The second of the two prototype SA 330s, F-ZWWO, at the Paris show in June 1965. The first prototype had made the maiden flight of the type on April 15 that year. The RAF saw the SA 330 as an ideal replacement for its Whirlwind HAR/HC.10s and Wessex HC.2s in the Support Helicopter role and set about acquiring the type.

SA 330 "Пума"

Flight training by crews based at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, on the Puma Mk 2 began in late November 2013, including operations from the Stanford Training Area in Norfolk. Personnel from both Nos. 33 and 230 Squadrons have begun the process of converting to the upgraded tactical transport helicopter, which has new avionics and more powerful engines than the Puma HC1. Seven of the 24 Pumas due to be modernised have been redelivered to the RAF and all are due to be returned to service by 2015.

В Королевских ВВС несет службу достаточно большой парк вертолетов Puma.

Former South African Air Force (SAAF) Aerospatiale SA330L ZJ957 (c/n 1474, ex 169/SAAF) departs on January 8, 2008 from the AgustaWestland facility at Yeovil, Somerset, on delivery to RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, following refurbishment and conversion to Puma HC.1 standard. This was the last of four ex-SAAF Pumas to be reworked for the RAF, although another two, ZJ958 (c/n 1420, ex 173/SAAF) and ZJ959 (c/n 1378, ex 184/SAAF) remain stored at the Defence Storage and Distribution Centre at Llangennech in Wales. These are being held for possible future conversion, although as Llangennech is scheduled to be closed down this year, they are likely to move elsewhere.

A Puma HC2 captured by the camera in a confined landing area on the Salisbury Plain Training Area.

Visiting Divulje on February 1, 1996 was ALAT SA 330B 1231, one of ten which were previously based here for IFOR operations but now operate from Ploce, further down the coast, although they are still seen regularly both at Divulje and nearby Split Airport. As with the RN Sea Kings, they do not carry their serials externally and in addition have had all unit codes removed.

Captured completing a confined area landing, the Puma HC2 reached a new milestone in early 2017 completing 15,000 flying hours. In that time the Puma force has continually supported Operation Toral in Afghanistan and numerous training exercises in the UK and around the world as well as holding national standby commitment.

Многие годы звено вертолетов Puma ВВС Великобритании базировалось в Белизе для обеспечения мобильности военного гарнизона и поисково-спасательных работ.
Westland Puma HC.1 XW207 "CD” of No. 1563 Flight (whose aircraft are drawn from No. 33 Squadron) on patrol in the New River Lagoon district of eastern Belize

Newly upgraded No.230 Squadron Puma HC2 ZJ955 (c/n 1363, ex SAAF 148) has received a black scheme, South East Asia Command (SEAC) roundels adopted by the RAF during World War II in the Far East, and the code 'P'. (SEAC removed the red segment in the roundels to avoid misidentifications as Japanese aircraft.) The colour and markings recall Short Sunderland III JM673/‘P' of No.230 Squadron, which was lost 70 years ago with its crew of ten on November 28, 1944, while operating off the east coast of Ceylon. Dark colours were adopted for the Sunderland to aid dawn and dusk attacks on enemy shipping in the Bay of Bengal. The Puma is seen operating near its home base at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, on March 6, 2014.

A Puma HC2 in the Salisbury Plain Training Area. Key modifications in the HC2 Life Extension Programme are more powerful engines, a fuel efficiency improvement, an upgraded cockpit with digital displays, and the addition of theatre entry standard equipment.

The MOD’s medium lift helicopter fleet, including the RAF’s ancient Pumas, will be replaced, though the review did not make clear which other medium lift helicopters were also to be replaced. The list could include the Puma, Merlin, Gazelle, Bell 212, Bell 412, and Dauphin - and possibly the army's Wildcats

And for the Army, Westland Puma HC.1 helicopters of No. 33 Squadron, R.A.F. Odiham, put an anti-tank team in the field during an exercise on Salisbury Plain

Puma HC. 1 XW204 of No 33 Sqn operates in its element at low level during a sortie in October 1971. Since its introduction into RAF service earlier that year, the Puma has seen extensive operational service in theatres all over the world, including Northern Ireland, Africa, Belize, Kuwait, Iraq, the former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan.

