Airbus Helicopters Puma HC.2

The Aérospatiale SA330 Puma is a medium size battlefield helicopter which was originally developed for the French Army and achieved its first flight in 1965.The type was also chosen by the RAF in 1967 and Pumas destined for UK service were to be assembled by Westlands in Yeovil. A total of 697 Pumas were eventually built and the type was also licence-built by IAR in Romania as the IAR 330 who also converted the Puma into an armed attack helicopter. The basic Puma design has been stretched and developed over the years resulting in the more powerful AS332 Super Puma and its militarised variant, the AS532 Cougar. Whilst Puma production ended in 1987, the Super Puma and Cougar continue to be produced by Airbus Helicopters as the H215 and H215M.

The Puma HC2 is an upgraded version of the Puma HC1 which the RAF has operated since 1971. A faster, further-reaching Puma for the 21st century’s battlefields, it features a host of enhancements. They include an upgraded engine, gearbox and tail rotor and more modern avionics. Inside, 12 fully-equipped combat troops, 16 passengers or two tonnes of cargo can be accommodated. The Puma will eventually be replaced in RAF service by the New Medium Helicopter programme.

The JHC will be sending a Puma HC2 from 28 Squadron for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo as part of our NATO 75th anniversary celebrations.

Photo Credit: Kev Storer