TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SA 330

In developing the SA 330 to meet the requirements of the French Army for a tactical helicopter, SUD-AVIATION have deployed considerable resources. The extent of the prototype programme, which covers 7 helicopters, the large number of preliminary tests conducted in the laboratory or on special test benches, fatigue proving-tests undertaken before the first flight, together with the methods of direct and remote measuring used during the test flights, are among the most significant aspects of the development of this helicopter. The summary of the SA 330 development story exposes the objectives established and describes the technological solutions adopted and the test equipment and methods employed. The principal problems encountered in developing the helicopter are given, together with the measures adopted to solve them. Finally, this document demonstrates the possibilities of development offered by this helicopter, the characteristics of which qualify it for numerous tasks in the field of both civil and military trans-port.