The RAF’s Puma HC2s, five of which are seen here in December 2020's Exercise Wessex Storm, will be retired by 2025

Due to be retired in 2025, the Puma helicopter has seen extensive service with the UK military in a number of operational theatres
The impending loss of the HC2 Puma fleet will only see capacity recovered if and when the New Medium Helicopter programme comes to fruition towards the end of the decade

The Puma HC.1 entered RAF service in June 1971 with No 33 Sqn, four examples of which are seen here in step formation in an early promotional photo.

RAF Puma crews work alongside paramedics and doctors from the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS Scotland to familiarise themselves with the new EpiShuttle isolation stretcher.

Puma ZJ954 at RAF Benson, May 2006, in colours celebrating the 90th anniversary of 33 Squadron.

Owing to numerous changes, not least the formation of No.28 Squadron as a combined training unit for both Chinook HC4s and Puma HC2s in October 2015, April 7, 2016 was chosen as the date to celebrate officially the anniversaries and the move into new hangar facilities on base. No.28 Squadron runs a 27-week flying course covering a complex range of rotary operations to qualify flight crews for the front line Chinook squadrons (7, 18 and 27) based at RAF Odiham, Hampshire and Puma-equipped No.33 and 230 Squadron at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire.

One of the RAF Puma HC2s at Ovar in Portugal during the recent Hot Blade 2014, the first overseas exercise for the new variant.

В 2009 году было принято решение об унификации вертолетов Puma британских ВВС путем модернизации существующего парка. Вертолеты получат новое БРЭО и двигатель Makila. В июле 2009 года британское правительство подтвердило свои намерения модернизировать все вертолеты данного типа до уровня НС Mk 2 с целью продления срока эксплуатации до 2022 года.

Westland/Aerospatiale Puma HC.1 XW211 "CH” of No. 33 Squadron, R.A.F. Odiham, over southern Norway during "Exercise Hardfall”. Temperatures were as low as -26° C.

Having declared initial operating capability (IOC) in February 2015 and full operating capability in January 2016, the Puma Force based at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire reached 10,000 flying hours with the Puma HC2 on February 17,2016. After deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Toral soon after IOC was declared, the Puma Force (comprising 33 and 230 Squadrons) has maintained its readiness for contingency operations and a national standby commitment alongside the ongoing Afghanistan deployment. The Operation Toral detachment lifted more than 15,000 passengers and over 79,000lb (36,000kg) of freight during 2015.

Other UK assets included 100 Squadron Hawks from Leeming, and this Puma HC1 from Benson.

The first of 28 upgraded Puma HC2s made its maiden flight at Marignane in southern France on June 22, 2011. Wearing the test registration F-ZWDE, XW232 is the first RAF Puma HC1 that has been modified under the Puma Life Extension Programme. The project was approved in September 2009, mating more powerful Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines to the existing airframe to improve hot and high performance, a digital flight control system and enhanced communication and navigation equipment. Flight testing will continue throughout 2011 before the new variant enters service the following year. Full operating capability is expected in 2014.

Puma HC2s have played an integral role in assisting NHS boards and trusts in Scotland, operating from Kinloss Barracks as part of the UK's Aviation Task Force.

Часть парка Puma британских ВВС прошла серьезную модернизацию. 230-я эскадрилья долгое время была членом "Ассоциации Тигров" НАТО.

This RAF Puma of 230 Sqn was part of the British contribution to the Tiger Meet.

Часть британских вертолетов Chinook и Puma были доставлены в регион Персидского залива морем, часть - военно-транспортными самолетами Lockheed С-5 Galaxy ВВС США. На снимке: погрузка вертолета Puma в С-5 на базе британских ВВС Бриз-Нортон.

The cavernous hold of the C-17 is able to transport aircraft across strategic distances, and is among the largest transport aircraft the UK has in its inventory

RAF долгое время использовали свои Puma для решения различных задач. Машина на снимке доставляла помощь после извержения вулкана Невадо-дель-Руис в Колумбии в ноябре 1985 года.

Хотя в распоряжении Франции имеются более современные и мощные вертолеты Cougar, она по-прежнему продолжает активно использовать старые Puma. Эта машина была сфотографирована на борту американского авианосца "Джордж Вашингтон" в Персидском заливе в 2004 году.

Puma support helicopters at Chaumont.

Several Pumas are receiving a limited upgrade so they can soldier on until retirement in the next decade.

One of the main challenges for the DETHM Air was dust in the open air, as is clearly visible on this picture taken at Madama, EH 1/67.

