted Observation Sight) optronic ball. We will later find the same difference between the HAC and HAD Tigers. Equipped with a weak but interesting armament (2 hardpoints similar to what is done on the Gazelles), the SA.361 C never entered service, but the work carried out on the aircraft led to the design of the Dauphin and then the Guépard, both in service with the French forces.
The SA.361 C was never put into operational service in the French army. It remained at the prototype and technological demonstrator stage. At the time, the French army was moving towards more specialized and proven helicopters for its combat missions, such as the Gazelle SA.342M, which offered greater technological maturity, integrated armament, and an architecture better suited to the requirements of the modern battlefield. The SA.361 C, however, contributed to the evolution of armed light helicopter concepts and the accumulated experience in combat aircraft design at Aérospatiale. Today, it represents a forgotten but interesting milestone in the history of the French military helicopter, foreshadowing certain technological choices that would later be taken up in programs such as the Panther or the Tiger.
To be more precise, the SA.361 C is the Dauphin n°1003, first used by the CEV Brétigny for tests then by the ALAT for various experiments (service within the GAM-SAT).
Only image I could find of the aircraft with the mast, here positioned next to the HCL version of the SA.361
Characteristics
The characteristics of the device are exactly the same as those of the HCL, we find the same motorization and the same dimensions
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Length : 13.20 m
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Width : 11.50 m
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Height : 3.54 m
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Weight :
- Min : 1637 kg
- Max : 3000 kg
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Crew : 1 pilot + 9 passengers
The aircraft is powered by a 1400 hp Astazou XX turbine, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 245 km/h and a ceiling of 2450 m. The range is estimated at 400 km. The Starflex rotor used on it is announced as lighter than that used on the civilian version of the prototype
Equipment
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SFIM APX M397
This targeting system, located above the aircraft’s cabin, is the same as found on the first version of the Gazelle. A stabilized sight, this device allows missile firing during the day. -
VOMM
The aircraft is equipped with the VOMM (Mast-Mounted Observation Sight) optronic ball located above the aircraft. This is intended to guide the HOT missiles that can be carried.
The VOMM is cited as an experiment during the testing of integrating infrared sensors on French helicopters, so it can be assumed that an infrared sensor is available. However, no actual capabilities are announced.
Dauphin n°1003 before the addition of the VOMM mast
Weapons
The SA.361 C differs slightly from the HCL in terms of its armament, in fact the latter having spent more time in testing had more opportunity to test different armaments.
- 20mm M621 GIAT Gun pods
- FFAR Mighty Mouse Rockets
Gun pods and rocket pods were tested as part of the AC3G development for “various armament tests”. The weapon system being derived from that of the Gazelle, the on-board armaments are therefore the same.
- 2 x 4 HOT missiles
The HOT missile loadout is the same as that of the HCL version, a basket of four missiles can therefore be installed on each side of the cabin.
Dauphin No. 1003 also carried out TAAH (air-to-air helicopter) experiments concerning the carriage of air-to-air missiles for self-defense. A Mistral missile carriage is therefore to be assumed with two missiles on each side of the aircraft.
SA.361.HCL suggestion : SA.361.HCL Dauphin - Suggestions / Heli - War Thunder — official forum
In-game this aircraft would be a perfect addition for France, bringing a heavier aircraft that could do both combat and transport. This one, due to its armament, could interestingly fill the gap between the first version of the Dauphin I (SA.361HCL) and the first Panther if these aircraft were to be included in the game.
Sources
- (Microsoft Word - 2015-01-15-3 COMAERO H\351licopt\350res.docx)
- L’histoire des hélicoptères en France depuis 1945
- GAM STAT Valence - ALAT.FR
- Aéronefs du GAM-STAT Valence - ALAT.FR
- Historique de expérimentation du SA361 C Dauphin dans l’ALAT - ALAT.FR
- Aérospatiale SA.360 Dauphin — avionslegendaires.net
- DAUPHIN - SA 360 - HELIMAT
- Les amis du musée de l’ALAT et de l’hélicoptère - Dauphin SA 361 B