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Overview

Sud Aviation

1957: creation of Sud Aviation (SNCASO & SNCASE)

In 1957, Sud Aviation was born from the merger of SNCASE and SNCASO. The company had its worldwide success with the first operational commercial jet in Europe, the Caravelle. Rapidly, Sud Aviation became also famous for its helicopter Division with the Alouettes, Pumas and Gazelles. In 1967, Potez-Fouga joined the group.

1959: SA3160 / SA316 / SA319 B "Alouette III" Encouraged by the success of
the Alouette II – the very first turbine-powered helicopter to be produced in series
- Sud Aviation went on to develop a more powerful and highly streamlined seven-
seat machine with excellent visibility, which was capable of carrying 2 stretchers.

1962: SA320 "FRELON" & SA321 "SUPER FRELON"
In 1959, Sud Aviation developed a helicopter in the six metric-ton class, the Frelon.

1965: SA330 "PUMA" In the early 1960s, the French and British armies were
both developing similar projects to acquire a military helicopter capable of
transporting an infantry platoon with its equipment.

1967: SA340 "GAZELLE" The Gazelle was the result of research performed
to create a more modern version of the Alouette II.

1969: SA315 "LAMA" In 1968, in response to an invitation for bids from the
Indian government, the Helicopter Division decided to combine the airframe of
an Alouette II with the dynamic components of the Alouette III.