The SA-318C Alouette Astazou is a small single-engine utility helicopter that can accommodate
up to 4 passengers. Development of the original SE-3130 Alouette II helicopter started in the
early 50s under the SNCA Sud-Est banner. The Sud-Est SE-3130 Alouette II was derived from the
SE-3120 Alouette, a three-seater built in 1949 powered by a Salmson 9 NH piston engine. Two
prototypes of the SE-3130 model were built, featuring a Turbomeca Artouste II turbine-engine
and an enlarged cabin. The first flight of an SE.3130, the F-WWHE c/n 01, occurred on 12 March
1955, certification was achieved on 2 May 1957. The Alouette II entered production with
Sud-Aviation that was formed when SNCASE merged with SNCASO on 1 September 1956. In 1964,
the SE.3130 was replaced in production by the SE.3180 variant that differed in the installation
of an Astazou II turbine-engine and a strengthened transmission system. In 1967, the SE.3130 was
re-designated SE.313B; the SE.3180 was re-designated SE.318C. On 1 January 1970, Sud-Aviation
merged with a number of other French aerospace companies to form the SNIAS (Société Nationale
Industrielle Aerospatiale). The Alouette II remained in production until 1975. Over 1500 helicopters
of the different versions of the Alouette II and Alouette Astazou were built, including production
under licence in the U.S.A.; India and Sweden. The commercial designation Alouette Astazou corresponds to
the SA 3180 Alouette Astazou; SA 318B and SA 318C versions
On 1 January 1970, Sud-Aviation was merged with a number of other French aerospace
companies to form the SNIAS (Société Nationale Industrielle Aérospatiale). From 1984, SNIAS
operated under the name of Aérospatiale. The helicopter divisions of MBB from Germany and Aerospatiale from
France merged in January 1992 to form the Eurocopter Group.
As a result of the merger between the Eurocopter parents Aérospatiale-Matra; DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (DASA)
and Construcciones Aeronàuticas Sociedad Anonima (CASA) in July 2000, the Eurocopter group became a division of the new formed
EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space company). Taking off into 2014, EADS was rebranded as "Airbus Group". Uniting
all its activities under a single brand, its helicopter division Eurocopter was rebranded as Airbus Helicopters on 8 January 2014.
In 1972, Aérospatiale SA.318C Alouette Astazou s/n 2287 was built and testflown at Marignane in France. The same year, the helicopter was registered
N65181 in the USA with Livingstone. In service with Livingstone, the Alouette Astazou met some problems with the mounting of the engine starter or
starter-generator at the airframe. On 4 April 1985, the SA.318C Alouette Astazou N65181 was registered with MBB Helicopter Corporation. On 12 December
1985, registration N65181 was cancelled as exported to France. In France, the helicopter was registered F-GEHY with Héli-Union. In the eighties the
F-GEHY was transferred to Héli Locations. On 11 March 1991, registration F-GEHY was cancelled as withdrawn from use and the helicopter was sold for
spares. The airframe went to Eurocopter at Marignane, where it was rebuilt and converted to the SA315B Lama s/n 2287/41. On 14 May 1992, the SA315B
Lama was registered F-GIBK with Société Hélicom, Annemasse. In 1995, the F-GIBK was leased to Mont Blanc Hélicoptères, and in 1999, the Lama F-GIBK was
transferred to Mont Blanc Helicopteres. On 18 October 2004, SA315B Lama F-GBIK was registered with HBG France, Annemasse. On 11 August 1988,
Aérospatiale SA.318C Alouette Astazou F-GEHY was seen in service with Héli Locations at Paris - Issy-les-Moulineaux (Heliport de Paris - LFPI).
The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the Aérospatiale SA.315B Lama is LAMA;
The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the SA-318C Alouette Astazou is the ALO2.
