Jump to content

Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma

From Alfawiki
Sud Aviation
Company typeAerospace manufacturer
IndustryAerospace, Helicopters
Founded1957; 69 years ago (1957)
Defunct1970 (merged into Aérospatiale)
FateMerged into Aérospatiale
SuccessorAérospatiale
Headquarters
France
,
France
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsAircraft, Helicopters (including SA 330 Puma)

The Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma is a medium-sized transport and utility helicopter featuring twin engines and four rotor blades, initially manufactured by the French aerospace company Sud Aviation.

Conceived in the mid-1960s to fulfill a requirement from the French Army for a versatile, all-weather helicopter of medium capacity, the Puma is equipped with two Turbomeca Turmo turboshaft engines. It can carry up to 16 troops or six litters accompanied by medical personnel for evacuation missions, with a maximum internal or external payload of 2,500 kg. Notable technological advancements include an automated blade inspection system and sophisticated anti-vibration mechanisms integrated into the main gearbox and rotor blades. Designed to operate effectively at night and across a wide range of environments—from Arctic conditions to deserts—the Puma retains substantial reserve power, enabling single-engine flight even when fully loaded.

The prototype took to the skies for the first time on 15 April 1965, followed by production models starting in September 1968, with initial deliveries to the French Army commencing in 1969. The helicopter rapidly gained commercial traction. Production extended into the 1980s under Sud Aviation's successor company, Aérospatiale. It was also produced under license in Romania as the IAR 330, while South Africa developed two unlicensed variants: the Denel Rooivalk attack helicopter and the Atlas Oryx utility helicopter. Successor models such as the AS332 Super Puma and AS532 Cougar, manufactured by Eurocopter and later Airbus Helicopters, have been in continuous production since the early 1990s.

The Puma has been extensively deployed in numerous military conflicts including the Gulf War, South African Border War, Portuguese Colonial War, Yugoslav Wars, Lebanese Civil War, Iraq War, and the Falklands War. Many users have modernized their fleets with enhancements like glass cockpit systems, GPS navigation, and upgraded defensive measures. The helicopter has also found widespread use in civilian applications; prominent commercial operators include Bristow Helicopters, which utilized it extensively for offshore operations in the North Sea.

Development

The SA 330 Puma was designed by Sud Aviation in response to the French Army’s demand for a medium-lift, all-weather helicopter capable of transporting up to 20 personnel along with cargo. Development commenced in 1963 with backing from the French government. The initial prototype achieved its maiden flight on 15 April 1965, followed by six pre-production units. During testing, one aircraft was equipped with a large Fenestron, but production versions retained a traditional tail rotor configuration. The first production model took flight in September 1968, with deliveries beginning early in 1969.

In 1967, the Royal Air Force (RAF) selected the Puma, assigning it the designation Puma HC Mk 1. A major collaborative manufacturing agreement between Aerospatiale and Westland Helicopters resulted in Westland producing components and assembling Pumas for the RAF. This partnership also facilitated reciprocal acquisitions of aircraft: the UK procured the Aérospatiale Gazelle, while France acquired the British-built Westland Lynx.

The SA 330 enjoyed considerable export success, being adopted by numerous countries’ armed forces. It also gained popularity within civilian sectors, especially for transportation to offshore oil installations. During the 1970s, it became Europe’s top-selling transport helicopter. By July 1978, more than fifty civil Pumas had been delivered worldwide, amassing over half a million flight hours.

Romania produced licensed versions known as the IAR 330, manufacturing at least 163 units for military use, civil operators, and export markets. Similarly, Indonesia undertook domestic production of the SA 330. In South Africa, extensive modernization programs were carried out by state-owned Atlas Aircraft Corporation, leading to the development of the improved Oryx. Additionally, during the 1990s Denel created an attack helicopter variant named the Denel Rooivalk, based on the Puma airframe.

Starting in 1974, Aerospatiale initiated development of enhanced models culminating in the AS332 Super Puma, which first flew on 13 September 1978 featuring more powerful engines and a lengthened fuselage. By 1980, production of AS332 variants had overtaken that of SA 330s. Aerospatiale ended SA 330 manufacturing in 1987 after delivering a total of 697 helicopters; nonetheless, Romanian production persisted into the early 21st century.

