SA330 Puma vs SA340 Gazelle

The SA330 Puma and the SA340 Gazelle are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Aérospatiale and Aérospatiale respectively. Top speed is 257 km/h for the SA330 Puma vs 310 km/h for the SA340 Gazelle. The SA330 Puma has an operational range of 580 km vs 361 km for the SA340 Gazelle. The SA330 Puma operates at altitudes up to 4,800 m compared to 4,450 m for the SA340 Gazelle. At 7,000 kg MTOW, the SA330 Puma is 3.3x the SA340 Gazelle's 2,100 kg. The SA330 Puma has been produced in 697 units vs 1,775 for the SA340 Gazelle. Unit cost is $2M for the SA330 Puma vs $1.7M for the SA340 Gazelle. The SA330 Puma first flew 2 years before the SA340 Gazelle (1965 vs 1967).

French medium-lift utility helicopter with extensive global service in troop transport since the late 1960s.
Aérospatiale SA330 Puma Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
First flight 15 April 1965
Year introduced 1968
Number produced 697 units
Average unit price $2 million
French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction.
Aérospatiale SA340 Gazelle Helicopter profile drawing
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 15.0 m
Height 5.1 m
Length 18.2 m
Maximum speed 257 km/h
Operational range 580 km
Service ceiling 4,800 m
Max. takeoff weight 7,000 kg
Empty weight 3,536 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,175 kW
Wingspan 10.5 m
Height 3.2 m
Length 11.9 m
Maximum speed 310 km/h
Operational range 361 km
Service ceiling 4,450 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,100 kg
Empty weight 1,009 kg
Total thrust 1 x 650 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the SA330 Puma or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the SA330 Puma's 257 km/h, a difference of 53 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SA330 Puma or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA330 Puma has a longer range at 580 km compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 361 km.
Which can fly higher, the SA330 Puma or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA330 Puma has a higher service ceiling at 4,800 meters (15,748 ft) compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 4,450 meters (14,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the SA330 Puma or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA330 Puma has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 7,000 kg compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 2,100 kg.
Which is larger, the SA330 Puma or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA330 Puma is longer at 18.1 meters compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 11.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the SA330 Puma or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA330 Puma is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the SA340 Gazelle at $1.7 million.
Which entered service first, the SA330 Puma or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA330 Puma entered service first in 1968, 3 years before the SA340 Gazelle which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the SA330 Puma or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,775 units compared to 697 units of the SA330 Puma.