The Puma is a support helicopter which entered RAF service in 1971. Selection of the design arose from an RAF requirement to replace Belvedere and Whirlwind helicopters then in service and an agreement was signed in 1967 between Westland and the French company Sud Aviation (later known as Aerospatiale) covering licence production of 48 SA.330Es which were to be known as Puma HC1s in RAF service. The Anglo-French agreement also covered the production of 292 SA.341 light helicopters (known as Gazelles). In return the French were granted licence production of 40 Westland Lynx helicopters.
The RAF has a fleet of Puma HC1 helicopters available to the frontline Support Helicopter Force. No 33 Sqn based at RAF Benson comprises the Operational Conversion Flight, the ACE Mobile Force (AMF) Flight and an Operational Flight. No 230 Sqn is also based at RAF Benson.
As support helicopters (SH) within the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), the Pumas are used in the classic support roles of tactical troop and load (internal/underslung) movement by day or night. The aircraft can accommodate 12 equipped troops or up to 2 tonnes of freight.
Another major role is that of casualty evacuation for which 6 stretchers can be fitted.
Pumas were involved in Operation TELIC, the liberation of Iraq, supporting British Army patrols and carrying out casualty evacuation flights.
Roles
- Support Helicopter (SH). The tactical movement of troops, weapons, ammunition and support stores in the battlefield.
- Casualty Evacuation (Casevac). Removal of casualties and medical emergencies from forward areas.
- Search and Rescue. The location and evacuation of people in emergency situations.
Recognition
Tall, narrow cabin with a deep tail boom. Engines mounted above the cabin, forward of the main rotor hub. RAF Pumas have extended engine intakes projecting well forward above the windscreen. Large sliding cabin doors; retractable undercarriage, with the main wheels housed in small sponsons. Four-blade main rotor and tail rotor mounted on the starboard side.