GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

SA321 Super Frelon vs Wessex

SA321 Super Frelon vs Wessex at a glance — top speed 275 vs 212 km/h, range 1,020 vs 500 km, max takeoff weight 13,000 vs 6,123 kg, built 110 vs 382 units.

Specifications
SA321 Super Frelon Wessex
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale Westland
First flight 7 December 1962 20 June 1958
Year introduced 1966 1961
Number produced 110 units 382 units
Average unit price $3.5 million --
Wing area -- m² 228.8 m²
Wingspan 18.9 m 17.1 m
Height 6.7 m 4.8 m
Length 23.0 m 20.1 m
Maximum speed 275 km/h 212 km/h
Operational range 1,020 km 500 km
Service ceiling 3,100 m 3,700 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,000 kg 6,123 kg
Empty weight 6,865 kg 3,783 kg
Total thrust 3 x 1,155 kW 2 x 1,010 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the SA321 Super Frelon or Wessex?
The SA321 Super Frelon is faster with a maximum speed of 275 km/h compared to the Wessex's 212 km/h, a difference of 63 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SA321 Super Frelon or Wessex?
The SA321 Super Frelon has a longer range at 1,020 km compared to the Wessex's 500 km.
Which can fly higher, the SA321 Super Frelon or Wessex?
The Wessex has a higher service ceiling at 3,700 meters (12,139 ft) compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 3,100 meters (10,170 ft).
Which is heavier, the SA321 Super Frelon or Wessex?
The SA321 Super Frelon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,000 kg compared to the Wessex's 6,123 kg.
Which is larger, the SA321 Super Frelon or Wessex?
The SA321 Super Frelon is longer at 23.0 meters compared to the Wessex's 20.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the SA321 Super Frelon or Wessex?
The Wessex entered service first in 1961, 5 years before the SA321 Super Frelon which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the SA321 Super Frelon or Wessex?
The Wessex has been produced in greater numbers with 382 units compared to 110 units of the SA321 Super Frelon.