AS332 C1e Super Puma: A Versatile Multi-Mission Helicopter
The AS332 C1e Super Puma is a state-of-the-art, twin-engine helicopter designed and developed by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), serving various multi-mission needs in the Super Puma range. Engineered and evolved by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), this aircraft supports multiple mission requirements, including combat, search-and-rescue (CSAR), search-and-rescue (SAR), as well as maritime surveillance operations. It can be configured to perform law enforcement, peacekeeping, public security, drug trafficking, drug trafficking, 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 use by the Greek Merchant Marine in maritime surveillance and SAR missions in the northern quadrant of 1998. The first and second helicopters were delivered in December 1999 and the next two in March 2000. The Greek Air Force signed a contract worth €100 million ($124.62 million) to purchase four helicopters 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 are intended to perform flight drug trafficking, civil security, and public service duties across the country. The first and second AS332 C1e Super Pumas were delivered in August and December 2014, respectively. Deliveries are expected to conclude in 2016.
Design and Features
“It can carry a maximum cargo sling load of 4,500kg.” The AS332 C1e Super Puma features a four-bladed, composite main rotor with a rotor diameter of 15.08 meters and a baselined gross weight of 4,800kg. It can carry a maximum cargo sling load of 4,500kg and a useful load of 4,195kg. It is equipped with a hoist with a capacity of 272kg and jettisonable life rafts to carry additional loads. The cabin accommodates up to 17 passengers and features two jettisonable sliding doors for rapid egress. The cabin can also be equipped with up to six stretchers for medical evacuation missions. A special single-step door is attached to the aft fuselage compartment. Additional equipment on board the AS332 C1e includes a fire extinguisher, anti-smoke equipment, and a system for flight in moderate icing conditions.
Avionics of AS332 C1e
“The Super Puma helicopter can fly at a cruise speed of 260km/h and a maximum speed of 278km/h.” The cockpit of the AS332 C1e is integrated with a Sextant Avionique NADIR MK2 self-contained inertial navigation system, autonomous navigation systems, multifunction LCD displays, dual flight control, and an SFIM 155 super-modified autopilot system with higher order modes. A Thales-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 ranges. It also features a Spectrolab searchlight and loud hailers.
AS332 C1e Super Puma’s Performance
The AS332 C1e Super Puma can fly at a cruise speed of 260km/h and a maximum speed of 278km/h. It can climb at a rate of 8.2m/s, offering a maximum range of 642km. It can carry out missions for more than 195 minutes without refueling at a speed of 70k. The AS332 C1e can be operated 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 multi-mission helicopter that excels in a wide range of roles, from combat and search-and-rescue to surveillance and humanitarian operations. Its advanced avionics, robust design, and excellent performance characteristics make it a reliable choice for various missions worldwide.
