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81-427: The Super Frelon was a more powerful development of the original SE.3200 Frelon , which had failed to enter production. On 7 December 1962, the first prototype conducted the type's maiden flight . On 23 July 1963, a modified Super Frelon flew a record-breaking flight, setting the new FAI absolute helicopter world speed record with a recorded speed of 217.7 mph (350.4 km/h). Both civilian and military versions of

162-565: A Whitehead A244S torpedo under the starboard side of the fuselage. The rotorcraft were also used to ferry supplies from replenishment ship to surface combatants, and transport marines from the landing ship to the shore. A naval SAR version, designated as the Z-8S , was outfitted with upgraded avionics, a searchlight, FLIR turret and a hoist, made its first flight in December 2004. Another rescue variant, furnished with dedicated medivac equipment on board,

243-717: A Zambian Army position. In October 1975, it was widely reported that Syria had ordered fifteen unspecified Super Frelons from France as part of an arms deal funded by Saudi Arabia . While the Syrian Air Force did issue a requirement for fifteen of the specific aircraft, and recommended purchasing up to fifty, by 1984 the sale had still not materialized. Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77 , General characteristics Performance Armament Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon The SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon ( Hornet )

324-455: A batch of 12 SA 321 Super Frelon navalised helicopters. These helicopters came in two variants: anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search and rescue (SAR) versions. The Super Frelon was the first helicopter of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to be capable of operating from the flight deck of surface vessels. China has also manufactured a number of Super Frelons locally, where it is known under

405-468: A greatly increased gross weight, from 17,650 to 26,450 lb (8,010 to 12,000 kg), whilst improving the rotorcraft's aerodynamic efficiency and handling qualities. Additional external changes between the Frelon and Super Frelon had been made, such as the original stubby tail boom having been replaced by a more conventional one, albeit with a crank in it to raise the tail rotor clear of vehicles approaching

486-449: A new unit tasked with keeping German observation craft from over the French lines. The ad hoc unit commandeered all available Morane-Saulniers and Nieuport 11s , as well as the 15 best pilots regardless of posting. This ad hoc unit patrolling the skies over Verdun was the first French Groupement de Chasse . The Groupement was successful despite Tricornet's death in a mishap. Under

567-780: A pair of Eurocopter EC225 helicopters as a stopgap measure pending the availability of the NHIndustries NH90 helicopter. The Super Frelon was in use for an extended period within China , where it was manufactured under license and sold by the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group as the Harbin Z-8 . A modernised derivative of the Z-8, marketed as the Avicopter AC313 , performed its first flight on 18 March 2010. The SA.3210 Super Frelon

648-481: A total of 19 squadrons of Mirage III, Jaguars, two squadrons flying the Mirage 5 F (EC 2/13 and EC 3/13, both at Colmar ), and a squadron flying the Mirage F.1 CR. CoTAM counted 28 squadrons, of which ten were fixed-wing transport squadrons, and the remainder helicopter and liaison squadrons, at least five of which were overseas. CAFDA numbered 14 squadrons mostly flying the Mirage F.1 C. Two other commands had flying units,

729-408: A watertight seal in the planing bottom. The main wheels have hydraulic brakes operated from the pedals, complete with a parking hand brake, while the nose unit is fully castoring. The nose, which is covered by large glazed panels, has a bow chine and planing bottom built as a unit with the flight deck, which is higher than the main cabin floor. From December 1975 to April 1977, China took delivery of

810-584: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . French Air Force The French Air and Space Force ( French : Armée de l'air et de l'espace , lit.   ' Army of Air and Space ' ) is the air and space force of the French Armed Forces . Formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique , a service arm of the French Army , it became an independent military branch in 1934 as

891-848: Is a French helicopter built in the late 1950. 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 replaced by the SA 3210 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 then SNCASE (Société Nationale de Construction Aéronautique Southeast). The specifications called for an aircraft of less than 5 tonnes gross weight. The prototypes were powered by three Turbomeca Turmo IIIB 750 hp turbines to avoid all risk of engine failure: production aircraft were to have used