An ALAT Puma helicopter in the Sahel region for Operation Barkhane. Note the MAG-58 machine gun for self-protection.

A French Army Aviation SA330 Puma at Timbuktu airport on February 1, 2013.

A 5e RHC Puma about to land in a clearing.

Вертолеты Puma армейской авиации Франции в регионе Персидского залива в 1990 году. Машины данного типа применялись в качестве транспортных, а один вертолет, оснащенный упрощенной версией радиолокационной системы Orchidee, использовался для разведки поля боя.

After four decades of service, the SA330 Puma said goodbye to the 5e Regiment d’Helicopteres de Combat at Pau on May 29, 2019, leaving the 3e Regiment d’Helicopteres de Combat as sole remaining SA330 operator with the ALAT.

French Air Force and Army Pumas are in service with the Groupe Interarmees d’Helicopteres, a joint Armee de I'Air/ALAT unit that specialises in anti-terrorist missions.

Seen here taking-off from Albacete Air Base, Spain, after a fuel-stop on its return journey from Morocco to France in mid-April 2019, is 46-year old ALAT Aerospatiale SA330B Puma 1231/DDK.

SA 330 "Пума"

Французская армейская авиация в начале 2009 года имела около 100 SA.330 Puma. Это машина подразделения ALAT188 из Джибути - одного из трех отрядов постоянного базирования за рубежом в 1990-х годах.

The 11 SA330 Pumas have been on strength since 1974, but have undergone upgrades to SA330Ba standard with special SAR equipment.

An SA330 Puma from EH 1/67 equipped with the 20mm M621 GIAT cannon.

A Puma Pirate with the 20mm GIAT M621 cannon on a training mission in the south of France.

The first EH 1/44 ‘Solenzara’ Puma flying over BA126 Solenzara on the island of Corsica.

A Puma is on alert sor SAR missions in Southwest France along the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean 24/7.

Pilots qualify for mountain flights and night SAR after 380 flying hours, after which the option of becoming a CSAR specialist can be chosen.

Puma Pirate from EH1/67 working with a JTAC from EE 2/2.

An SA330B Puma from EH1/67 during search and rescue training with two divers above the take of Cazaux.

The ceremony held at BA 120 Cazaux on March 10, 2017 also meant the end of joint (SA330 and EC725) combat search and rescue missions for EH 1/67. From now on the squadron only operates the Caracal.

The last two SA330B Pumas assigned to EH 1/67 during the ceremony held at BA 120 Cazaux on March 10, 2017.

A Puma on the EH 1/67 ramp with a MAG-58 installed at the left door. The MAG-58 can turn on its base, so the Puma can fly with its doors closed when the machine gun is retracted.

Two Armee de I’Air SA330 Puma helicopters from ET 0/68 ‘Antilles-Guyane’ participated in the relief efforts after Hurricane Irma. The Puma assigned to this squadron typically carry their entire civil serial in large letters instead of the usual two-letter code.

Both Pumas of the DETHM Air at N’Djamena in Chad. EH 1/67

Both DETHM Air Pumas are refuelled by a Transall C-160 on their way back to N'Djamena after the end of their deployment at Madama. EH 1/67

Maintenance at Cazaux is carried out in a state-of-the-art hangar, a contrast to the austere operations in the field carried out when the unit was in Africa, although DETHM Air did receive two P20 mobile hangars.

Close-up of the 7.62mm MAG-58 machine gun installed on the SA330.

The 20mm GIAT M621 cannon installed on the SA330 gives the helicopter its Pirate name.

Вертолетная РЛС HORIZON, опробованная в войне в Персидском заливе на французских Puma, теперь штатно устанавливается на Cougar.

Французская армейская авиация использовала один разведывательный вертолет Puma, оснащенный упрощенным вариантом экспериментальной системы Orchidee. В период с 3 по 27 февраля вертолет совершил 24 вылета, включая несколько полетов для обеспечения действий американских ударных вертолетов AH-64.

Вместе с вертолетами вооруженных сил США работали вертолеты S-70A-1 ВВС Саудовской Аравии, которые использовались для перевозок людей и небольших грузов. На заднем плане - два вертолета Puma вооруженных сил Франции.

Split where this Puma is seen taxiing past a Spanish AF Boeing 707.

