View source for Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon

{{Short description|1962 transport helicopter family}}
{{About|the Super Frelon||Frelon (disambiguation)}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = SA 321 Super Frelon
 |image = File:SA321 Super Frelon (cropped).jpg
 |caption = A Super Frelon helicopter of the [[French Navy]]
 |type = [[Transport helicopter]]
 |national_origin = France
 |manufacturer = [[Sud Aviation]]<br>[[Aérospatiale]]
 |designer =
 |first_flight = 7 December 1962<ref name="Stevens 55"/>
 |introduction = 1966
 |retired =
 |status = In service with the [[People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force]]
 |primary_user = [[French Navy]]
 |more_users = [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]]<br>[[South African Air Force]]<br>[[Iraqi Air Force]]
 |produced= 1962–1981
 |number_built= 110{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}
 |developed_from= [[SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon]]
 |variants=
 |developed_into= [[Avicopter AC313]]
}}

The '''Aérospatiale''' (formerly '''Sud Aviation''') '''SA 321 Super Frelon''' ("Super Hornet") is a three-engined heavy transport [[helicopter]] produced by aerospace manufacturer [[Sud Aviation]] of [[France]]. It held the distinction of being the most powerful helicopter to be built in Europe at one point, as well as being the world's fastest helicopter.

The Super Frelon was a more powerful development of the original [[SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon|SE.3200 Frelon]], which had failed to enter production. On 7 December 1962, the first prototype conducted the type's [[maiden flight]]. On 23 July 1963, a modified Super Frelon flew a record-breaking flight, setting the new FAI absolute helicopter world speed record with a recorded speed of {{convert|217.7|mph|abbr=on}}. Both civilian and military versions of the Super Frelon were produced; the type was predominantly sold to military customers. In 1981, Aerospatiale, Sud Aviation's successor company, chose to terminate production due to a lack of orders.

The Super Frelon was most heavily used by naval air arms, such as the [[French Naval Aviation]] and the [[People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force]]. On 30 April 2010, the type was retired by the French Navy, having been replaced by a pair of [[Eurocopter EC225]] helicopters as a stopgap measure pending the availability of the [[NHIndustries NH90]] helicopter. The Super Frelon was in use for an extended period within [[China]], where it was [[Licensed production|manufactured under license]] and sold by the [[Harbin Aircraft Industry Group]] as the '''Harbin Z-8'''. A modernised derivative of the Z-8, marketed as the [[Avicopter AC313]], performed its first flight on 18 March 2010.

==Development==
===Background===
The SA.3210 Super Frelon was developed by French aerospace company Sud Aviation from the original [[SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon|SE.3200 Frelon]]. During the type's development, Sud Aviation had risen to prominence as a major helicopter manufacturer, having exported more rotorcraft than any other European rival.<ref name="Stevens 55"/> Having produced the popular [[Aérospatiale Alouette II]] and [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]], the firm was keen to establish a range of helicopters fulfilling various roles, functions, and size requirements; two of the larger models in development by the early 1960s were the Super Frelon and what would become the [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]]. The Super Frelon was the largest helicopter in development by the firm, being substantially increased over the earlier Frelon, and was considered to be an ambitious design at the time.<ref name="Stevens 55"/>

The earlier Frelon had been developed to meet the requirements of both the [[French Navy]] and the [[German Navy]], which both had released details on its anticipated demands for a heavy helicopter; however, these requirements were revised upwards by the customer, leading to the redesign and emergence of the Super Frelon.<ref name="Stevens 55"/> Changes included the adoption of much more powerful engines, using three [[Turbomeca Turmo|Turbomeca Turmo IIIC]] [[turboshaft]] engines, each capable of generating {{cvt|1,320|shp|kW}} on the prototypes (later uprated to {{cvt|1,500|shp|kW}} on production models) in place of the Frelon's {{cvt|750|/|800|shp|kW}} [[Turbomeca Turmo|Turbomeca Turmo IIIB]] engines; these drove a {{cvt|62|ft|m}} six-[[rotor blade|bladed]] main rotor, instead of the Frelon's {{cvt|50|ft|m}} four-bladed one, and a five-bladed (instead of four-bladed) tail rotor. Overall, the modified design provided for a greatly increased gross weight, from {{cvt|17,650|to|26,450|lb|kg}}, whilst improving the rotorcraft's aerodynamic efficiency and handling qualities.<ref name="Stevens 55"/>

