The SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon (Hornet) is a French helicopter built in the late 1950s. Intended to serve as a multirole helicopter for the French Army, Air Forces and Navy, two prototypes were built and flown before the project was dropped in favour of the SA 3210 Super Frelon.[1]
SE.3200 Frelon | |
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Role | Military transport helicopter Type of aircraft |
National origin | France |
Manufacturer | SNCASE Sud Aviation |
First flight | 10 June 1959 |
Number built | 2 |
Developed into | Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon |
The SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon was a heavy helicopter designed to equip the French Armed Forces, replacing the Sikorsky S-58 built under license by SNCASE (Société nationale des constructions aéronautiques du Sud-Est).
The specifications called for an aircraft of less than 5 tonnes gross weight. The prototypes were powered by three Turbomeca Turmo IIIB 750/800 shp turbines to avoid all risk of engine failure: production aircraft were to have used the 1000 hp Turmo IIC. The engines drove a single four blade rotor.[2]
Fuel was held in two large external tanks having a capacity of 1100 liters each. This left the fuselage clear for large loads. The rear fuselage was a swing-tailed unit, which opened to provide clear entry for payloads such as vehicles.[1] The Frelon was able to carry light vehicles, up to 24 fully equipped troops, or 15 stretchers and two attendants if used as an air ambulance. It was equipped with a fixed tricycle landing gear.[3][unreliable source?]
Only two prototypes were built, the first one flying on 10 June 1959 at Paris – Le Bourget Airport.
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
Société nationale des constructions aéronautiques du Sud-Est (SNCASE) (Sud-Est) aircraft | |
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