Single engine light helicopter

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  In 1959 a first batch of 17 Sud Est SE3130 Alouette II (later Sud Aviation SE313B) was bought to replace the Piper Super Cubs. These helicopters were equipped with an Artouste-engine. Included in this batch were 3 aircraft for use by the Force Publique/Openbare Macht in Congo. In October 1960 a second batch of 22 aircraft was ordered. The aircraft in these batches were registered A01-A39. In 1967 a third batch of 17 Alouettes (A40 - A56) equipped with the more powerful Astazou-engine (type SE3180, later SE318), followed by a fourth order for 25 aircraft on October 30th, 1967 (registered A57 - A81) was acquired. Of interest is to note that aircraft A47 to A77 were assembled by SABCA. After the introduction of the Agusta A109 Hirundo in Belgian Army service the role of the Alouette II changed now only used for heli-training and communications duties. At the same time all remaining Artouste-powered aircraft were withdrawn from use. After the closure of the School of Light Aviation at Brasschaat in 2006 only a few Alouettes remain in service at Bierset airbase for general communications purposes but they were finally retired on 9 September 2009. (Daniel Brackx)