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{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name = SA 315B Lama
|image = File:C-GAWW CZNL 2-13-2008 AerospatialeSA315B (cropped).jpg
|caption = An SA 315B Lama in flight
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type = [[Utility helicopter]]
|national origin = France
|manufacturer = [[Aérospatiale]]
|builder= [[Helibras]]<br />[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL)
|designer =
|first flight = 17 March 1969
|introduced = July 1971
|retired =
|status = In service
|primary user = [[Indian Army]]
|more users = [[Afghan Air Force]]
|number built =
|developed from = [[Aérospatiale Alouette II]]
|variants with their own articles =
}}
|}

The '''Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama''' is a French single-engined helicopter. It combines the lighter [[Aérospatiale Alouette II]] airframe with [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Alouette III]] components and powerplant. The Lama possesses exceptional high altitude performance.

The helicopters have been [[Licensed production|built under licence]] by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) in India, known as the '''Cheetah'''; HAL later developed an upgraded variant, powered by the [[Turbomeca TM 333]]-2M2 engine, which is known as the '''Cheetal'''. An armed version, marketed as the ''Lancer'', was also produced by HAL. It was also built under licence by [[Helibras]] in Brazil as the '''Gavião'''.

==Design and development==
The SA 315B Lama was originally designed to meet a [[Nepalese Army Air Service]] and [[Indian Air Force]] requirement for a rotorcraft capable of undertaking operations at ''hot and high'' conditions. Both countries possessed extreme mountain ranges in the form of the [[Himalayas]] in which even relatively powerful medium-sized helicopters could not be effectively operated within, thus there was an expressed desire for an aerial vehicle capable of operating in this challenging environment.<ref name = "king">Robinson, Skip. [https://www.verticalmag.com/features/the-mountain-king/ "The Mountain King."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118102609/https://www.verticalmag.com/features/the-mountain-king/ |date=2016-11-18 }} ''Vertical'', 17 November 2016.</ref> To achieve the desired performance, Aerospatiale elected to combine elements of two existing popular helicopters in their inventory, the [[Aérospatiale Alouette II]] and the [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]] to produce a new rotorcraft specialised for high altitude performance. Specifically, the new helicopter, named ''[[Lama]]'', was equipped with the Alouette III's [[Turbomeca Artouste]] [[turboshaft]] powerplant and its dynamic systems, and was furnished with a reinforced version of the Alouette II's airframe.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201262.html "Aérospatiale SE 313B Alouette II."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208082357/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201262.html |date=2015-12-08 }} ''Flight International'', 17 July 1975. p. 84.</ref><ref name = "king"/>

On 17 March 1969, the first SA{{nbsp}}315B, powered by an Artouste IIB engine, undertook its [[maiden flight]].<ref name = "king"/> On 30 September 1970, the type received its [[airworthiness certificate]], and it was introduced to operational service in July 1971. Due to its favourable high altitude performance, the Lama quickly became popular with operators worldwide, often being deployed within mountainous environments.<ref name = "king"/> As with the Alouette series, the type can be fitted for various roles, such as light passenger transport, agricultural tasks, oil-and-gas exploration, aerial firefighting, and other specialised duties. The military variants of the Lama include liaison, observation, photography, air/sea rescue, transport and ambulance duties. The SA315B is particularly suited to mountainous areas due to its performance and can carry underslung loads of up to 1000 kg (2,205 lb). By December 1976, 191 Lamas had been ordered by 68 operators.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1976/1976%20-%202792.html "SA.315B Lama."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208080841/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1976/1976%20-%202792.html |date=2015-12-08 }} ''Flight International'', 27 November 1976. p. 1589.</ref>

[[File:Aerospatiale SA-315B Lama, Air Glaciers AN1174533.jpg|thumb|left|SA{{nbsp}}315B Lama, 2007]]