Additional external changes between the Frelon and Super Frelon had been made, such as the original stubby tail boom having been replaced by a more conventional one, albeit with a crank in it to raise the tail rotor clear of vehicles approaching the rear loading ramp.<ref name="Stevens 55"/> Taking note of American experiments with amphibious helicopters, the Super Frelon's fuselage was redesigned into a hull, featuring a bow, planing bottom and watertight bilge compartments. Various foreign manufacturers participated in the development and manufacturing of the type; American helicopter company [[Sikorsky Aircraft|Sikorsky]] was contracted to supply the design of a new six-bladed main rotor and five-bladed tail rotor, while Italian manufacturer [[Fiat]] supplied the design for a new main transmission.<ref name="Stevens 58">Stevens 1964, p. 58.</ref>

===Into flight===
On 7 December 1962, the first prototype Super Frelon conducted the type's [[maiden flight]].<ref name="Stevens 55"/> On 28 May 1963, it was followed by the second prototype. The first prototype was tailored towards meeting the needs of the [[French Air Force]], while the second was fully navalised, including lateral stabilising [[float (nautical)|floats]] fixed to the undercarriage.<ref name="Stevens 55 56">Stevens 1964, pp. 55–56.</ref> On 23 July 1963, a modified prototype Super Frelon helicopter was used to break the FAI absolute helicopter world speed record, having attained a maximum speed of {{convert|217.7|mph|abbr=on}} during the flight.<ref name="JAWA66 p63">Taylor 1966, p. 63.</ref> Flown by Jean Boulet and Roland Coffignot, a total of three international records were broken, these being: speed over 3&nbsp;km at low altitude,
{{cvt|212.03|mph|km/h}}; speed at any altitude over 15 and 25&nbsp;km, {{cvt|217.77|mph|km/h}}; and 100km closed circuit {{cvt|207.71|mph|km/h}}.<ref name="Stevens 56">Stevens 1964, p. 56.</ref>

By April 1964, the two prototypes had accumulated 388 flying hours, which included 30 hours of seaworthiness trials performed with the second prototype.<ref name="Stevens 56"/> In January 1964, the third Super Frelon prototype made its first flight, the fourth first flew during May 1964, and a pair of pre-production models were completed during the latter half of 1964. The third prototype participated in a series of accelerated wear trials to establish component endurance and overhaul lifespan, while the fourth prototype was assigned to further tests of equipment for the naval environment.<ref name="Stevens 56"/> 

By July 1964, the French Government had placed an initial order for the Super Frelon, intended to perform logistic support duties at the Centre Experimental du Pacifique; negotiations for a further order was already being negotiated for the naval version, which were to be equipped for anti-submarine duties. However, [[West Germany|West German]] support for the Super Frelon programme had already declined by this point, partially due to interest in the rival [[Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King]], which was evaluated against the type.<ref name="Stevens 56"/>

Both civilian and military versions of the Super Frelon were built, with the military variants being the most numerous by far, entering service with the French military as well as being exported to [[Israel]], [[South Africa]], [[Libya]], [[China]] and [[Iraq]]. Three military variants were produced: military transport, anti-submarine and anti-ship. The transport version is able to carry 27 equipped troops, or alternatively 15 stretchers for casualty evacuation tasks.

==Design==
[[File:SAAF Super Frelon-002.jpg|thumb|The load deck of a Super Frelon]]
The Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon is a large, heavy-lift single-rotor helicopter, furnished with a relatively atypical three-engine configuration; these are [[Turboméca Turmo|Turboméca Turmo IIIC]] [[turboshaft]] engines set on top of the fuselage, a pair of turbines positioned side by side at the front and one located aft of the main rotor.<ref name="Stevens 56"/> The naval anti-submarine and anti-ship variants are usually equipped with navigation and search [[radar]] (ORB-42), and a 50-metre rescue cable. They are most often fitted with a 20&nbsp;mm cannon, countermeasures, night vision, a laser designator and a Personal Locator System. The Super Frelon can also be fitted for inflight refueling.{{CN|date=June 2017}}

The front engines have simple individual ram intakes, while the rear one is fitted with a semi-circular scoop to provide air; all three bifurcated exhausts are near to the rotor head. The three engines and the reduction [[gearbox]] are mounted on a horizontal bulkhead and firewall which forms the roof of the cabin and upper structural member of the fuselage.<ref name="Stevens 56"/> The engines are isolated by multiple firewalls, including transverse firewalls separating front and rear engines from the rotor gearbox, and zonal engine firewalls.<ref name="Stevens 56 57">Stevens 1964, pp. 56–57.</ref> Eight sturdy hinged doors provide access to the compact Turmo engines, which have ample space around them to enable ground crew to service them without using external platforms.<ref name="Stevens 57">Stevens 1964, p. 57.</ref>