Британские и французские Puma участвовали во многих операциях ООН по поддержанию мира. Нередко действуя на территории противника, вертолеты применяли ИК ложные цели, как показано на этом снимке.

Эти SA 330J с базы Ниагара Фоллс Морского транспортного командования ВМС США перевозят грузы на борт авианосца "Абрахам Линкольн", апрель 2008 года. Командование также использует Puma в регионе Персидского залива.

Румыния построила по лицензии более 150 Puma под названием IAR-330. В 2009 году румынские ВВС использовали около 75 машин, а флот только одну. По прихоти судьбы несколько выпущенных в Румынии вертолетов попали во французскую авиацию.

Romania's 58 IAR-330L helicopters are undergoing a multi-year sustainment programme to keep them operational into the 2030s

Four Romanian AF IAR 330L Puma will deploy to Mali in late August 2019, and three more will remain in Romania to support training.

Вертолет IAR-330 SOCAT румынской постройки является специализированным ударным вариантом Puma. Вертолет № 56 в 2003 году участвовал в совместных с американцами учениях "Exercise Cooperative Key", проводившихся в Болгарии.

Romanian Air Force IAR 330L Puma 03, seen here undergoing maintenance on July 26, 2006, was the helicopter that crashed in the Golesti Dam in Romania on October 24.

Изготовленные по лицензии вертолеты IAR-330L составляют основу вертолетного парка вооруженных сил Румынии, они используются как транспортные и поисково-спасательные. Вертолеты IAR-330 SOCAT предназначены для авиационной поддержки сухопутных войск.

IAR 330 Puma 3140, the first of three for the Romanian Navy, was officially unveiled at lAR's Ghimbav facility on January 30, 2007, when it performed a flying display for the assembled officials from the Navy and the manufacturer. The helicopters are in a similar configuration to those of the Romanian Air Force, including the Socat upgrade package. However, they additionally have inflatable flotation gear fitted under both sides of the nose and also on the main undercarriage fairings. After completing all necessary factory tests and undergoing sea trials, including deck landings, the helicopters will enter service. They will be routinely operated from Romanian Navy frigates in a variety of roles, including search and rescue, medevac and maritime surveillance missions.

Romanian Navy IAR-330 Puma Naval 140 (c/n 3140) lands on a frigate at Constanta Naval Base on July 13, 2007, completing its delivery flight from IAR Ghimbav facility. The helicopter is the first of three on order.

SA.330 Puma 9505, the type representing a huge increase in both airlift and SAR capabilities.

The SA.330L Puma equips Esq 751 at Montijo and operates in the transport and SAR roles. 9503 is seen before the addition of flotation gear around the nose.

Pumas of 19 Squadron on the flight line at AFB Swartkop.

Puma 177 in the guise of the development XTP-1 Beta at AFB Pietersburg, in 1990. This machine later became the first Oryx 1250.

A view of the Atlas Aviation facility with work underway on SAAF Pumas. Included in the view are 159 and 170.

Pumas stored at AFB Swartkop: 173 was sold to the RAF, becoming ZJ958; 153 and 157 were sold to the civilian operator Starlite.

A busy AFB Swartkop with Oryxs and Alouette IIIs.

Oryx 1223 departs a landing zone.

Oryx helicopters were used to insert troops at a landing zone on the Roodewal weapons range during this year's SAAF air capability demonstration on May 9, 2013.

Commonality with the widely-used Puma tactical transport helicopter provides Rooivalk with a powerful market-base for current Puma users.

Aerospatiale Alouette III вошел в число самых продаваемых легких вертолетов мира - почти 1500 построенных машин эксплуатировалось 190 военными и гражданскими операторами из 92 стран. Еще 400 вертолетов построили по лицензии индийская HAL (под обозначением Chetak) и румынская "ICA-Brasov" (под обозначением IAR 316). На фотографии: Alouette III ВВС ЮАР сопровождает Puma.

South African Air Force Oryx medium transport helicopter (1997)

Oryx 1249 in flight: compare with the view of Puma 127 earlier.

An Oryx from 31 Squadron shown with a 'Bambi' bucket while fire­fighting at AFB Hoedspruit.

SAAF Puma amid the Drakensburg Mountains

SAAF Puma 156 up high in the Drakensburg Mountains in 1992. Note the floatation gear.

Puma 144 became the first ex-SAAF example to enter RAF service as ZJ954.

Puma 127 (later sold to EADS Germany), plus another in flight.