A significant number{{Clarify|reason=vague|date=April 2017}} of SA 315B Lamas were manufactured under licence in India by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL), under the name ''Cheetah''. More than three decades after production in India began, HAL was still receiving export orders for the original Cheetah.<ref name ="ET">[http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-06-10/news/28419314_1_hal-bags-cheetah-mn-order "HAL bags $10 mn order for Chetak, Cheetah from Namibia."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526194901/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-06-10/news/28419314_1_hal-bags-cheetah-mn-order |date=2013-05-26 }} ''Economic Times'', 10 June 2009.</ref> Along with the Alouette III, the Cheetah was a key product for HAL; experience from manufacturing the type aided in the later development of more advanced indigenous helicopters such as the [[HAL Dhruv]].<ref>Kjelgaard 1982, pp. 1772–1773.</ref> During the 1990s, HAL developed an armed light [[attack helicopter]] based upon the Cheetah, which was given the name ''Lancer''.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/high-hopes-195244/ "High hopes."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208082449/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/high-hopes-195244/ |date=2015-12-08 }} ''Flight International'', 15 March 2005.</ref><ref>[http://hal-india.com/Helicopter%20Complex/M__124 "Hindustan Aeronautics Limited - Helicopter Division Bangalore: Brief History."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121105050/http://hal-india.com/Helicopter%20Complex/M__124 |date=2016-11-21 }} ''HAL'', Retrieved: 20 November 2016.</ref>

In 2006, HAL proposed a modernised variant to the Indian Army, designated as ''Cheetal'', the principal change of which was the adoption of a modern, more powerful Turbomeca TM 333-2M2 powerplant in the place of the Artouste; HAL promoting the Cheetal's capabilities for operating in high altitude environments, such as the [[Siachen Glacier]]. Other improvements include new warning indicates, a [[cockpit voice recorder]], [[flight monitoring system]], [[artificial horizon]], and modernised electronics. In 2006, an initial 10 Cheetals were ordered by the Indian Air Force.<ref>[http://www.hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=27 "Cheetal."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208154124/http://www.hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=27 |date=2015-12-08 }} ''Hindustan Aeronautics Limited'', Retrieved: 30 November 2015.</ref><ref name = "ain cheetal 23"/> In February 2013, it was announced that the [[India]]n and [[Nepal]]ese Armies had signed a 300 crore (~US$55 million) contract for the urgent procurement of a further 20 Cheetals.<ref name = "ain cheetal 23">Mathews, Neelam. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2013-03-01/hals-cheetal-meets-indian-armys-urgent-needs "HAL’s Cheetal Meets Indian Army’s Urgent Needs."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208053423/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2013-03-01/hals-cheetal-meets-indian-armys-urgent-needs |date=2015-12-08 }} ''AIN Online'', 1 March 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/army-hal-sign-rs-300-cr-deal-for-20-cheetal-choppers-113022100744_1.html "Army, HAL sign Rs 300 cr deal for 20 Cheetal choppers."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928074857/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/army-hal-sign-rs-300-cr-deal-for-20-cheetal-choppers-113022100744_1.html |date=2013-09-28 }} ''Business Standard'', 21 February 2013.</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:Aerospatiale_SA-315B_Lama,_Knaus_Helicopter_AN0402728.jpg|thumb|right|SA{{nbsp}}315B Lama, 2003]]

The Lama was developed specifically to provide a rotorcraft with exceptional high-altitude performance. In practice, the type found considerable use within regions that possessed extensive mountain ranges, such as [[South America]] and India, being capable of lifting loads and deploying personnel in areas that had been previously impossible to have otherwise achieved.<ref name = "king"/>

