Exploring the AS332 C1e Super Puma Helicopter Adventure.

The AS332 C1e Super Puma is a new-generation, twin-engine helicopter in the Super Puma range. Designed and developed by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), the aircraft supports multiple mission needs, making it a versatile asset for various operations. The helicopter is engineered to perform combat, search-and-rescue (CSAR), search-and-rescue (SAR), as well as maritime surveillance operations. It can be configured to handle law enforcement, peacekeeping, public security, drug trafficking, drug tracking, humanitarian deployments, passenger transport, utility airlift, MEDEVAC, firefighting missions, and more. Other variants in the Super Puma family include the AS332L1e and EC225.

Orders and Deliveries

Greek authorities signed a $60 million contract for the procurement of AS332 C1e Super Puma helicopters for maritime surveillance and SAR missions in the fourth quarter of 1998. The first and second helicopters were delivered in December 1999 and March 2000, respectively. The Greek Air Force signed a contract worth €100 million ($124.62 million) to purchase four more helicopters, with an option for another two, for CSAR and SAR duties in December 2000.

Airbus Helicopters signed a contract with the Bolivian Air Force (FAB) in January 2014 for the supply of six AS332 C1e helicopters with logistical support packages. The helicopters were delivered in August and December 2014, respectively, with deliveries expected to conclude in 2016.

Design and Features

The AS332 C1e Super Puma features a four-bladed, composite main rotor with gust and droop stops. The tailcone is constructed of monocoque structure and is equipped with a faired anti-torque rotor. The main landing gear incorporates wheels, while the nose landing gear has a caster wheel. The landing gear has an additional skid landing gear for added security in adverse conditions.

The Super Puma has a length of 18.70 meters, a rotor diameter of 15.08 meters, and a maximum gross weight of 4,800 kg. It can carry a maximum cargo sling load of 4,500 kg and a useful load of 4,195 kg. The aircraft seats up to 17 passengers and features two jettisonable side doors. The doors are located on both sides of the cabin to facilitate emergency exit. The cabin can also be equipped with up to six stretcher positions for medical evacuation missions. A special single-step door is attached to the aft fuselage compartment.

Avionics

The cockpit of the AS332 C1e is integrated with a Sextant Avionique NADIR MK2 self-contained inertial navigation system, an autonomous navigation system, multifunction LCD displays, dual flight control, and an SFIM 155 supermodern auto-pilot system with higher order modes. A Thomson-CIF CLIO FLIR sighting system is fitted for SAR operations during nighttime. The helicopter is equipped with a Bendix 1500B radar for the detection of small boats at long range. It also features a Spectrolab searchlight and loud hailers.

Performance

The AS332 C1e Super Puma can fly at a cruise speed of 260 km/h and reach a maximum speed of 278 km/h. It can climb at a rate of 8.2 m/s, offering a maximum range of 642 km. It can carry out missions for more than 195 minutes without refueling at a speed of 70 knots. The AS332 C1e can operate at high altitudes and in difficult-to-reach areas, withstanding temperature ranges from -45°C to 50°C.

In conclusion, the AS332 C1e Super Puma is a versatile and capable helicopter, suitable for a wide range of missions and challenging operating conditions. Its advanced avionics and robust design make it a valuable asset in various applications, including search and rescue, maritime surveillance, and more.