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Overview

SNCASO

Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Sud-Ouest

In 1936, the French industrial nationalizations created the Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques
du Sud-Ouest by merging six other aviation companies, including Blériot (established in 1905) and Bloch (Marcel Dassault).
The company built transport aircraft (i.e. the Bretagne), bomber (the Vautour),

a fighter (the Trident) and helicopters.

1947/1948: SO1100 "Ariel I" : By the end of World War II, a helicopter Department
was created under the direction of Paul MORAIN.

1950/1951: SO1110 "Ariel II" & SO 1120 "Ariel III": The rotor of the SO1100,
was enlarged (10.80 m), a more powerful engine was installed
(Take-off power 190 HP) and after adjustments, Claude DELLYS flew
the SO1110 for the first time on 21st April 1950.

1953: SO1220 and SO1221 "DJINN": During 1951, the French Official authorities
set up a program for a light observation helicopter, which proved to be
extremely rugged.