Developed from the all French SE 3200 Frelon (Hornet), the SE 3210 Super Frelon benefitted from three Turmo IIIC engines (the 3200 had three Turmo IIIBs), plus significant design input from Sikorsky, especially in the 6 bladed, self-folding rotor head and from Fiat with the transmission system. The army prototype (01), first flew on 7 Dec 1962, followed by the second (maritime prototype, 02) on 28 May 1963. It entered service in 1966. When Aerospatiale was formed in 1970, the model became known as the SA-321 Super Frelon. There were several versions and it was a successful export product. When production ceased in 1983, 99 had been built.
Variants not built:
A single aircraft was adcquired in 1975 by the Republic of Zaire ( present Democratic Republic of the Congo ) for use as personal transport for president Mobutu. Also that year, SA.321J were delivered to China which lead to the indigenous Z-8 helicopter.
Specifications SE3210 Super Frelon |
Derivatives & Versions of SE3210 Super Frelon |
Model | Year | History |
---|---|---|
SA321F Super Frelon 1966 | 1966 | Commercial transport version for 37 passengers. Only one built |
SA321G Super Frelon 1966 | 1966 | Anti-submarine version and the first version to enter production, following an initial order of 17 from the French Government in Oct 1965. The SA ... |
SA321K Super Frelon 1966 | 1966 | Israel military transport version |
SA321L Super Frelon 1968 | 1968 | South Africa military transport version |
SA321M Super Frelon 1971 | 1971 | Military transport version for Libya, with Turmo IIIE6 engines but without radar or floatation gear. |
SA321J Super Frelon 1975 | 1975 | Commercial transport version for 27 passengers |
SA321H Super Frelon 1976 | 1976 | Export version for Iraq, with Turbomeca Turmo IIIE engines, Omera search radar and Exocet capable. |
CAIC Z-8 1985 | 1985 | |