The fuselage is actually a [[hull (watercraft)|hull]], which makes use of a semi-[[monocoque]] light [[alloy]] construction; according to aerospace publication [[Flight International]], the hull design was "reminiscent of flying-boat engineering".<ref name="Stevens 56"/> The main cabin lacks any transverse bracing, except for a single bulkhead between the cockpit and cabin. Substantial built-up frames connect the strengthened roof structure with the floor/planing-bottom of transverse under-floor bulkheads and outer skin.<ref name="Stevens 56"/> A conventional exterior skin is used, employing longitudinal stiffeners as well as two lines of deep channel members, while the under-floor cross members are reinforced with vertical stiffeners. There is no [[keel]], at the floor level there are horizontal members between frames which are stiffened by transverse shear angles.<ref name="Stevens 56"/> Flexible fuel cells are stored in four watertight under-floor compartments lying fore and aft of the rotor axis, while the floor itself is fitted with removable panels. A hatch set into the floor, positioned approximately underneath the rotor axis, is used for sling-load operations.<ref name="Stevens 56"/>

At the rear of the cabin is a tapered section of simple semi-[[monocoque]] construction, which is closed by a robust hinged rear loading ramp, which serves as the main entrance for bulky loads or equipment.<ref name="Stevens 57"/> The loading ramp is jettisonable in emergency situations. Additionally, there is a sliding door located on the forward starboard side, while a small hinged emergency door is set on the aft port side.<ref name="Stevens 57"/> The tail boom uses conventional semi-monocoque construction, supported by closely spaced notched channel-section frames and continuous stringers, absent of any major longitudinal sections or longerons. The cranked section carrying the tail rotor and trim plane is more robust, strengthened by a solid-web spar, frames, and stiffeners.<ref name="Stevens 57"/> The juncture of the main boom and cranked section is hinged in order to reduce the rotorcraft's folded length to {{cvt|58|ft|m}}. Along the top of the boom, the shaft for the tail rotor is covered by a fairing.<ref name="Stevens 57"/>

The fixed landing gear has twin wheels on each of the three vertical [[shock absorber]]-equipped struts.<ref name="Stevens 57"/> The main leading gear units are mounted on triangulated tubular structures, while the nose gear is bracketed to the cockpit bulkhead via a watertight seal in the planing bottom. The main wheels have hydraulic brakes operated from the pedals, complete with a parking hand brake, while the nose unit is fully castoring.<ref name="Stevens 57"/> The nose, which is covered by large glazed panels, has a bow [[chine]] and planing bottom built as a unit with the flight deck, which is higher than the main cabin floor.<ref name="Stevens 56"/>

==Operational history==

===China===
[[File:PLAAF Z-8KH.jpg|thumb|A Z-8KH of the PLAAF]]

From December 1975 to April 1977, China took delivery of a batch of 12 SA 321 Super Frelon navalised helicopters. These helicopters came in two variants: anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search and rescue [[Search and rescue|(SAR)]] versions. The Super Frelon was the first helicopter of the [[People's Liberation Army]] (PLA) to be capable of operating from the [[flight deck]] of surface vessels. 

China has also manufactured a number of Super Frelons locally, where it is known under the designation ''Z-8'' (land-or-ship based ASW/SAR helicopter). The Super Frelon remains operational with the PLA Navy as of 2014.

Since the early 1980s, the Super Frelons have been frequently used by the [[People's Liberation Army Navy]] (PLAN) for conducting shipborne ASW and SAR operations. For ASW missions, the Z-8 is equipped with surface search radar and a French HS-12 dipping sonar while carrying a Whitehead A244S torpedo under the starboard side of the fuselage. The rotorcraft were also used to ferry supplies from replenishment ship to surface combatants, and transport marines from the landing ship to the shore. 

A naval SAR version, designated as the ''Z-8S'', was outfitted with upgraded avionics, a  searchlight, [[Forward looking infrared|FLIR]] turret and a hoist, made its first flight in December 2004. Another rescue variant, furnished with dedicated medivac equipment on board, was also developed for the Navy, designated as the ''Z-8JH''.