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972-411: Is able to carry 38 equipped troops, or alternatively 15 stretchers for casualty evacuation tasks. The Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon is a large, heavy-lift single-rotor helicopter, furnished with a relatively atypical three-engine configuration; these are Turboméca Turmo IIIC turboshaft engines set on top of the fuselage, a pair of turbines positioned side by side at the front and one located aft of

1053-409: Is hinged in order to reduce the rotorcraft's folded length to 58 ft (18 m). Along the top of the boom, the shaft for the tail rotor is covered by a fairing. The fixed landing gear has twin wheels on each of the three vertical shock absorber -equipped struts. The main leading gear units are mounted on triangulated tubular structures, while the nose gear is bracketed to the cockpit bulkhead via

1134-725: Is organized in accordance with Chapter 4, Title II, Book II of the Third Part of the French Defense Code ( French : code de la Défense ), which replaced decree n° 91-672 dated 14 July 1991. Under the authority of the Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (CEMAAE) in Paris , the Air and Space Force includes: The Air and Space Force headquarters, employing 150 personnel, are located alongside

1215-413: Is set on the aft port side. The tail boom uses conventional semi-monocoque construction, supported by closely spaced notched channel-section frames and continuous stringers, absent of any major longitudinal sections or longerons. The cranked section carrying the tail rotor and trim plane is more robust, strengthened by a solid-web spar, frames, and stiffeners. The juncture of the main boom and cranked section

1296-811: The Division Aerienne fought until war's end. By the time of the Battle of Saint-Mihiel , the French could commit 27 fighter squadrons to the effort, along with reconnaissance and bombing squadrons. The 1,137 airplanes dedicated to the battle were the most numerous used in a World War I battle. When the 11 November 1918 armistice came, French air power had expanded to 336 squadrons, 74 of which were SPAD fighter squadrons. France had 3,608 planes in service. Confirmed claims of 2,049 destroyed enemy airplanes included 307 that had been brought down within French lines. French airmen had also destroyed 357 observation balloons . However, 5,500 pilots and observers were killed out of

1377-629: The Groupement d'Unités Aériennes Spécialisées . Also created in 1964 was the Escadron des Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air (EFCA), seemingly grouping all FCA units. The Dassault Mirage IV , the principal French strategic bomber, was designed to strike Soviet positions as part of the French nuclear triad . In 1985, the Air Force had four major flying commands, the Strategic Air Forces Command ,

1458-517: The Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air command was reestablished under a different form. The French Air Force entered a phase of inventory replacement and expansion. The Air Force ordered the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft, then in development. By November 2016, 11 had already been delivered to ET00.061 at Orleans-Bricy, and integration of the new Dassault Rafale multi-role jet fighter

1539-723: The Air Force Training Command , and the Air Force Transmissions Command, with four squadrons and three trials units. Dassault Aviation led the way mainly with delta-wing designs, which formed the basis for the Dassault Mirage III series of fighter jets . The Mirage demonstrated its abilities in the Six-Day War , Yom Kippur War , Falklands War , and Gulf War , becoming one of the most popular jet fighters of its day and being widely sold. In 1994,

1620-465: The Avicopter AC313 . The AC313 has a maximum takeoff weight of 13.8 tonnes, is capable of carrying up to 27 passengers, and has a maximum range of 900 km (559 miles). After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake , Z-8 helicopter production received a massive boost as the event had proved the helicopter's value in humanitarian missions. New engine acquisition and design changes were implemented in order to iron out some of known existing issues which had affected

1701-796: The Battle of France in 1940. The Vichy French Air Force had later a significant presence in the French Levant . The engagement of the Free French Air Forces from 1940 to 1943, and then the engagement of the aviators of the French Liberation Army , were also important episodes in the history of the French Air Force. The sacrifices of Commandant René Mouchotte and Lieutenant Marcel Beau illustrated their devotion. After 1945, France rebuilt its aircraft industry. The French Air Force participated in several colonial wars during

