Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama
| SA 315B Lama | |
|---|---|
| An SA 315B Lama in flight | |
| General information | |
| Type | Utility helicopter |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale |
| Built by | Helibras Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Indian Army |
| History | |
| Introduction date | July 1971 |
| First flight | 17 March 1969 |
| Developed from | Aérospatiale Alouette II |
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The Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama is a French single-engined helicopter. It combines the lighter Aérospatiale Alouette II airframe with Alouette III components and powerplant. The Lama possesses exceptional high altitude performance.
The helicopters have been 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.