The ''Z-8A'' version was developed as an army transport variant and received certification in February 1999. In 2001, a pair of Z-8As were delivered to the Army for evaluation, however, it ultimately decided to procure additional Mi-17V5s instead. Only a single batch of about six Z-8A were delivered to the Army in November 2002; these still retained the nose weather radar and side floats. Starting in 2007, the [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]] (PLAAF) also acquired dozens of upgraded ''Z-8K''s and ''Z-8KA''s for conducting SAR missions; these were equipped with a FLIR turret and a searchlight underneath the cabin, plus a hoist and a flare dispenser.

China has also developed a domestic civil helicopter variant of the Z-8, which is marketed as the [[Avicopter AC313]]. The AC313 has a maximum takeoff weight of 13.8 tonnes, is capable of carrying up to 27 passengers, and has a maximum range of 900&nbsp;km (559 miles).<ref name="AirForceWorld.com_AC313_helicopter">{{cite web |url=http://airforceworld.com/pla/ac313-z8-helicopter-china.htm |title=AC313 Civil Helicopter |work=AirForceWorld.com |access-date=5 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209123234/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/ac313-z8-helicopter-china.htm |archive-date=9 December 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

After the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]], Z-8 helicopter production received a massive boost as the event had proved the helicopter's value in humanitarian missions. New engine acquisition and design changes were implemented in order to iron out some of known existing issues which had affected the Z-8 for decades. The Chinese [[People's Armed Police]] ordered 18 Z-8 helicopters; by 2013, at least five helicopters had been delivered, the majority of these having been assigned to forestry fire fighting units. During subsequent earthquake relief operations, Z-8 helicopters have been deployed to perform rescue and logistical missions.<ref name="Z8_helicopter_armed_police">{{cite web |url=http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/english/z8-helicopter-china.html |title=Z8 Helicopter production boost from 2008 |work=AirForceWorld.com |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027070141/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/english/z8-helicopter-china.html |archive-date=27 October 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In 2018, the PLA Army Aviation announced that it would begin phasing out its fleet of Z-8 helicopters due to low performance and high maintenance requirements, even though some examples have only been in service for 6 years, the Z-8s will likely to be replaced by the [[Harbin Z-20]] medium lift helicopter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/LY8-PEMyvk82sESnSy0cOg|title=再见，直8！|last=曾思敏|date=22 March 2018|website=解放军报社南部战区分社|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref>

===France===
In October 1965, the SA 321G ASW helicopter joined the [[French Naval Aviation]] (''Aeronavale''). Apart from ship-based ASW missions, the SA321G also carried out sanitisation patrols in support of [[Redoutable-class submarine (1967)|''Redoutable''-class]] ballistic missile submarines. Some aircraft were modified with nose-mounted targeting radar for [[Exocet]] anti-ship missiles. Five SA321GA freighters, originally used in support of the Pacific nuclear test centre, were transferred to assault support duties.

In 2003, the surviving Aeronavale Super Frelons were assigned to transport duties, including commando transport, VertRep and SAR.

The SA321G Super Frelon served with ''Flotille 32F'' of the French ''Aviation navale'', operating from Lanvéoc-Poulmic in [[Brittany (administrative region)|Brittany]] in the Search and Rescue role. They were retired on 30 April 2010, replaced by two [[Eurocopter EC225]] helicopters purchased as stop-gaps until the [[NHIndustries NH90]] came into service in 2011–12.<ref name="Hornet">Grolleau 2009, pp. 56–60.</ref><ref name="Goodbye">Grolleau 2010, p. 12.</ref>

===Iraq===
Starting in 1977, a total of 16 Super Frelons were delivered to the [[Iraqi Air Force]]; equipped with radar and Exocet missiles, the Iraqi models were designated as the ''SA 321H''. These rotorcraft were deployed in the lengthy [[Iran–Iraq War]] and during the 1991 [[Gulf War]], in which at least one example was destroyed.<!-- in which war at least one was destroyed? -->

