Alouette III by Heller
1/72 scale
Kit No. 225
Retail: $20.00
Decals: Two versions – One Aeronavale, one Armee de l’Air
Comments: Raised panel lines, simple construction, good weekend kit
History
The Alouette III is a single engine, light utility helicopter that since its introduction in 1961, has proved to be as popular as it is versatile, being license-built in India, Romania and Switzerland in addition to its service with the French military. It remains in service in many civilian and military applications over 60 years later.
Between 1957-1958 the French engineer Charles Marchetti, who was at the head of the group who developed the Alouette II, along with his technicians worked on a new project to develop a larger, wider and more powerful helicopter. He proposed to the newly founded Sud Aviation his idea and was authorized to build two prototypes. The new helicopter was christened Alouette III (the French equivalent of Lark). Compared to its predecessor the Alouette III had a roomier cabin accommodating up to six passengers along with the pilot or two litter patients and one/two medical assistants, a more powerful Artouste III turbine, larger diameter main and tail rotor, new transmission, fully enclosed fuselage fitted with tricycle landing gear, and larger payload.
The Alouette III was developed as an enlarged derivative of the earlier and highly successful Alouette II. It shared many elements with its predecessor, offering an extra pair of seats and other refinements, quickly becoming a commercial success among both civil and military customers. The Alouette III was principally manufactured by Aérospatiale; however, the type was also built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India as the HAL Chetak, by Industria Aeronautică Română (IAR) in Romania as the IAR 316, and F+W Emmen in Switzerland.
The first prototype SE 3160 performed its maiden flight on February 28,1959, piloted by French aviator Jean Boulet. During its flight test program, the prototype demonstrated its high altitude capabilities on several occasions. In October-November 1960, Boulet did a series of flight demonstrations along the Himalayas mountain range for the Indian Air Force which was seriously interested in purchasing the Alouette III. On November 6, 1960 in the region of Kullu-Manali, Boulet landed and took off with one passenger and 250 kg (551 lbs) of equipment and fuel from the Mount Deo Tibba at an altitude of 6,004 meters, or 19,698 feet. This impressive high altitude performance seized the attention of many potential operators around the world.
In 1961, the initial SE 3160 model of the type entered serial production. It was revealed to the world at the International Air Show at Paris-Le Bourget Airport in June 1961. On December 15, 1961, the Alouette III received its airworthiness certificate, clearing it to enter operational service.
Over the years, the Alouette III has undergone several modifications and improvements. The SA 316B, introduced in 1968, featured an upgraded Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turboshaft engine, providing more power and better performance. This model also introduced a fully-articulated main rotor, replacing the previous semi-rigid design, which improved the helicopter’s handling characteristics.
Civilian Applications
In a civilian capacity, the Alouette III was commonly used for casualty evacuation, often fitted with a pair of external stretcher panniers, crop-spraying, personnel transportation, and for carrying external loads. By the 2010s, many operators were in the process of drawing down their fleets and replacing them with more modern types. Despite the closure of Aérospatiale’s own production line, the event was not the end of the Alouette’s production run. Over 500 Alouette IIIs have since been manufactured under licence abroad in several countries, such as Romania, India, and Switzerland.
Excelling at Search and Rescue
One of the most successful civilian uses of the Alouette III has been in the area of search and rescue (SAR). Its high-altitude performance, combined with its ability to carry multiple passengers and medical equipment, made it an ideal platform for SAR operations. Many Alouette IIIs were equipped with a hoist, allowing them to perform rescues in difficult terrain where a landing would be impossible.
The Aérospatiale Alouette III is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the French aviation industry. Its lenghty service life and host of civilian uses paint a picture of an aircraft that was ahead of its time and continues to leave a lasting legacy in the world of aviation. The Alouette III has proven itself to be a reliable and versatile aircraft, serving in a variety of roles and environments around the world.
The Kit
Heller’s Alouette III, first released in 1980, is presented on five sprues, four molded in light blue, and one in clear plastic. The kit is injection molded in plastic and consists of 61 parts. One thing readily apparent is that whatever detail exists in the cabin will be readily visible, for it will be surrounded by three parts forming the Alouette’s trademark bulbous greenhouse canopy.
The kit has raised panel lines and an option for one of two relatively detailed turbine engines. The cockpit features separate seats, control yokes and collectives for the pilot and co-pilot, along with a single instrument panel. Despite the dual controls, the instrument panel is situated on the right side of the cockpit and is oriented toward the pilot, who sits on that side. The cabin seats five 
with a third seat immediately adjacent the co-pilot and facing to the rear. There is seating for two more people on a bench situated against the rear bulkhead.
The main rotor features simple construction that, if it is carefully assembled, will allow the rotor blades to spin freely. Many helicopter kits fall down in this department in that the engineering of their main rotor leaves something to be desired in terms of the ability of the blades to move unhindered. The blades themselves are cemented to the rotor arms without benefit of locator pins, so some modelers may want to use quick drying cement.
Markings
Decals are provided for two versions, one of which is an Aeronavale machine, the SA 316 version of the Alouette appearing in a paint scheme of overall Navy Blue (Heller 7006, equivalent to Humbrol Oxford Blue), featuring the French roundel with an anchor superimposed over it, and number 29 in white. The second version is apparently for an Armee de l’Air machine, the SA 319 version of the Alouette appearing in a paint scheme of overall Uniform Green (Heller 7061, equivalent to Humbrol Uniform Green), featuring the standard French roundel with the serial 67 – IB.
Conclusion
This is a neat weekend kit of simple construction that should not provide modelers any headaches. Much will depend on how well the clear panels fit together to form what should be a relatively seamless greenhouse effect covering the cockpit and cabin, but in this modeler’s experience, Heller kits of this vintage rarely have major fit problems (the Heller 1/144 Concorde kit being an exception to the rule).
Highly recommended.
References
- www.fairlifts.com
- https://www.heli-archive.ch
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