SA 315B Lama vs SA316 Alouette III

Overview

The SA 315B Lama and the SA316 Alouette III are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Aérospatiale and Sud Aviation respectively.

Top speed is 192 km/h for the SA 315B Lama vs 210 km/h for the SA316 Alouette III. The SA 315B Lama has an operational range of 515 km vs 540 km for the SA316 Alouette III. The SA 315B Lama operates at altitudes up to 5,400 m compared to 3,200 m for the SA316 Alouette III.

The SA 315B Lama has been produced in 400 units vs 2,000 for the SA316 Alouette III. The SA316 Alouette III first flew 10 years before the SA 315B Lama (1959 vs 1969).

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 --
French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles.
Sud Aviation SA316 Alouette III Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sud Aviation
First flight 28 February 1959
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 2000 units
Average unit price $1.5 million
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
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 11.0 m
Height 3.0 m
Length 10.0 m
Maximum speed 210 km/h
Operational range 540 km
Service ceiling 3,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,200 kg
Empty weight 1,143 kg
Total thrust 1 x 713 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the SA 315B Lama or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III is faster with a maximum speed of 210 km/h compared to the SA 315B Lama's 192 km/h, a difference of 18 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SA 315B Lama or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has a longer range at 540 km compared to the SA 315B Lama's 515 km.
Which can fly higher, the SA 315B Lama or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA 315B Lama has a higher service ceiling at 5,400 meters (17,716 ft) compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the SA 315B Lama or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA 315B Lama has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,300 kg compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 2,200 kg.
Which is larger, the SA 315B Lama or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA 315B Lama is longer at 10.2 meters compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 10.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the SA 315B Lama or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III entered service first in 1961, 10 years before the SA 315B Lama which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the SA 315B Lama or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has been produced in greater numbers with 2,000 units compared to 400 units of the SA 315B Lama.