During the [[Iran–Iraq War]], Iraq started using Super Frelon and its other newly purchased Exocet-equipped fighters to target Iranian shipping in Persian Gulf in an event now known as the [[Iran–Iraq War#Attacks_on_shipping|Tanker War]]. Two of the Iraqi Super Frelons were downed by Iranian fighters, one by a long-range shot of [[AIM-54A Phoenix]] by an [[F-14 Tomcat]] (during [[Operation Pearl]]) while under way over Persian Gulf, and one by an [[AGM-65A Maverick]] fired from an Iranian [[F-4 Phantom]] in July 1986, while attempting to take off from an oil rig.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Williams |first1=Anthony G. |last2=Gustin |first2=Emmanuel |title=Flying Guns of the Modern Era |date=2004 |publisher=Crowood Press |location=Marlborough |isbn=9781861266552 |page=172}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Farrokh |first1=Kaveh |title=Iran at War, 1500–1988 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=dUHhTPdJ6yIC&pg=PT638 |date=2011 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |location=Oxford |isbn=9781780962214 |page= 638}}</ref>

===Israel===
[[File:Super Frelon Hatzerim 28042004.jpg|thumb|An [[Israeli Air Force]] Super Frelon at the Air Force Museum in [[Hatzerim]]]]

Israel placed an order for six ''SA 321K'' Super Frelons in 1965 to equip the [[Israeli Air Force]] with a heavy lift transport capability.<ref name=trade>{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=20 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=14 April 2010 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The first of these helicopters arrived on 20 April 1966, enabling the inauguration of [[114 Squadron (Israel)|114 Squadron]], which operated the type out of [[Tel Nof Airbase|Tel Nof]]. An additional six Super Frelons were ordered during the following year.<ref name=trade /> 

The Israeli military had initially hoped to use the Super Frelons for deploying [[Panhard AML|Panhard AML-90]] light armoured cars in support of airborne operations, but this concept was dropped when tests revealed the helicopter was incapable of handling the vehicle's combat weight.<ref name="Update2">[https://books.google.com/books?id=a7MMAQAAMAAJ "The Israel Digest of Press and Events in Israel and the Middle East."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110144/https://books.google.com/books?id=a7MMAQAAMAAJ |date=2018-03-20 }} ''The Israel Digest'', 1966. Collected Issues Volumes 9–10.</ref> A total of four helicopters had arrived by the start of the 1967 [[Six-Day War]], during which they flew 41 sorties. Israeli Super Frelons saw extensive service during the [[War of Attrition]], participating in operations such as [[Operation Shock|''Helem'']], [[Operation Rooster|''Tarnegol 53'']] and [[Operation Rhodes|''Rhodes'']].<ref name=Norton>{{cite book |last=Norton |first=Bill |title=Air War on the Edge: A History of the Israel Air Force and its Aircraft since 1947 |publisher=[[Ian Allan Publishing|Midland Publishing]] |year=2004 |isbn=1-85780-088-5 |pages=212–216}}</ref>

The type was once again in service during the [[Yom Kippur War]], following which Israel replaced the original [[Turbomeca Turmo]] engines with the {{convert|1870|shp|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[General Electric T58]]-GE-T5D engine. The Super Frelons also took part in the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in June 1982.<ref name="Norton"/> Due to their relatively high maintenance cost and poor performance capabilities compared to the IAF [[Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion|CH-53]]s, they were eventually retired in 1991.

===Libya===
In 1980–1981, six radar-equipped SA 321GM helicopters and eight SA 321M SAR/transports were delivered to [[Libya]].<ref name="Donald p16">Donald and Lake 1996, p. 16.</ref>

===South Africa===
[[South Africa]] ordered sixteen SA 321L helicopters in 1965,<ref name=trade/> which were delivered by 1967 and assigned to [[15 Squadron SAAF|15 Squadron]] of the [[South African Air Force]] (SAAF).<ref name=Baxter>{{cite book |last=Baxter |first=Peter |title=SAAF's Border War: The South African Air Force in Combat 1966–89 |date=February 2013 |page=24 |publisher=Helion and Company Ltd |location=Solihull |isbn=978-1908916235}}</ref> At least two were deployed to [[Mozambique]] in support of [[Rhodesia]]n military operations against insurgents of the [[Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army]] between 1978 and 1979.<ref name=Baxter/> Others were mobilised for evacuating South African paratroops from Angola during [[Operation Reindeer]].<ref name="Borderstrike">{{cite book | first = Willem | last = Steenkamp| title = Borderstrike! South Africa Into Angola 1975–1980 | year = 2006|edition= 2006 |pages= 132–226 | publisher = Just Done Productions| isbn= 1-920169-00-8}}</ref> 