During 1969, a series of early demonstration flights involving the SA{{nbsp}}315B were performed in the Himalayas; during one such flight, a single rotorcraft carrying a crew of two and 120{{nbsp}}kg of fuel landed and then took off at what was then the highest altitude to be recorded, 7,500{{nbsp}}m (24,605{{nbsp}}ft). On 21 June 1972, a Lama with a single pilot ([[Jean Boulet]]) aboard established a helicopter absolute altitude record of 12,442{{nbsp}}m (40,814{{nbsp}}ft), a record which still stands as of June 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phelps |first=Mark |date=2022-06-21 |title=FAI Celebrates Anniversary Of 50-Year-Old Altitude Record |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/fai-celebrates-anniversary-of-50-year-old-altitude-record/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=AVweb |language=en-US}}</ref> During the same flight, the Lama's engine [[Flameout|flamed out]] at the peak altitude of the flight, which led to an inadvertent record being set for the longest ever [[Autorotation (helicopter)|autorotation]] after which the rotorcraft was brought to a safe unpowered landing.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/aircraft.asp?id=188 |title=Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) - Rotorcraft World Records |date=May 29, 2009 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529032210/http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/aircraft.asp?id=188 |archive-date=29 May 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Learning to Fly Helicopters |last=Randall Padfield |first=R. |chapter=Chapter 8 Autorotation |year=1992 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional |isbn=0-07-157724-6 |page=151 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CSmVLrllpKUC&pg=PA151 |access-date=4 November 2010}}</ref><ref name = "king"/> Days before, the same pilot and aircraft had set a similar record at a higher weight.<ref name=alt10>"[http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=788 "FAI Record ID #788 - Altitude without payload. Class E-1c (Helicopters: take off weight 1000 to 1750 kg), turbine."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208171611/http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=788 |date=2015-12-08 }} ''[[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale]] (FAI).'' Retrieved: 21 September 2014.</ref>

Following in the aftermath of the records set by the helicopter, a major order was placed by the Indian government in 1971. The Indian order included an arrangement for the indefinite licence production of the SA{{nbsp}}315B to be conducted by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at their facility in Bangalore, India. The first Indian-assembled SA{{nbsp}}315B flew on 6 October 1972, with deliveries starting in December 1973; Indian-produced helicopters were given the name ''Cheetah''. Operated by both the Indian Air Force and the [[Army Aviation Corps (India)|Indian Army's Aviation Corps]], the Cheetah have proved capable, operating in difficult and remote areas such the mountainous [[Siachen]] region, and during times of conflict with neighbouring [[Pakistan]].<ref name ="ET"/> Cheetahs have also been operated for civil purposes, such as [[aerial application|aerial agriculture]].<ref>Kjelgaard 1982, p. 1774.</ref>

HAL-built Lamas have also been procured by neighbouring [[Nepal]] for military use. Sales have included a quantity of an armed variant, marketed as the ''HAL Lancer''; one batch was reportedly delivered to Nepal between June 2003 and September 2004. The sale of Lancers to Nepal encountered international controversy due to allegations that these rotorcraft have participated in combat operations against members of the [[Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre)|Communist Party of Nepal]] during the [[Nepalese Civil War]].<ref>[https://aser-asso.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/The-EU-Code-of-Conduct-fails-to-prevent-French-helicopters-being-produced-under-licence-in-India-and-transferred-to-Nepal-Amnesty-International-Septembre-2004.pdf "The EU Code of Conduct fails to prevent French Helicopters being produced under licence in India and transferred to Nepal."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118225649/https://aser-asso.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/The-EU-Code-of-Conduct-fails-to-prevent-French-helicopters-being-produced-under-licence-in-India-and-transferred-to-Nepal-Amnesty-International-Septembre-2004.pdf |date=2016-11-18 }} ''Amnesty International'', September 2004.</ref>

[[File:Aerospatiale SA-315B Lama, Air Zermatt AN0316249.jpg|thumb|left|SA{{nbsp}}315B Lama, 2003]]
In addition to India, other countries have participated in licence production activities. In 1978, an export agreement was reached with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer [[Helibras]], under which it would perform domestic assembly of the Lama. Such Helibras-produced SA 315Bs were marketed under the designation ''Gavião'';<ref name = "Chant 348"/> several examples of which were successfully exported to neighboring Bolivia.

