The Alouette III is a seven-seat multi-role helicopter with turbine power, designed by the Sud-Est company. It was developed as an evolution of the earlier Alouette II model, the first series-produced turbine-powered helicopter, from which it is larger and features wheeled undercarriage instead of skids.
The prototype was flown in February 1959. The SE-3160 (SA-316A) version was produced, powered by a Turbomeca Artouste III engine of 570 hp, manufactured until 1969; the improved SA-316B with a strengthened transmission and increased takeoff weight; and the SA-319B powered by a Turbomeca Astazou XIV engine of 600 hp. Over 1,500 Alouette III helicopters were produced, most of them in the SA-316B version. They are still in use in many countries today. Licensed production was also undertaken by Romania (under the designation IAR-316B), India (under the designation HAL Chetak) and Switzerland.
The Swiss Air Force purchased its first 9 Alouette III helicopters from France in 1964. A further 15 were purchased in 1966, and in 1972-1974, 60 examples were manufactured under licence at the F+W Emmen plant. In Swiss aviation, Alouette III helicopters are used for liaison, transport, rescue missions and pilot training.
The exhibited example, serial number 1079, side number V-257, was manufactured in 1973 at the F+W Emmen plant in Switzerland. It was donated to the Museum’s collection by the Swiss Air Force.
| Rotor diameter | 11.02 m |
| Fuselage length | – |
| Takeoff weight | 2100 kg |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h |
| Ceiling | 3300 m |
| Range | 495 km |
| Armament | – |
| Engine | Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turboshaft engine, 570 hp |