Design

The Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma is a twin-turbine helicopter engineered mainly for transporting personnel and providing logistical assistance. It accommodates up to 16 troops seated on fold-away seats or, when configured for medical evacuation, can carry six stretchers along with four attendants. It is capable of transporting cargo either internally or externally using an underslung hook, with a maximum payload capacity of 2,500 kilograms. Civilian models come with various interior arrangements tailored for passenger transport, including VIP configurations. Versions intended for search and rescue missions typically feature a hoist mounted on the starboard side of the fuselage.

Equipped with two Turbomeca Turmo turboshaft engines mounted atop the fuselage, the Puma’s four-blade main rotor spins at approximately 265 revolutions per minute through a five-stage reduction gearbox that incorporates advanced design features such as single-piece rotor shafts and built-in vibration dampening systems. An automatic system continuously monitors the rotor blades for signs of fatigue. The helicopter utilizes two separate hydraulic circuits: one dedicated to flight controls and the other managing the autopilot, landing gear, rotor brake, and supplementary flight systems.

The Puma was developed to deliver high velocity, agility, and strong performance in hot and high-altitude environments. Its engines provide ample power reserves to maintain full operational capability at maximum weight even if a single engine fails. The cockpit is outfitted with dual pilot stations plus an additional seat for a commander or crew member. It includes an SFIM-Newmark Type 127 electro-hydraulic autopilot system that stabilizes roll and pitch; the operator responsible for the load hook can also make adjustments via this autopilot.

Designed for easy transport by tactical airlifters such as the Transall C-160 and Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the Puma’s main rotor, landing gear, and tailboom can be detached to minimize its footprint during airlift. Maintenance accessibility was a key consideration in its engineering, featuring inspection points visible from the ground and minimizing components with limited service lives. This helicopter performs reliably across a wide range of environments—from arctic cold to desert heat—and supports operations during night-time conditions.

Operators have implemented various upgrades after initial production to extend and enhance the Puma’s capabilities. The Royal Air Force installed GPS navigation systems, infrared countermeasures, automated flare and chaff dispensers, as well as night vision goggles. The French Army Light Aviation upgraded their fleet to comply with ICAO regulations by integrating digital mission command and control systems such as the Sitalat data link. Additionally, third-party companies like South Africa’s Thunder City provide modernization services including life extension programs and glass cockpit retrofits.

Argentina

In the 1982 Falklands War, six SA 330 Pumas—five from the Argentine Army and one from the Argentine Coast Guard—were deployed aboard Navy vessels and operated across the islands; all were eventually lost. On 3 April, during the capture of South Georgia, one Puma sustained damage from small arms fire and crashed shortly thereafter. On 9 May, another Puma was destroyed by a Sea Dart missile launched from HMS Coventry.

On 23 May, Royal Navy Sea Harriers intercepted three Argentine Pumas conducting a resupply mission to Port Howard; one crashed into terrain, another was disabled and subsequently destroyed by cannon fire, while the third managed to evade capture. On 30 May, under uncertain circumstances—possibly friendly fire or engagement by SAS forces using Stinger missiles—a Puma was lost near Mount Kent, resulting in six fatalities among National Gendarmerie Special Forces personnel and eight injuries.

France

In September 1979, four Puma helicopters played a crucial role in Operation Barracuda by transporting a French assault team to the Central African Empire's government headquarters and enabling the swift retrieval of valuables and diplomatic documents to the French embassy.

The Puma also functioned as the official transport for the President of France until it was succeeded by the larger AS332 Super Puma. During the 1991 Gulf War, French Pumas supported coalition operations, with specially modified combat search-and-rescue models equipped with GPS systems to improve navigation accuracy.

Throughout the 1990s NATO intervention in the Yugoslav Wars, French Puma helicopters operated alongside British and UAE forces, frequently undertaking humanitarian missions. In April 1994, a French Puma extracted both a British SAS unit and a downed Sea Harrier pilot from hostile Bosnian territory while under small arms fire. On 18 June 1999, twenty Pumas rapidly deployed two companies of French paratroopers to secure Kosovska Mitrovica.

By 2010, France initiated the transition from Puma helicopters to NHIndustries NH90 models for use by both Army and Navy units. Between June 2014 and September 2015, two Pumas from Escadron d'Hélicoptères 1/67 'Pyrénées' were deployed to Chad and Niger as part of Operation Barkhane, supporting ground forces and disrupting insurgent supply lines in the Sahel region. By 2016, roughly 20 SA 330 Pumas remained active within the French Air and Space Force.