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1782-686: The Chief of the Defence Staff (CEMA) on the deployment, manner, and use of the Air and Space Force. They are responsible for the preparation and logistic support of the French Air and Space Force. The CEMAA is assisted by a Deputy Chief, the Major Général de l'Armée de l'Air . Finally, the CEMAA is assisted by the Inspectorate of the French Air and Space Force (IAA) and by the French Air and Space Force Health Service Inspection (ISSAA). The Air and Space Force

1863-576: The Chief of the Defence Staff 's offices (EMA) and the Army and Navy headquarters at the Balard armed forces complex in Paris. The new site replaced the former Paris Air Base (BA 117) which served as air staff headquarters until 25 June 2015. The French Air and Space Force has had three commands: two grand operational commands (CDAOA and CFAS) and one organic command (CFA). These last two brigades belonged until 2013 to

1944-511: The German Navy , which both had released details on its anticipated demands for a heavy helicopter; however, these requirements were revised upwards by the customer, leading to the redesign and emergence of the Super Frelon. Changes included the adoption of much more powerful engines, using three Turbomeca Turmo IIIC turboshaft engines, each capable of generating 1,320 shp (980 kW) on

2025-566: The Israeli Air Force with a heavy lift transport capability. The first of these helicopters arrived on 20 April 1966, enabling the inauguration of 114 Squadron , which operated the type out of Tel Nof . An additional six Super Frelons were ordered during the following year. The Israeli military had initially hoped to use the Super Frelons for deploying Panhard AML-90 light armoured cars in support of airborne operations, but this concept

2106-773: The NHIndustries NH90 came into service in 2011–12. Starting in 1977, a total of 16 Super Frelons were delivered to the Iraqi Air Force ; equipped with radar and Exocet missiles, the Iraqi models were designated as the SA 321H . These rotorcraft were deployed in the lengthy Iran–Iraq War and during the 1991 Gulf War , in which at least one example was destroyed. During the Iran–Iraq War , Iraq started using Super Frelon and its other newly purchased Exocet-equipped fighters to target Iranian shipping in Persian Gulf in an event now known as

2187-832: The South African Air Force (SAAF). At least two were deployed to Mozambique in support of Rhodesian military operations against insurgents of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army between 1978 and 1979. Others were mobilised for evacuating South African paratroops from Angola during Operation Reindeer . In August 1978, the South West African People's Organization sparked a major border incident between South Africa and Zambia when its guerrillas fired on an SAAF Super Frelon landing at Katima Mulilo from Zambian soil. The South Africans retaliated with an artillery strike, which struck

2268-738: The Strategic Air Forces Command , COTAM, the Air Command of Aerial Defense Forces ( Commandement Air des Forces de Défense Aérienne , CAFDA), and the Force aérienne tactique (FATac). In 1964, the Second Tactical Air Command was created in Nancy to take command of air units stationed in France but not assigned to NATO . The Military Air Transport Command had previously been formed in February 1962 from

2349-573: The Tanker War . Two of the Iraqi Super Frelons were downed by Iranian fighters, one by a long-range shot of AIM-54A Phoenix by an F-14 Tomcat (during Operation Pearl ) while under way over Persian Gulf, and one by an AGM-65A Maverick fired from an Iranian F-4 Phantom in July 1986, while attempting to take off from an oil rig. Israel placed an order for six SA 321K Super Frelons in 1965 to equip

2430-846: The Yom Kippur War , following which Israel replaced the original Turbomeca Turmo engines with the 1,390 kW (1,870 shp) General Electric T58 -GE-T5D engine. The Super Frelons also took part in the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in June 1982. Due to their relatively high maintenance cost and poor performance capabilities compared to the IAF CH-53s , they were eventually retired in 1991. In 1980–1981, six radar-equipped SA 321GM helicopters and eight SA 321M SAR/transports were delivered to Libya . South Africa ordered sixteen SA 321L helicopters in 1965, which were delivered by 1967 and assigned to 15 Squadron of