First Puma, 121, taking on fuel ‘in the field’ during an exercise.

The SAAF’s first SA 330C F-WMHB (which became 121) seen at Calvia, Corsica, November 20, 1969. The '16' on the tail boom comes from the construction number - 1016.

Thin streamlined sponson, box-shaped sand filters and rescue hoist on 130. Also visible is the hoist.

Almost certainly, armament development SA 330J 177 with a nose sighting system for ZT-3 anti-tank missiles and belly-mounted 20mm cannon. The weapons beam - not a stub-wing - carries rocket pods.

ZS-HIZ, one of the Antarctica-equipped examples which operated from the 'Agulhas'.

Two of the civilian­standard SA330Js, ZS-HIZ and ZS-HJA, belonged to the Department of Transport but were flown by SAAF crew and from the survey ship 'Agulhas' in Antarctica.

Former Starflight Puma (ex-SAAF 157) is now with Thunder City at Cape Town, undergoing refit. Built as a SA 330H, it is now SA 330J standard.

Atlas/Denel offered all the ex-SAAF Pumas for sale. One idea marketed was this civilian VIP version.

Aerospatiale SA.330 Puma TR-KCI of the GPG performs a transport sortie over the Batanga region of Gabon. The Presidential Guard’s other Puma was fitted with a VIP interior. The unit later also used a small fleet of improved AS.332 Super Pumas, although only one of the latter appears to remain on strength with the GPG in 2018.

The Gabonese Presidential Guard (GPG) fleet beside the hangars at Libreville in the early 1980s, before the retirement of the unit’s Douglas Skyraiders in 1982.

This Gendarmerie SA 330L, based at Rabat-Souissi, is one of six used for search and rescue.

Хотя наиболее интенсивно в Африке использовались южноафриканские Puma, другие страны этого континента также эксплуатируют эти вертолеты. Марокканский SA 330L во время совместных учений с КМП США в 2007 году.

Вертолетные перевозки в вооруженных силах Кувейта обеспечивает 32-я эскадрилья, оснащенная вертолетами AS 330F Puma. В Кувейте также эксплуатируются вертолеты AS 332B и AS 332M.

Авиации армии Пакистана было поставлено в общей сложности 30 вертолетов SA 330F/J Puma. Возможно, вертолетный парк пакистанской армии будет увеличен за счет SA 330 Puma, снятых с вооружения в ОАЭ.

The Aerospatiale SA 330L Puma, No 242, is the Air Corps' largest helicopter to date. At one time operated by the Ethiopian Air Force, it is on two-year lease, until July 1983.

One of the half-dozen CH-33 (SA 330L) helicopters operated by the 3°./8°.GAv Esquadrao "Puma" which are operated from BA Campo dos Afonsos primarily for troop transport and support missions.

Lebanese Air Force SA330 Puma

Компания "Rocky Mountain Helicopter of Ohio" является давней поклонницей вертолетов фирмы "Aerospatiale". Она закупала вертолеты Lama, Alouette III, Ecureuil, AStar, TwinStar и Puma. Данный вертолет SA 330J применялся для перевозок людей и грузов.

Two Eurocopter SA330J Pumas from Geo-Seis Helicopters of Fort Collins, Colo, are contracted by US Military Sealift Command for transferring cargo and are embarked aboard the combat stores ship USNS Spica (T-AFS 9). Pictured is N330JA, which is part of the US Navy's Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) Puma Team, dropping supplies aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C Stennis (CVN 74) which is in the Arabian Sea supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Bristow Helicopters Aerospatiale/Westland SA 330J Puma.

Компания "Bristow" эксплуатирует большой парк тяжелых вертолетов, хотя SA 330J из эксплуатации выведены. BHL с помощью вертолетов выполняет замену работающих на буровых платформах, перевозки между платформами в море и поисково-спасательные операции.

Парк вертолетов AS 332L (330J ???) Tiger авиакомпании "Bristow Helicopter" насчитывает 34 машины. Они обслуживают нефтяные и газовые буровые платформы в Северном море, а их экипажи регулярно отрабатывают взлеты и посадки на ограниченные площадки в условиях дождя и сильного ветра. Летчики обладают высочайшей квалификацией.

Характеристики SA 330J позволяют эксплуатировать вертолет в условиях жары, BHL использует эти вертолеты на Дальнем Востоке и в Австралии.