Puma / Super Puma / H215: The versatile and reliable medium-heavy helicopter
The Puma family (SA 330), Super Puma (AS332) and H215 is the most proven and widely used medium-heavy helicopter in the world for demanding military and civil missions. Designed by Airbus Helicopters, it excels in troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation, SAR, offshore and operations in extreme environments. Avianet Consulting offers certified used or refurbished models, with localized maintenance support and training adapted to African realities.
Major strengths of the Puma / Super Puma / H215 family
- Legendary robustness: Designed for extreme environments (dust, heat +50°C, humidity, strong winds, offshore and mountain operations).
- Transport capacity: Up to 20–25 soldiers or 4,000–5,000 kg internal cargo, rear ramp for fast loading.
- Range and endurance: Up to 1,000 km range, 5–6 hour endurance, long-duration missions without refueling.
- Maximum safety: 4-axis autopilot, TCAS, TAWS, anti-icing, CAT A certification (takeoff/landing with one engine inoperative).
- Operating economy: Very competitive cost per hour (~3,000–4,500 USD/h), simplified maintenance, available parts.
- Comfort and ergonomics: Wide cabin, standing height, enhanced soundproofing, efficient air conditioning, crash-resistant seats.
- African adaptation: Anti-dust kits, emergency floats, desert camouflage, certification for tropical operations.
- Customization: Tailored configurations (troop transport, cargo, VIP, medical, ISR, light armament, SAR hoist).
- Avianet support: Airbus Helicopters certified maintenance, pilot/mechanic training, parts stored locally, 24/7 AOG.
- Financing: Military/civil leasing, government partnerships, cooperation programs.
- Availability: Certified used models in stock, fast delivery.
- Partners: Airbus Helicopters, African and international armed forces (very widely used in French-speaking Africa).
- Innovation: Advanced ISR systems, data link, predictive maintenance, composite rotors.
- Certification: EASA, FAA, military certifications, exportable to Africa.
Technical specifications (Puma / Super Puma / H215 family)
| Model | Type | Max speed | Range | Internal payload | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA 330 Puma | Medium twin-engine helicopter | 260 km/h | ~600 km | ~2,500 kg | Historic tactical transport, rugged |
| AS332 Super Puma | Medium-heavy twin-engine helicopter | 278 km/h | ~900 km | ~4,000 kg | Troop/cargo transport, offshore, SAR |
| H215 (modernized Super Puma) | Medium-heavy twin-engine helicopter | 278 km/h | ~1,000 km | ~4,500 kg | Modern version, advanced avionics, reliable |