In later life, the Lama's commercial appeal waned in favour of the newer [[Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil]], which had lower maintenance requirements and was capable of higher speeds but incapable of equalling the Lama's high altitude performance.<ref name = "king"/> The type remained in commercial service into the 21st century, being only slowly retired as it typically continued to be adequate for its given tasks. According to Vertical Magazine, popular qualities of the Lama included its capable engine, favourable stability while hovering, and its ability to effectively convey payloads at altitude even during peak temperatures.<ref name = "king"/>

In 2009, due to issues with the newly introduced [[HAL Dhruv]] helicopter, the Indian Army increased operational usage of their older Cheetah/Cheetal rotorcraft to meet the temporary shortfall.<ref>{{cite web |first= Radhakrishna |last= Rao |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/07/15/329681/indian-report-slams-performance-of-hals-dhruv-helicopter.html |title= Indian report slams performance of HAL's Dhruv helicopter |work= Flight International |date= 15 July 2009 |access-date= 18 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090718153700/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/07/15/329681/indian-report-slams-performance-of-hals-dhruv-helicopter.html |archive-date= 18 July 2009 |url-status= live }}</ref> In September 2012, it was reported that an ever-decreasing amount of spare parts compatible with the Cheetah has led to the type's operators being required to cannibalise helicopters in order to provide components for others.<ref>Matthews, Neehlam, [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2012-09-14/spares-unavailability-threatens-indias-aging-helo-fleet "Spares Unavailability Threatens India’s Aging Helo Fleet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127215113/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2012-09-14/spares-unavailability-threatens-indias-aging-helo-fleet |date=2012-11-27 }} ''AIN Online'', 14 September 2012.</ref> In August 2016, it was reported that [[No. 114 Helicopter Unit, IAF|No. 114 Helicopter Unit]] were keen to introduce the upgraded Cheetal as a replacement for its existing Cheetah rotorcraft for continuous deployment on the [[Siachen Glacier]].<ref>[http://www.brahmand.com/news/Siachen-Pioneers-bets-on-Cheetal-helicopters/15074/1/13.html "'Siachen Pioneers' bets on Cheetal helicopters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118101015/http://www.brahmand.com/news/Siachen-Pioneers-bets-on-Cheetal-helicopters/15074/1/13.html |date=2016-11-18 }} ''Brahmand.com'', 17 August 2016.</ref>

==Variants==
;SA{{nbsp}}315B Lama: Derived from the SE 3150, it was designed for high altitude operations using a 650{{nbsp}}kW (870{{nbsp}}hp) Turbomeca Astazou IIIB turboshaft, derated to 410 kW (550shp). This derivative still holds the absolute altitude record for all types of helicopters since 1972: 12,442{{nbsp}}m.
;HB{{nbsp}}315B Gaviao: Brazilian licence-built version of the SA 315B Lama.<ref name = "Chant 348"/>
;HAL Cheetah: Indian licence-built version of the SA 315B Lama.<ref name = "Chant 348">Chant 2014, p. 348.</ref>
;HAL Lancer: Modified armed combat variant. Changes include composite armouring, toughened glass, and [[gun sight]]s. Armaments include two jettisonable weapons pods, each of which contains a single 12.7-mm machine gun and up to three 70-mm rockets.<ref>Anantha, Krishnan M. [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Army-turns-to-HAL-for-Lancer-supply/articleshow/23864631.cms "Army turns to HAL for Lancer supply."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227050743/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Army-turns-to-HAL-for-Lancer-supply/articleshow/23864631.cms |date=2016-12-27 }} ''Times of India'', 3 January 2001.</ref><ref>[http://www.hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=90 "Lancer."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118225437/http://www.hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=90 |date=2016-11-18 }} ''HAL'', Retrieved: 18 November 2016.</ref>
;HAL Cheetal: Modernised variant, fitted with the [[Turbomeca TM 333|Turbomeca TM333-2M2]].<ref>"First Flight of the HAL Cheetah Powered by Turbomeca's TM 333 2M2 Engine" ''Turbomeca'', 6 February 2003.</ref> Speed is increased to {{convert|210|kph|mph|abbr=on}} and range is increased to {{convert|560|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="cheetal">[http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/upgraded-hal-cheetal-helicopters-for-indian-army.html Upgraded HAL Cheetal Helicopters for Indian Army] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221013833/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/upgraded-hal-cheetal-helicopters-for-indian-army.html |date=2012-12-21 }} - Armedforces-International.com, December 19, 2012</ref>