2511-442: The 1000hp Turmo IIC. The engines drove a single four blade rotor. SE 3200 Frelon presenting with a fuselage rather short on the sides with two fuel tanks a capacity of 1100 liters each offering the opportunity to be drop with the tip back, swivel, should facilitate the loading of light vehicles. The Frelon was able to carry light vehicles or 24 fully-equipped troops or 15 stretchers and two attendants if used as an air ambulance. It

Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon - Misplaced Pages Continue

2592-421: The 17,300 engaged in the conflict, amounting to 31%. A 1919 newspaper article reported that the French Air Force had suffered losses of 61%. Military aeronautics was established as a "special arm" by the law of 8 December 1922. It remained under the auspices of the French Army . It was not until 2 July 1934, that the "special arm" became an independent service and was totally independent. The initial air arm

2673-493: The 1960s, there were five air regions (RA). The number was then reduced to four by a decree of 30 June 1962 with the disestablishment of the 5th Aerial Region ( French North Africa ). The decree of 14 July 1991 reduced the air regions to three: « RA Atlantic », « RA Mediterranean » and «  RA North-East ». On 1 July 2000 was placed into effect an organization consisting of « RA North » (RAN) and « RA South » (RAS). The territorial division

2754-518: The Air Force Support Command (CSFA), which maintained the arms systems, equipment, information and communication systems (SIC) as well as infrastructure. The CSFA supported the human element, the military logistics (supply and transport), wherever, previously, forces of the French Air and Space Force operated or trained. These two brigades are now subordinate to the CFA. The official designation of

2835-486: The Air and Space Force (DRH-AAE) recruits, trains, manages, administers, and converts personnel of the Air and Space Force. Since January 2008, the DRH-AAE groups the former Air Force directorate of military personnel (DPMMA) and some tasks of the former Air Force Training Command . The directorate is responsible for Air and Space Force recruitment via the recruiting bureau. French joint defence service organisations, supporting

2916-720: The Empire such as French Indochina after the Second World War. Since 1945, the French Air Force was notably engaged in Indochina (1945–1954). The French Air Force was active in Algeria from 1952 until 1962 and Suez (1956), later Mauritania and Chad , the Persian Gulf (1990–1991), ex- Yugoslavia and more recently in Afghanistan , Mali and Iraq . From 1964 until 1971

2997-549: The French Air Force had the unique responsibility for the French nuclear arm via Dassault Mirage IV or ballistic missiles of Air Base 200 Apt-Saint-Christol on the Plateau d'Albion. Accordingly, from 1962, the French political leadership shifted its military emphasis to nuclear deterrence , implementing a complete reorganisation of the Air Force, with the creation of four air regions and seven major specialised commands, among which were

3078-537: The French Air Force. On 10 September 2020, it assumed its current name, the French Air and Space Force, to reflect an "evolution of its mission" into the area of outer space . The number of aircraft in service with the French Air and Space Force varies depending on the source; the Ministry of Armed Forces gives a figure of 658 aircraft in 2014. According to 2018 data, this figure includes 210 combat aircraft: 115 Dassault Mirage 2000 and 95 Dassault Rafale . As of 2021,

3159-477: The French Air and Space Force employs a total of 40,500 regular personnel, with a reserve element of 5,187 in 2014. The Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (CEMAAE) is a direct subordinate of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CEMA), a high-ranking military officer who in turn answers to the civilian Minister of the Armed Forces . The founding of the Service Aéronautique began in 1909, when

3240-523: The French War Minister approved the purchase of a Wright Biplane . The following year, another Wright biplane, a Bleriot , and two Farmans were added to the lone acquisition. On 22 October 1910, General Pierre Roques was appointed Inspector General of what was becoming referred to as the Cinquieme Arme, or Fifth Service. In March 1912, the French parliament enacted legislation to establish