In August 1978, the [[South West African People's Organization]] sparked a major border incident between South Africa and Zambia when its guerrillas fired on an SAAF Super Frelon landing at [[Katima Mulilo]] from Zambian soil. The South Africans retaliated with an artillery strike, which struck a Zambian Army position.<ref name="Borderstrike"/>

===Syria===

In October 1975, it was widely reported that [[Syria]] had ordered fifteen unspecified Super Frelons from France as part of an arms deal funded by [[Saudi Arabia]].<ref>''The Syrian Arab Republic: a handbook.'' Anne Sinai, Allen Pollack, 1976. p. 101.</ref> While the [[Syrian Air Force]] did issue a requirement for fifteen of the specific aircraft, and recommended purchasing up to fifty, by 1984 the sale had still not materialized.<ref>Hewish, Mark. ''Air Forces of the World: An Illustrated Directory of All the World's Military Air Powers''. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1979. {{ISBN|0-671-25086-8}}. pp. 155–156.</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Super Frelon 1.jpg|thumb|A Super Frelon loading and about to take off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Clemenceau|R98|2}}]]
[[File:Super Frelon 3.jpg|thumb|A Super Frelon of the 32F wing, landing on ''[[Ouragan-class landing platform dock|Ouragan]]'']]
[[File:SAAF-Super Frelon-001.jpg|thumb|A [[South African Air Force]] SA 321L]]
[[File:Z-8l cns 2024.png|thumb|Changhe Z-8L with its widened airframe]]

; [[SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon|SE.3200 Frelon]] : Prototype transport helicopter powered by three 597&nbsp;kW (800&nbsp;hp) [[Turbomeca Turmo]] IIIB engines driving a four-bladed rotor of 15.2&nbsp;m (50&nbsp;ft) diameter. Two built, the first flying on 10 June 1958.<ref name="Stevens 55">Stevens 1964, p. 55.</ref>
; SA 321 : Preproduction aircraft. Four built.
; SA 321G : Anti-submarine warfare version for the [[French Navy]], it was powered by three Turbomeca IIIC-6 turboshaft engines; 26 built.
; SA 321Ga : Utility and assault transport helicopter for the French Navy.
; SA 321GM : Export version for Libya, fitted with Omera ORB-32WAS radar.
; SA 321H : Export version for Iraq, it was powered by three Turbomeca Turmo IIIE turboshaft engines, fitted with Omera ORB-31D search radar, and armed with Exocet [[anti-ship missiles]].
; SA 321F : Commercial airline helicopter, powered by three Turbomeca IIIC-3 turboshaft engines, with accommodation for 34 to 37 passengers.
; SA 321J : Commercial transport helicopter and accommodation for 27 passengers.
; SA 321Ja : Improved version of the '''SA 321J'''.
; SA 321K : Military transport version for Israel.
; SA 321L : Military transport version for South Africa, fitted with air inlet filters.
; SA 321M : Search and rescue, utility transport helicopter for Libya.
; {{Ill|Changhe Z-8|lt='''Changhe Z-8'''|zh|直-8}}: Chinese built version with three Changzhou Lan Xiang WZ6 turboshaft engines.
; Changhe Z-8A : Army transport.
; Changhe Z-8F : Chinese built version with [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6]]B-67A turboshaft engines.
; Changhe Z-8AEW : Chinese AEW helicopter with retractable radar antenna, [[Active electronically scanned array|AESA]] radar, 360 degree coverage, redesigned nose similar to the [[AC313]], and FLIR.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cnair.top81.cn/Ka-31_Z-8AEW.htm |title=Chinese Military Aviation &#124; China Air Force |access-date=2012-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313010653/http://cnair.top81.cn/Ka-31_Z-8AEW.htm |archive-date=13 March 2012 }}</ref>
; Changhe Z-8L : Chinese variant with wide-body fuselage and enlarged fuel [[sponson]]s, first spotted in January 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tate |first1=Andrew |title=Image emerges of Z-8G helicopter variant |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85859/image-emerges-of-z-8g-helicopter-variant |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190121181141/https://www.janes.com/article/85859/image-emerges-of-z-8g-helicopter-variant |archive-date=21 January 2019 |location=London |date=21 January 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The internal width of the load area has been increased from 1.8m to 2.4 m, making it larger than old Z-8 and SA321 variants.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/update-images-show-wide-body-variant-of-z-8g-helicopter-undergoing-load-carrying-trials |website=Janes |title=Update: Images show wide-body variant of Z-8G helicopter undergoing load-carrying trials |date=21 August 2020 |first=Andreas |last=Rupprecht}}</ref>
'''Changhe Z-8WJS'''