==Operators==


[[File:Hélico F-GFCM.jpg|thumb|A Search-and-Rescue SA 315B Lama in [[Gréolières]], 2015]]
[[File:Argentina Air Force Aerospatiale SA-315B Lama Lofting-1.jpg|thumb|right| An [[Argentine Air Force]] Aerospatiale SA{{nbsp}}315 lifting off from [[Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport|Gabrielli International Airport]]]]

;{{AFG}}
*[[Afghan Air Force]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Afghan air force receives Cheetal helicopters|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/afghan-air-force-receives-cheetal-helicopters-411690/|access-date=28 April 2015|agency=flightglobal.com|date=28 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601134803/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/afghan-air-force-receives-cheetal-helicopters-411690/|archive-date=1 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{ARG}}
*[[Argentine Air Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013">{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf |title= World Air Forces 2013 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2013 |access-date= 14 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121216005935/http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf |archive-date= 16 December 2012 |url-status= live }}</ref>
*[[Argentine Army Aviation|Argentine Army]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202490.html |title= World Air Forces 1987 pg. 40 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 14 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140108123516/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202490.html |archive-date= 8 January 2014 |url-status= live }}</ref>
;{{ECU}}
*[[Ecuadorian Army]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{IND}}
*[[Indian Army]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{NAM}}
*[[Namibian Air Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{PAK}}
*[[Pakistan Army]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{TOG}}
*[[Military of Togo|Togolese Air Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
[[File:Flama.jpg|thumb|A 1990-built Swiss-operated Lama]]

