The VFS History Committee is proud to present the 2023 VTOL History Calendar, which is generously sponsored by Airbus Helicopters.
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Check out the historical descriptions in past VFS VTOL History Calendars as well:
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Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon
SA.3210 first flight: December 7, 1962
The Aérospatiale (formerly Sud Aviation) SA 321 Super Frelon (“Hornet”) is a three-engine, heavy-transport helicopter developed in France by what is now Airbus Helicopters.
The Super Frelon was developed by Sud Aviation from the original SE.3200 Frelon. A modified prototype Super Frelon helicopter was used on July 23, 1963, to break the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) absolute helicopter world speed record with a speed of 217.7 mph. Both civilian and military versions of the Super Frelon were built, with the military variants being the most numerous by far, entering service with the French military as well as being exported to Israel, South Africa, Libya, China and Iraq. The helicopter is still in use by the Chinese military, where the locally produced version is known as the Harbin Z-8.
Three military variants were produced: military transport, anti-submarine and anti-ship. The transport version can carry 38 equipped troops or, alternatively, 15 stretchers for casualty evacuation tasks.
It is designed to carry 27 passengers, has a maximum range of 560 miles (900 km), and a maximum takeoff weight of 30,400 lb (13.8 t). In terms of cargo, it can carry up to 8,800 (4 t) internally or 11,000 (5 t) on a sling.
Cover photo courtesy of Airbus
Description: Ken Bartie
Go to the photo for January
2023 Calendar Index