Chinese variant with IR camera, better datalink, and ability to carry firefighting bucket<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Cui |first=Jicheng |last2=Sun |first2=Yufeng |date=2013-01-20 |editor-last=Zhang |editor-first=Xueyang |title=武警森林部队直升机支队新年首飞 |trans-title=The Armed Police Forestry Corps Helicopter Detachment's 1st flight of the year |url=https://news.12371.cn/2013/01/20/ARTI1358639122961977.shtml |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Chinese Communist Party]]}}</ref>

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:Super Frelon 2.jpg|thumb|A Super Frelon helicopter of the 35F wing of the [[French Navy]]]]
[[File:SA321F Super Frelon F-OCMF 335 (F-BTRP) (6819263632).jpg|thumb|Olympic Airways SA321F Super Frelon F-OCMF now preserved at [[The Helicopter Museum]] Weston-super-Mare]]

;{{CHN}}
* [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013">{{cite web|url =http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf|title =World Air Forces 2013|publisher =Flightglobal Insight|year =2013|access-date =7 March 2013|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121216005935/http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf|archive-date =16 December 2012|url-status =live|df =dmy-all}}</ref>  
* [[People's Liberation Army Ground Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|publisher= Flightglobal |year= 2022 |doi = |accessdate= 16 July 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref>
* [[People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
* [[People's Armed Police]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=武警湖南省总队直升机接装仪式直8直9现身_行业动态__公共安全装备网公共安全装备网 |url=https://www.e110119.com/news/show-30.html |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=www.e110119.com}}</ref>
** {{Ill|People's Armed Police Forestry Corps|zh|中國人民武裝警察部隊森林部隊}} (Z-8WJS) (defunct, handed to [[National Fire and Rescue Administration]])<ref name=":0" />
* [[National Fire and Rescue Administration]]
** {{Ill|National Fire and Rescue Administration Daqing Aerial Rescue Detachment|lt=|zh|国家消防救援局大庆航空救援支队}} (Z-8WJS) (Inherited from PAP Forestry Corps)<ref>{{Cite web |title=大庆航空救援支队 |trans-title=Daqing Aerial Rescue Detachment |url=https://zs.cfri.edu.cn/content/aviation/f37b1a3d-5f29-11ed-abd1-566fc9ae0009 |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=China Fire and Rescue Institute}}</ref>
** {{Ill|National Fire and Rescue Administration Kunming Aerial Rescue Detachment|zh|国家消防救援局昆明航空救援支队}} (Z-8WJS)<ref>{{Cite web |title=昆明航空救援支队 |trans-title=Kunming Aerial Rescue Detachment |url=https://zs.cfri.edu.cn/content/aviation/0fa28784-5f2a-11ed-abd1-566fc9ae0009 |archive-url= |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=China Fire and Rescue Institute}}</ref>

;{{FRA}} 
* [[French Naval Aviation]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%203642.html |title=World's Air Forces 1990 pg. 50. |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=7 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730100715/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%203642.html |archive-date=30 July 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/222/|title=Aéronautique Navale|access-date=7 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206072635/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/222/|archive-date=6 December 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> - retired
;{{GRE}}
* [[Olympic Airways]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1970/1970%20-%200230.html |title= V/STOL 1970 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 7 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130730101128/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1970/1970%20-%200230.html |archive-date= 30 July 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref>
;{{IDN}}
* [[Indonesian Air Force]] - retired<ref name="indomil"/>
* [[Pelita Air Service]] - the sole example was transferred to the Indonesian Air Force<ref name="indomil">{{Cite web|url=https://www.indomiliter.com/sa321j-super-frelon-jejak-sejarah-helikopter-angkut-berat-tni-au-dan-pelita-air-service/|title=SA321J Super Frelon - Jejak Sejarah Helikopter Angkut Berat TNI AU dan Pelita Air Service|date=2019-12-09|website=Indomiliter.com|language=id|access-date=2019-12-10}}</ref>
;{{IRQ}}
* [[Iraqi Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1273/|title=Al Quwwa al Jawwiya al Iraqiya|access-date=7 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111658/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1273/|archive-date=24 December 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> - 10 delivered in 1980-1981 but status unknown since Gulf War<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1273/|title=SE3210 Super Frelon in Al Quwwa al Jawwiya al Iraqiya|accessdate=6 April 2023}}</ref> and not with current fleet
;{{flaglist|Israel}}
* [[Israeli Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1981/1981%20-%202521.html |title=World's Air Forces 1981 pg. 349. |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=7 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730101111/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1981/1981%20-%202521.html |archive-date=30 July 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/174/ |title=Heil Ha'Avir |access-date=7 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224110945/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/174/ |archive-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> - retired 1996
;{{flag|Libya|1977}}
* [[Libyan Air Force (1951–2011)|Libyan Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1981/1981%20-%202531.html |title=World's Air Forces 1981 pg. 359 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=7 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218110734/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1981/1981%20-%202531.html |archive-date=18 February 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> - not with current fleet
* [[Libyan Navy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%202313.html|title=World's Air Forces 1997 pg. 53.|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=7 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730095030/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%202313.html|archive-date=30 July 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> - not with current fleet
;{{flag|South Africa|1928}}
* [[South African Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/687/|title=Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag|access-date=7 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911002129/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/687/|archive-date=11 September 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> - operated 17 and retired after 1990
;{{flag|Zaire}}
* [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Air Force of Zaire]]<ref name=trade/>

