Specifications | |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Builder | AEROSPATIALE / Eurocopter |
| First flight : | 1965 |
| In-service in the French Navy : | 1966 |
| Role | Assault-transport (38 equipped troops), naval operations |
| Major operational capacities : | Special operations with Navy commandos, maritime anti-terrorism, combat rescue, logistic support to maritime forces, sea rescue, fight against maritime pollution |
| Typical mission | Rescue of aircraft crew on the ground and at sea |
| Similar Aircraft | Puma, SH-3 Sea King, CH-53 Sea Stallion, HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, Mi-8 Hip |
| Rotor diameter | 62 ft (18.9 m) |
| Length | 75 ft, 7 in (23 m) |
| Height | 6.70 m |
| Weight | 13 tons |
| Engine | 3 Turboméca 3C III turbines / 3x1,200 HP |
| Maximum speed | 270 km/h |
| Cruising speed | |
| Range | 700 km / 3 ˝ hr |
| Service Ceiling | 10,000 ft |
| Armament | Torpedoes |
| Passengers : | Up to 27 commandos |
| Special equipments : | Radar ORB-42, Alkan decoy launcher, compatibility with night vision binoculars, defensive armour plate, scuttling weapons, PLS (Personal Locator System) and GPS (Global Positioning System) |
| NATO interoperability : | Protected radiocommunication, identification friend or foe |
| Crew | Two on flight deck; three in main cabin |
| Cost | |
| User Countries | France, Iraq, Israel, Libya, People’s Republic of China, Zaire |
| French Navy inventory : | 16 in two squadrons |