3321-689: The Pacific nuclear test centre, were transferred to assault support duties. In 2003, the surviving Aeronavale Super Frelons were assigned to transport duties, including commando transport, VertRep and SAR. The SA321G Super Frelon served with Flotille 32F of the French Aviation navale , operating from Lanvéoc-Poulmic in Brittany in the Search and Rescue role. They were retired on 30 April 2010, replaced by two Eurocopter EC225 helicopters purchased as stop-gaps until

Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon - Misplaced Pages Continue

3402-531: The Super Frelon programme had already declined by this point, partially due to interest in the rival Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King , which was evaluated against the type. Both civilian and military versions of the Super Frelon were built, with the military variants being the most numerous by far, entering service with the French military as well as being exported to Israel , South Africa , Libya , China and Iraq . Three military variants were produced: military transport, anti-submarine and anti-ship. The transport version

3483-546: The Super Frelon were produced; the type was predominantly sold to military customers. In 1981, Aerospatiale, Sud Aviation's successor company, chose to terminate production due to a lack of orders. The Super Frelon was most heavily used by naval air arms, such as the French Naval Aviation and the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force . On 30 April 2010, the type was retired by the French Navy, having been replaced by

3564-644: The Tactical Air Forces Command, the Military Air Transport Command , and CAFDA (air defence). CFAS had two squadrons of S2 and S-3 IRBMs at the Plateau d'Albion, six squadrons of Mirage IV As (at Mont de Marsan , Cazaux, Orange, Istres, St Dizier, and EB 3/94 at Luxeuil - Saint-Sauveur Air Base ), and three squadrons of C-135F , as well as a training/reconnaissance unit, CIFAS 328, at Bordeaux . The tactical air command included wings EC 3, EC 4, EC 7, EC 11, EC 13, and ER 33, with

3645-628: The Z-8 for decades. The Chinese People's Armed Police ordered 18 Z-8 helicopters; by 2013, at least five helicopters had been delivered, the majority of these having been assigned to forestry fire fighting units. During subsequent earthquake relief operations, Z-8 helicopters have been deployed to perform rescue and logistical missions. In 2018, the PLA Army Aviation announced that it would begin phasing out its fleet of Z-8 helicopters due to low performance and high maintenance requirements, even though some examples have only been in service for 6 years,

3726-673: The Z-8s will likely to be replaced by the Harbin Z-20 medium lift helicopter. In October 1965, the SA 321G ASW helicopter joined the French Naval Aviation ( Aeronavale ). Apart from ship-based ASW missions, the SA321G also carried out sanitisation patrols in support of Redoutable -class ballistic missile submarines. Some aircraft were modified with nose-mounted targeting radar for ' Exocet ' anti-ship missiles. Five SA321GA freighters, originally used in support of

3807-468: The air and space force, include: Commanded by a Lieutenant-colonel or Colonel, the Escadre is a formation that assembles various units and personnel dedicated to the same mission. In 1932, the "regiment" designation was replaced with "Escadre", which until 1994 was a unit consisting of the following: Escadres ( wings ) were dissolved from 1993 as part of the Armées 2000 reorganisation, were reestablished in 2014. The problems caused by having

3888-596: The air arm. It was projected to consist of three distinct branches based on aircraft missions—reconnaissance, bombing, or countering other aircraft. France was one of the first states to start building aircraft. At the beginning of World War I , France had a total of 148 planes (eight from French Naval Aviation ( Aéronautique Navale )) and 15 airships . In August 1914, as France entered World War I, French airpower consisted of 24 squadrons ( escadrilles ) supporting ground forces, including three squadrons assigned to cavalry units. By 8 October, expansion to 65 squadrons

3969-472: The civilian population. The last remaining squadron of Dassault Mirage F1s retired the aircraft in July 2014 and replaced them with Dassault Rafales . On 13 July 2019, President Emmanuel Macron announced the creation of a space command, which would come into being within the French Air Force by September 2019, and the transformation of the French Air Force into the French Air and Space Force. According to Defense Minister Florence Parly , France reserves

