YouTube – Lama Helicopter
Specifications |
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Primary Function:
Crew: Engine: Horsepower: Length: Height: Rotor: Weight Empty: Max. Weight: Fuel: Cruise Speed: Max. Speed: Climb Rate: Ceiling: Range: Year Deployed: |
utility
one Turbomeca Astazou 550 hp. 42 ft. 3 in. 10 ft. 1 in. 43 ft. 4 in. 2,258 lbs. 4,300 lbs. 151 US gallons 91 mph 130 mph 1,085 fpm 17,700 feet 320 miles 1970 |
Lama Helicopter
On June 12, 1972 Jean Boulet piloted the Lama Helicopter, officialy the Aerospatiale SA-315B Lama, to a helicopter absolute world altitude record of 40,820 feet.
The Lama Helicopter is designed to operate in the thin air of hot climates and at high altitudes. It is derived from its predecessor. While the predecessor uses a 870 hp Turbomeca Astazou IIIB engine, the engine on the Lama produces less sea level power, but it is more efficient at higher altitudes.
The Lama Helicopter was originally conceived as piston engine powered. When the designed was changed to include the Turbomeca Astazou engine it became the first production turbine powered helicopter in the world.
While Aerospatiale ceased production of the Lama in 1989, HAL, India, continues to produce updated versions to this day, under a license agreement.
RC Lama Helicopter
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