Airbus AS332 Super Puma

Airbus AS332 Super Puma

Type: helicopter

Domain: air

Country of Origin: France

Manufacturer: Airbus Helicopters (France)

First Deployed: 1978

Overview

French medium transport helicopter providing Bolivian armed forces with heavy-lift rotary-wing capability. Bolivia operates AS332 Super Puma (also known as Cougar in military variant) procured from France. Features twin turbine engines, capacity for 20+ troops or cargo, external sling for heavy loads, proven reliability, excellent high-altitude performance. Employed for troop transport, logistics support, medical evacuation, disaster relief, VIP transport. French technology provides proven reliable platform combat-proven globally. Critical for Bolivian operations given challenging terrain and limited infrastructure especially in mountain and jungle regions. However, operating costs high compared to smaller helicopters. Represents Bolivian priority for capable transport platform. French support enables continued operations. Symbolizes European helicopter industry export success even to smaller Latin American nations.

Technical Specifications

range842 km
engines2x Turbomeca Makila turboshaft
payload25 troops or 4,500 kg cargo
max_speed278 km/h
rotor_diameter15.6 m
max_takeoff_weight9,350 kg

Operators

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