4050-442: The design for a new main transmission. On 7 December 1962, the first prototype Super Frelon conducted the type's maiden flight . On 28 May 1963, it was followed by the second prototype. The first prototype was tailored towards meeting the needs of the French Air Force , while the second was fully navalised, including lateral stabilising floats fixed to the undercarriage. On 23 July 1963, a modified prototype Super Frelon helicopter

4131-405: The designation Z-8 (land-or-ship based ASW/SAR helicopter). The Super Frelon remains operational with the PLA Navy as of 2014. Since the early 1980s, the Super Frelons have been frequently used by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) for conducting shipborne ASW and SAR operations. For ASW missions, the Z-8 is equipped with surface search radar and a French HS-12 dipping sonar while carrying

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4212-401: The end of the French accumulation of air power. On 14 May 1918, they were grouped into the Division Aerienne . As bombing aircraft were also being concentrated into larger units, the new division would also contain Escadre de Bombardement No. 12 and Escadre de Bombardement No. 13 . The bombing units were both equipped with 45 Breguet 14 bombers. The last addition to the new division

4293-437: The fourth prototype was assigned to further tests of equipment for the naval environment. By July 1964, the French Government had placed an initial order for the Super Frelon, intended to perform logistic support duties at the Centre Experimental du Pacifique; negotiations for a further order was already being negotiated for the naval version, which were to be equipped for anti-submarine duties. However, West German support for

4374-530: The inventories of the French. With the Groupes success, the French were encouraged to amass airpower into still larger tactical units. On 4 February 1918, Escadre de Combat No. 1 was created out of Groupe de Combat 15 , Groupe de Combat 18 , and Groupe de Combat 19 . It was followed by Escadre de Combat No. 2 , formed on the 27th from Groupe de Combat 11 , Groupe de Combat 13 , and Groupe de Combat 17 . Each groupe would be stocked with 72 fighters. The escadres were not

4455-407: The larger models in development by the early 1960s were the Super Frelon and what would become the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma . The Super Frelon was the largest helicopter in development by the firm, being substantially increased over the earlier Frelon, and was considered to be an ambitious design at the time. The earlier Frelon had been developed to meet the requirements of both the French Navy and

4536-450: The leadership of new commander Captain Auguste de Reverand, such flying aces as Georges Guynemer , Charles Nungesser , and Albert Deullin began their careers. Encouraged by the success of their original Groupement , the French massed several squadrons for the Battle of the Somme . The burgeoning French aircraft inventory afforded the formation of Groupement de Combat de la Somme under Captain Felix Brocard . The Groupement

4617-414: The main rotor. The naval anti-submarine and anti-ship variants are usually equipped with navigation and search radar (ORB-42), and a 50-metre rescue cable. They are most often fitted with a 20 mm cannon, countermeasures, night vision, a laser designator and a Personal Locator System. The Super Frelon can also be fitted for inflight refueling. The front engines have simple individual ram intakes, while

4698-400: The nose weather radar and side floats. Starting in 2007, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) also acquired dozens of upgraded Z-8K s and Z-8KA s for conducting SAR missions; these were equipped with a FLIR turret and a searchlight underneath the cabin, plus a hoist and a flare dispenser. China has also developed a domestic civil helicopter variant of the Z-8, which is marketed as

4779-428: The prototypes (later uprated to 1,500 shp (1,100 kW) on production models) in place of the Frelon's 750 / 800 shp (560 / 600 kW) Turbomeca Turmo IIIB engines; these drove a 62 ft (19 m) six- bladed main rotor, instead of the Frelon's 50 ft (15 m) four-bladed one, and a five-bladed (instead of four-bladed) tail rotor. Overall, the modified design provided for

4860-480: The rear loading ramp. Taking note of American experiments with amphibious helicopters, the Super Frelon's fuselage was redesigned into a hull, featuring a bow, planing bottom and watertight bilge compartments. Various foreign manufacturers participated in the development and manufacturing of the type; American helicopter company Sikorsky was contracted to supply the design of a new six-bladed main rotor and five-bladed tail rotor, while Italian manufacturer Fiat supplied

