SA316 Alouette III vs SA340 Gazelle

French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles.
Picture of SA316 Alouette III
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
French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction.
Picture of SA340 Gazelle
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
First flight 7 April 1967
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 1775 units
Average unit price $1.7 million
Wingspan 11.0 m â—‰
Height 3.0 m â—‰
Length 10.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 210 km/h â—‰
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 3,200 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,143 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 713 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Sud Aviation SA316 Alouette III
Wingspan 10.5 m â—‰
Height 3.2 m â—‰
Length 11.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 310 km/h â—‰
Operational range 361 km
Service ceiling 4,450 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,100 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,009 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 650 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Aérospatiale SA340 Gazelle

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the SA316 Alouette III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 210 km/h, a difference of 100 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SA316 Alouette III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has a longer range at 361 km compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the SA316 Alouette III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has a higher service ceiling at 4,450 meters (14,599 ft) compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the SA316 Alouette III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA316 Alouette III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,200 kg compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 2,100 kg.
Which is larger, the SA316 Alouette III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is longer at 11.9 meters compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 10.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the SA316 Alouette III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is more expensive at approximately $1.7 million per unit compared to the SA316 Alouette III at $1.5 million.
Which entered service first, the SA316 Alouette III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA316 Alouette III entered service first in 1961, 10 years before the SA340 Gazelle which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the SA316 Alouette III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA316 Alouette III has been produced in greater numbers with 2,000 units compared to 1,775 units of the SA340 Gazelle.