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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I’m talking to you about a little-known helicopter that represents a major advancement for the French army: the SO.1221 Djinn.
The SO1221 Djinn is a light helicopter designed by Sud-Ouest Aviation, later Sud Aviation, in the 1950s. It was the world’s first mass-produced jet helicopter, using an original propulsion system: the “tip jet”, where compressed air is forced into the main rotor blades and ejected at their tips, thus eliminating the need for an anti-torque rotor. The prototype made its first flight in 1953, and the Djinn was quickly adopted, notably for its low-speed hovering capabilities, its mechanical simplicity, and its lightness. Approximately 178 were produced. It was mainly used for liaison, observation, medical evacuation, and training missions, at a time when the military helicopter was still in its infancy in France.
In the French Army, the SO1221 Djinn was primarily used by the ALAT (Light Aviation of the Army) from 1955, with a total of approximately 115 units delivered to the Army. It served in a variety of roles: reconnaissance, artillery observation, rapid liaison, light medical evacuation, and pilot training. Thanks to its extreme lightness, it could be easily transported by plane or truck, or even deployed by parachute. The Djinn particularly distinguished itself during the Algerian War, where it was appreciated for its maneuverability in mountainous terrain and its ability to land in confined areas. However, its limitations in terms of power, payload, and range were quickly felt. From the 1960s onwards, it was gradually replaced by more powerful helicopters such as the Alouette II, but it remains a pioneer of the French military helicopter, symbolising the beginnings of ALAT in rotary-wing aviation.
Characteristics
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Length : 11.00 m
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Width : 11.00 m
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Height : 2.60 m
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Weight :
- Min : 379 kg
- Max : 800 kg
The propulsion of this helicopter and the point on which this aircraft differs from others. The 240hp Turbomeca “Palouste IV” drives the rotor by ejecting gas at the hub, this gas is channeled and ejected at the tip of the blades. The absence of reaction at the engine-rotor coupling level makes it possible to do without an anti-torque tail rotor. This allows the aircraft to reach a maximum speed of 125 km/h and climb to 4300 m. The range is 160 km.
Weapons
This aircraft, initially intended for reconnaissance and light transport, received the capability to carry weapons during its career. This armament, although limited, makes it an interesting light attack aircraft.
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SS10 missile
The Nord SS-10 missile was installed on this aircraft (1 missile on each side), with a range of 1.6km and a hollow charge of 5kg, this missile is capable of causing significant damage to enemy vehicles. -
Door machine gun
A small caliber machine gun was also installed in the door pod on the port side of the aircraft, allowing the helicopter to defend itself.
Video
Sud-Ouest S.O.1221 Djinn demonstration in Australia (1956)
hélicoptère djinn des ailes limousine
In game this aircraft would be an interesting helicopter as a reserve vehicle or as a low Br helicopter, its light armament allowing it to engage armored targets, it would be a good French starting vehicle, complementing what the H34 can do but as a light aircraft.