4941-416: The rear one is fitted with a semi-circular scoop to provide air; all three bifurcated exhausts are near to the rotor head. The three engines and the reduction gearbox are mounted on a horizontal bulkhead and firewall which forms the roof of the cabin and upper structural member of the fuselage. The engines are isolated by multiple firewalls, including transverse firewalls separating front and rear engines from

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5022-476: The right to arm French satellites with lasers for defensive purposes. The official renaming occurred on 24 July 2020, with the new Air and Space Force logo unveiled on 11 September 2020. On 26 July 2023, FASF conducted its first ever joint fighter exercise with Japan , continuing its defense ties between the two countries. The Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (CEMAAE) determines French Air and Space Force doctrines application and advises

5103-428: The rotor axis, is used for sling-load operations. At the rear of the cabin is a tapered section of simple semi- monocoque construction, which is closed by a robust hinged rear loading ramp, which serves as the main entrance for bulky loads or equipment. The loading ramp is jettisonable in emergency situations. Additionally, there is a sliding door located on the forward starboard side, while a small hinged emergency door

5184-402: The rotor gearbox, and zonal engine firewalls. Eight sturdy hinged doors provide access to the compact Turmo engines, which have ample space around them to enable ground crew to service them without using external platforms. The fuselage is actually a hull , which makes use of a semi- monocoque light alloy construction; according to aerospace publication Flight International , the hull design

5265-473: The service was changed in July 2019 from Air Army ( Armée de l'Air ) to Air and Space Army ( Armée de l'air et de l'espace ), when the previous joint Inter-Service Space Command ( Commandement interarmées de l'espace ( CIE )) under the French General Staff was transformed into the Space Command ( Commandement de l'espace ( CDE )) and absorbed into the Air and Space Force as its fourth command. All air regions were disestablished on 1 January 2008. In

5346-466: The two prototypes had accumulated 388 flying hours, which included 30 hours of seaworthiness trials performed with the second prototype. In January 1964, the third Super Frelon prototype made its first flight, the fourth first flew during May 1964, and a pair of pre-production models were completed during the latter half of 1964. The third prototype participated in a series of accelerated wear trials to establish component endurance and overhaul lifespan, while

5427-434: The under-floor cross members are reinforced with vertical stiffeners. There is no keel , at the floor level there are horizontal members between frames which are stiffened by transverse shear angles. Flexible fuel cells are stored in four watertight under-floor compartments lying fore and aft of the rotor axis, while the floor itself is fitted with removable panels. A hatch set into the floor, positioned approximately underneath

5508-424: Was "reminiscent of flying-boat engineering". The main cabin lacks any transverse bracing, except for a single bulkhead between the cockpit and cabin. Substantial built-up frames connect the strengthened roof structure with the floor/planing-bottom of transverse under-floor bulkheads and outer skin. A conventional exterior skin is used, employing longitudinal stiffeners as well as two lines of deep channel members, while

5589-470: Was abolished by decree n°2007-601 of 26 April 2007. From 2008 to 2010 the French Air Force underwent the "Air 2010" streamlining process. The main targets of this project were to simplify the command structure, to regroup all military and civil air force functions and to rationalise and optimise all air force units. Five major commands, were formed, instead of the former 13, and several commands and units were disbanded. The Directorate of Human Resources of

5670-411: Was also developed for the Navy, designated as the Z-8JH . The Z-8A version was developed as an army transport variant and received certification in February 1999. In 2001, a pair of Z-8As were delivered to the Army for evaluation, however, it ultimately decided to procure additional Mi-17V5s instead. Only a single batch of about six Z-8A were delivered to the Army in November 2002; these still retained

5751-410: Was assigned four Nieuport fighter squadrons; again, each was sent to support a different French field army . On 10 January 1918, Groupe de Combat 16 was formed from four SPAD squadrons. In February, five more Groupe de Combats were founded from SPAD squadrons: Groupes de Combats number 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. The various Nieuport models were now being phased out as the new SPADs filled