Lebanon

From 1980 to 1984, the Lebanese Air Force procured ten SA 330C Puma helicopters from France to equip its newly formed 9th transport squadron based at Beirut Air Base. In 1983, this squadron moved north of Beirut, distributing its Pumas across makeshift helipads near Jounieh and Adma for security reasons. On 23 August 1984, a tragic Puma crash resulted in the deaths of Lebanese Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff General Nadim al-Hakim along with eight senior officers. Later, on 1 June 1987, Prime Minister Rachid Karami was assassinated aboard a Puma when a bomb detonated onboard, severely damaging the helicopter and injuring other passengers.

During the concluding stages of the Lebanese Civil War, only six or seven Pumas remained operational. Their primary role involved liaison flights with neighboring Cyprus on behalf of General Michel Aoun's interim military government; however, frequent fuel shortages and maintenance challenges often grounded these helicopters until hostilities ceased in October 1990.

Following the conflict, efforts to rebuild Lebanon’s transport helicopter fleet were supported by the United Arab Emirates, which delivered seven IAR 330 SM helicopters previously operated by its air force in 2010.

In 2013, the Lebanese Air Force adapted an IAR 330 SM into an armed helicopter by installing an ADEN Mk 4/5 30mm revolver cannon along with 68mm rocket launchers sourced from retired fighter jets. Despite successful testing of this SA 330SM gunship variant, it was not adopted for operational use. Instead, Lebanon chose an armed version of the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar, planning to receive seven units over a three-year period.

Morocco

In 1974, Morocco finalized a deal with France to acquire 40 Puma helicopters for its military forces. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, these Pumas were actively engaged in operations against Polisario Front separatists, assisting in maintaining control over Western Sahara. However, their operational use diminished following losses inflicted by rebel forces equipped with Soviet-supplied 2K12 Kub missile systems during the early 1980s.

By October 2007, as part of a €2 billion agreement between Morocco and France, 25 Moroccan Pumas underwent comprehensive modernization and enhancement programs.

Portugal

Portugal was among the initial export clients, purchasing 12 Puma helicopters in 1969 for the Portuguese Air Force. These aircraft played a significant role during the Portuguese Colonial War, supplementing the smaller Alouette III fleet in conflicts related to Angolan and Mozambican independence, providing improved range and transport capabilities.

During the 1980s, Portugal secretly collaborated with South Africa to circumvent a United Nations embargo that prevented French upgrades to South African Pumas. Portugal ordered upgraded engines and avionics ostensibly for its own fleet; however, many of these parts were rerouted via a front company in Zaire to South African firm Armscorp. This arrangement facilitated the refurbishment and enhancement of South Africa’s Puma fleet into the Atlas Oryx. Portuguese Pumas also benefited from substantial paid upgrade work under this covert agreement.

Starting in 2006, Portugal initiated the replacement of its aging Puma helicopters with the larger AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin. From 2007 onwards, Portugal offered eight retired Pumas for sale; these remained on the market as of 2015.

South Africa

Beginning in 1972, South African Air Force (SAAF) Puma helicopters were extensively utilized throughout the Border War in South West Africa and Angola. Their missions included troop transport, medical evacuation, special forces deployment, and supporting major cross-border operations such as Savannah, Uric, Protea, Super, and Modular. Most Puma purchases and spare parts were secured prior to the 1977 United Nations embargo. Subsequently, South Africa upgraded numerous Pumas domestically, developing the Atlas Oryx helicopter with covert external assistance, including components procured through clandestine arrangements with Portugal during the embargo period.

In December 1979, the South African government publicly acknowledged military activities in Rhodesia involving Pumas supporting ground troops. By June 1980, 20 Pumas were deployed alongside 8,000 soldiers during an incursion into Angola targeting SWAPO insurgents. A notable incident occurred in 1982 when a Puma was shot down by SWAPO forces resulting in the deaths of 15 personnel—one of the conflict’s most severe casualties.

In the 1990s, Pascal Lissouba, then President of the Republic of Congo, attempted secret acquisitions of surplus SAAF Pumas likely intended for use during the Congolese Civil War. Additionally, during the 1991 Oceanos cruise ship disaster off South Africa’s Wild Coast, up to 13 Pumas played a vital role rescuing 225 survivors amid challenging weather conditions.