===Former operators===
;{{ANG}}
*[[People's Air and Air Defence Force of Angola|Angolan Air Defence Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202488.html|title= World Air Forces 1987 pg. 38|publisher= flightglobal.com|access-date= 14 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516141656/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202488.html|archive-date= 16 May 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
;{{ARG}}
*[[Argentine National Gendarmerie|National Gendarmerie]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1144/|title= National Gendarmerie SA315|access-date= 14 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130129072213/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1144|archive-date= 29 January 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
;{{BOL}}
*[[Bolivian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2001/2001%20-%203766.html|title= World Air Forces 2001 pg. 38|publisher= flightglobal.com|access-date= 14 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140502094515/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2001/2001%20-%203766.html|archive-date= 2 May 2014|url-status= live}}</ref>
;{{CHI}}
*[[Chilean Army]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/642/|title=Ejercito de chile Alouette II|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113541/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/642/|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{ECU}}
*[[Ecuadorian Air Force]]<ref name=" World Air Forces 1987 pg. 51 ">{{cite web| title = World Air Forces 1987 pg. 51| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202501.html| access-date = 2013-03-14| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130516133022/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202501.html| archive-date = 2013-05-16| url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{ESA}}
*[[Air Force of El Salvador]]<ref name=" World Air Forces 1987 pg. 51 "/>
;{{IND}}
*[[Indian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202510.html |title= World Air Forces 1987 pg. 60 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 14 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131205015054/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202510.html |archive-date= 5 December 2013 |url-status= live }}</ref>
[[File:Aerospatiale SA-315B Lama, Knaus Helicopter AN0440392.jpg|thumb|right| SA315B Lama lifting off from [[St Johann im Pongau]]]]
;{{MAR}}
*[[Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202523.html|title=World Air Forces 1987 pg. 73|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=14 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521161300/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202523.html|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{NPL}}
*[[Nepalese Army Air Service|Nepal Army]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/90190/world-air-forces-2011-2012.pdf|title= World Air Forces 2011 (pdf)|publisher= flightglobal.com|access-date= 14 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130509191652/http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/90190/world-air-forces-2011-2012.pdf|archive-date= 9 May 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
;{{PER}}:
*[[Peruvian Army]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202527.html|title=World Air Forces 1987 pg. 77|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=14 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521150748/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202527.html|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Specifications (SA 315B Lama) ==
[[File:Hélicoptère de Hydro Québec.jpg|thumb|View of a SA{{nbsp}}315B Lama; note the three-bladed main rotor]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83<ref name="JAWA82 p50-1">Taylor 1982, pp. 50–51.</ref>
|prime units?=met
|crew=1
|capacity=4 passengers ''or'' 1,135{{nbsp}}kg (2,500{{nbsp}}lb) slung payload
|length m=10.24
|length ft=33
|length in=7.25
|rot number=1
|rot dia m=11.02
|rot dia ft=36
|rot dia in=1.75
|height m=3.09
|height ft=10
|height in=1.75
|rot area sqm=95.38
|rot area sqft=1,026
|empty weight kg=1,021
|empty weight lb=2,251
|gross weight kg=2,300
|gross weight lb=5,070
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Turbomeca Artouste]] IIIB [[turboshaft]]
|eng1 kw=649
|eng1 hp=870
|eng1 note=derated to 410 kW (550 hp)
|max speed kmh=192
|max speed mph=119
|range km=515
|range miles=320
|ceiling m=5,400
|ceiling ft=17,715
|climb rate ms=5.5
|climb rate ftmin=1,080
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|France}}
{{External media|topic= |width=21% |align=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5P9FDvEfvI Footage of SA 315B Lamas performing aerobatic manoeuvres] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD9hhUtiOKI Video of Lama operations amongst mountainous terrain] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMsnOCPoJ80 A Lama performing several utility flights in the Alps]}}
{{Aircontent

|related=
* [[Aérospatiale Alouette II]]
* [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]]
|similar aircraft=
|lists=
* [[List of rotorcraft]]
|see also=

}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |title= Airplane Magazine |volume= 1 |issue= 5 |page= 138 |publisher= Orbis Publishing Ltd |location= London |year= 1990 }}
* Chant, Chris. "A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware." ''Routledge'', 2014. {{ISBN|1-13464-668-2}}.
* Kjelgaard, Chris. [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1982/1982%20-%202762.html "HAL spools up."] ''Flight International'', 18 December 1982.
* {{cite book |last=Taylor |first= John W. R.|author-link=John W. R. Taylor|title=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83 |year=1982 |publisher=Jane's Yearbooks |location=London |isbn= 0-7106-0748-2}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama}}
* {{YouTube|id=g4ZiSRitcBE|title=LAMA SA 315B, the end of a giant|time=28m09s}}
* [http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=25 "HAL Cheetah."]
* [https://www.easa.europa.eu/system/files/dfu/EASA-TCDS-R.123_Airbus_Helicopters_SE3160--SA316B--SA316C--SA319B--SA315B-02-07012014_0.pdf "European Aviation Safety Agency Type Certificate: SE 3160, SA 316B, SA 316C, SA 319B, SA 315B."]

{{Alouette family}}
{{Sud/Aérospatiale aircraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aerospatiale Lama}}
[[Category:1960s French military utility aircraft]]
[[Category:1960s French helicopters]]
[[Category:Aérospatiale aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1969]]

Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama - Revision history

Soldier at 19:09, 13 September 2023