5832-487: Was being planned. By December, the plans called for 70 new squadrons. Meanwhile, even as procurement efforts scaled up, inventive airmen were trying to use various light weapons against opposing airplanes. Roland Garros invented a crude method of firing a machine gun through the propeller arc by cladding his propeller with metal wedges deflecting any errant bullets. After destroying three German airplanes, Garros came down behind enemy lines on 18 April 1915. His secret weapon

5913-466: Was developed by French aerospace company Sud Aviation from the original SE.3200 Frelon . During the type's development, Sud Aviation had risen to prominence as a major helicopter manufacturer, having exported more rotorcraft than any other European rival. Having produced the popular Aérospatiale Alouette II and Aérospatiale Alouette III , the firm was keen to establish a range of helicopters fulfilling various roles, functions, and size requirements; two of

5994-459: Was dropped when tests revealed the helicopter was incapable of handling the vehicle's combat weight. A total of four helicopters had arrived by the start of the 1967 Six-Day War , during which they flew 41 sorties. Israeli Super Frelons saw extensive service during the War of Attrition , participating in operations such as Helem , Tarnegol 53 and Rhodes . The type was once again in service during

6075-454: Was equipped with a fixed tricycle landing gear. Only two prototypes were built, the first one flying on 10 June 1959 at Paris – Le Bourget Airport . Data from General characteristics Performance Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists This article on an aircraft of the 1950s is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This France -related article

6156-609: Was five protection squadrons, operating 75 Caudron R.11 gunships to fly escort for the Breguets. On 25 June 1918, Groupe de Combat 22 was founded. Groupe de Combat 23 followed soon thereafter. A couple of night bombardment groupes were also founded. Then, on 15 July 1918, the Division was committed to the Second Battle of the Marne . From then on, whether in whole or in part,

6237-521: Was formed on 1 July 1916 with a posting of four Nieuport squadrons: Squadron N.3 , N.26 , N.73 , and N.103 . Three other squadrons-- Squadron N.37 , N.62 , and N.65 were temporarily attached at various times. On 19 October 1916, three fixed Groupes de Combat were established, each to consist of four squadron. Numbered 11 , 12 , and 13 , they were only the first three Groupements . During March 1917, Groupe de Combat 14 and Groupe de Combat 15 were formed. Again, each new Groupe

6318-646: Was the cradle of French military parachuting , responsible for the first formation of the Air Infantry Groups ( Groupements de l'Infanterie de l'Air ) in the 1930s, out of which the Air Parachute Commandos ( commandos parachutistes de l'air ) descended. The French Air Force maintained a continuous presence across the French colonial empire , particularly from the 1920s to 1943. The French Air Force played an important role in WWII, most notably during

6399-532: Was thus exposed, and Anthony Fokker came up with the synchronization gear that by July 1, 1915 , turned airplanes into flying gun platforms. On 21 February 1916, the Verdun Offensive began. New weapons demanded new tactics. Commandant Charles de Tricornet de Rose was the original French pilot, having learned to fly in March 1911. This experienced flier was given a free hand to select pilots and airplanes for

6480-671: Was underway; the first 20-aircraft squadron became operational in 2006 at Saint-Dizier . In 2009, France rejoined the NATO Military Command Structure , having been absent since 1966. France was a leading nation, alongside the United States , United Kingdom and Italy in implementing the UN sponsored no-fly zone in Libya (NATO Operation Unified Protector ), deploying 20 fighter aircraft to Benghazi in defense of rebel-held positions and

6561-540: Was used to break the FAI absolute helicopter world speed record, having attained a maximum speed of 217.7 mph (350.4 km/h) during the flight. Flown by Jean Boulet and Roland Coffignot, a total of three international records were broken, these being: speed over 3 km at low altitude, 212.03 mph (341.23 km/h); speed at any altitude over 15 and 25 km, 217.77 mph (350.47 km/h); and 100km closed circuit 207.71 mph (334.28 km/h). By April 1964,

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