Aerospatiale SA-315 Lama
The Aerospatiale SA315 Lama combined a lightweight Alouette II airframe with the more powerful engine and rotor of the larger Alouette III, creating a helicopter built specifically for exceptional high-altitude performance. It once held the world helicopter altitude record, having flown above 12,000 metres, a mark that showcased its extraordinary power-to-weight ratio at thin high-altitude air. That capability made it the helicopter of choice for Himalayan rescue and supply missions for decades, including flights to Everest base camp long before more modern helicopters could match its high-altitude payload. A number remain in mountain service across Nepal and India today.
Did you know?
Built for thin high-altitude air, the Lama once held the world helicopter altitude record and became the helicopter of choice for Himalayan rescues.
Specifications
| Length | 10.2 m (34 ft) |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.1 m (10 ft) |
| Rotor diameter | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 4 |
| Persons on board | 5 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 1.9 t |
| Range | 313 NM (580 km) |
| Maximum speed | 96 kt (178 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 8,000 ft (2,438 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,080 ft/min (5.5 m/s) |
| Fuel capacity | 575 l |
| Engines | 1x Turbomeca Artouste IIIB |
| Units built | 447 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
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