Bell 47 vs SA 315B Lama

Overview

The Bell 47 and the SA 315B Lama are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Bell and Aérospatiale respectively.

Top speed is 169 km/h for the Bell 47 vs 192 km/h for the SA 315B Lama. The Bell 47 has an operational range of 396 km vs 515 km for the SA 315B Lama.

The Bell 47 has been produced in 5,600 units vs 400 for the SA 315B Lama. The Bell 47 first flew 23 years before the SA 315B Lama (1946 vs 1969).

American single-rotor light helicopter, developed in the mid-1940s and utilized for a wide range of civilian and military applications including reconnaissance and medical evacuation.
Bell Bell 47 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell
First flight 1 January 1946
Year introduced 1946
Number produced 5600 units
Average unit price --
French single-engined utility helicopter, developed in the late 1960s and introduced in the early 1970s, designed specifically for exceptional high-altitude operations.
Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
First flight 17 March 1969
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 400 units
Average unit price --
Wing area 100.8 m²
Wingspan 11.3 m
Height 2.8 m
Length 9.6 m
Maximum speed 169 km/h
Operational range 396 km
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight 1,338 kg
Empty weight 859 kg
Total thrust 1 x 210 kW
Wing area 95.4 m²
Wingspan 11.0 m
Height 3.1 m
Length 10.2 m
Maximum speed 192 km/h
Operational range 515 km
Service ceiling 5,400 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,300 kg
Empty weight 1,021 kg
Total thrust 1 x 649 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Bell 47 or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama is faster with a maximum speed of 192 km/h compared to the Bell 47's 169 km/h, a difference of 23 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Bell 47 or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama has a longer range at 515 km compared to the Bell 47's 396 km.
Which can fly higher, the Bell 47 or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama has a higher service ceiling at 5,400 meters (17,716 ft) compared to the Bell 47's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Bell 47 or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,300 kg compared to the Bell 47's 1,338 kg.
Which is larger, the Bell 47 or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama is longer at 10.2 meters compared to the Bell 47's 9.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the Bell 47 or SA 315B Lama?
The Bell 47 entered service first in 1946, 25 years before the SA 315B Lama which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Bell 47 or SA 315B Lama?
The Bell 47 has been produced in greater numbers with 5,600 units compared to 400 units of the SA 315B Lama.