==Specifications (Naval Super Frelon)==
[[File:AEROSPATIALE SUPER FRELON.png|right|300px|Super Frelon]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77'',<ref name="Janes 76 p40-1">Taylor 1976, pp. 40–41.</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=5
|capacity=<br/>
** 27 passengers ''or''
** 15 stretchers
|length m=23.03
|length ft=
|length in=
|length note=(overall, rotors turning)<br/>
*'''Fuselage length:''' {{convert|19.40|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|height m=6.66
|height ft=
|height in=
|empty weight kg=6863
|empty weight lb=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=
|max takeoff weight kg=13000
|max takeoff weight lb=
|fuel capacity={{convert|3975|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}} (normal)
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=3
|eng1 name=[[Turboméca Turmo]] IIIC
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]]s
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=1550<!-- prop engines -->

|rot number=1<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia m=18.90<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia ft=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia in=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area sqm=280.6<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area sqft=<!-- helicopters -->

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|cruise speed kmh=249<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed note=at sea level
|never exceed speed kmh=275
|range km=1020
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|endurance=4 hr<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=3150
|ceiling ft=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=1312
|lift to drag=
|disk loading kg/m2=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|more performance=
|armament=
* 4× homing torpedoes in the ASW role ''or''
* 2× [[Exocet]] missiles with the ORB-31 radar-equipped variant
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Avicopter AC313]]
* [[SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Agusta A.101]]
* [[AgustaWestland AW101]]
* [[Mil Mi-8]]
* [[Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King]]
|lists=
* [[List of rotorcraft]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{Commons category|Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon}}
* Donald, David and Jon Lake. ''Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft''. London: Aerospace Publishing, Single Volume Edition, 1996. {{ISBN|1-874023-95-6}}.
* Grolleau, Henri-Paul. "French Navy Super Hornets". ''[[Air International]]'', May 2009, Vol 76 No. 5. Stamford, UK:Key Publishing.  ISSN 0306-5634. pp.&nbsp;56–60.
* Grolleau, Henri-Pierre. "Hello EC225, Goodbye Super Frelon". ''Air International'', June 2010, Vol 78 No. 6. UK:Key Publishing.  ISSN 0306-5634. p.&nbsp;12.
*{{cite journal |last1=Roux|first1=Robert J.|title=Les records de vitesse du Super Frélon|journal=Le Album de Fanatique de l'Aviation |date=November 1970|issue=16|pages=27–29|issn=0757-4169|language=fr|trans-title=The Super Frélon's Speed Records}}
* Stevens, James Hay. "[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1964/1964%20-%202032.html Super Frelon: Western Europe's Most Powerful Helicopter]". ''[[Flight International]]'', 9 July 1964. pp.&nbsp;55–59.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W.R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1966–1967'', London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1966.
* Taylor, J.W.R. ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1976–77''. London:Macdonald and Jane's, 1976. {{ISBN|0-354-00538-3}}.

{{Sud/Aérospatiale aircraft}}
{{PRC helicopters}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aerospatiale Super Frelon}}
[[Category:1960s French military transport aircraft]]
[[Category:Aérospatiale aircraft]]
[[Category:Changhe aircraft]]
[[Category:Amphibious helicopters]]
[[Category:1960s French helicopters]]
[[Category:Military transport helicopters]]
[[Category:Three-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1962]]