United Kingdom

The Royal Air Force received its first two Puma helicopters on 29 January 1971,[1][2] with No. 33 Squadron RAF establishing operational capability at RAF Odiham on 14 June that year.[3] The RAF procured a total of 48 Puma HC Mk1 helicopters primarily for transport roles; during the Falklands War, an additional SA 330J captured from the Argentine Naval Prefecture was refurbished by Westland and integrated into RAF service as ZE449.[4] The Puma became a key asset for British special forces such as the SAS, renowned for clandestine missions.[5]

Between the 1970s and ’90s, RAF Puma units operated from bases including RAF Odiham (33 Squadron and 240 OCU), RAF Gutersloh (230 Squadron), and No. 1563 Flight RAF stationed at RAF Belize. During The Troubles, detachments flew from RAF Aldergrove, with No. 230 Squadron relocating there permanently in 1994 before moving alongside No.33 Squadron to RAF Benson in 2009.[6][7]

RAF Pumas have been deployed to operations in Venezuela, Iraq, Yugoslavia, and Zaire.[8] They have also been utilized for disaster relief efforts such as during the 2000 Mozambique flood, humanitarian aid missions in Jamaica, peacekeeping assignments in Zimbabwe, and operations in the Persian Gulf.[9]

At the peak of the First Gulf War, Pumas from Nos.230 and 33 Squadrons rapidly deployed troops securing the strategically important Rumaila oil field.[5] Throughout the Iraq War (2003–2009), they provided vital troop transport capabilities.[10] Two fatal accidents occurring in April and November of 2007 raised safety concerns; subsequent investigations prompted enhancements including fitting Pumas with night vision goggles and reinforcing maintenance procedures.[11]

In 2002, six ex-South African SA330L helicopters were acquired by Britain to extend fleet longevity.[12] An extensive upgrade initiative introduced the Puma HC Mk2 starting late in 2012 and concluding by early 2014,[13] securing operational service until at least mid-2025. Originally planned for thirty units, this upgrade program was later adjusted to cover twenty-four HC Mk2 aircraft.[14][15][16] The enhancements include Turbomeca Makila engines, new gearboxes and tail rotors, digital autopilot systems, upgraded defensive aids suites, ballistic protection measures—resulting in doubled payload capacity and tripled range compared to previous models.[17] The HC Mk2 has been employed across tactical troop transport roles, combat operations support, and humanitarian relief efforts.

The RAF formally retired all Puma helicopters on March 31st, 2025; their successors are being procured under the New Medium Helicopter programme.[18]

Private military companies

The American private military firm EP Aviation has operated a significant number of Puma helicopters within Afghanistan.

Civil

Among the major operators, Bristow Helicopters extensively utilized the Puma for offshore missions in the North Sea. During the 1970s, Bristow aimed to replace its fleet of Sikorsky S-61 helicopters and chose the Puma following a competitively priced proposal from Aerospatiale; their initial Puma, registered G-BFSV, marked the start of this transition. Starting in 1979, the Puma became central to Bristow's fleet operations, gradually supplanting the retiring Westland Wessex helicopters by 1981. By 1982, Bristow expanded its fleet of 11 SA 330J Pumas by incorporating the more powerful Super Puma model.

The American company Erickson Inc. has operated a minimum of four Puma helicopters, engaged in Vertical replenishment (VERTREP) tasks supporting both the United States Fifth Fleet and United States Seventh Fleet.

Aérospatiale versions

SA 330A
Prototype models initially designated as "Alouette IV".
SA 330B
Early production variant for the French Army Light Aviation, equipped with 884 kW (1,185 hp) Turbomeca Turmo IIIC4 engines; France procured 132 units.
SA 330 Orchidée
Adapted to carry the Orchidée battlefield surveillance radar featuring a rotating antenna beneath the fuselage for the French Army. A single demonstrator was flown in 1986. Although cancelled in 1990, the program was briefly revived during the Gulf War, influencing a similar system on the Eurocopter Cougar.
SA 330C
Initial export configuration powered by 1,044 kW (1,400 hp) Turbomeca Turmo IVB engines.
SA.330E
Manufactured by Westland Helicopters for use by the RAF as Puma HC Mk. 1.
SA.330F
Civil export variant powered by Turbomeca Turmo IIIC4 engines.
SA.330G
Enhanced civilian model equipped with 1175 kW (1,575 hp) Turbomeca Turmo IVC engines.
SA.330H
Upgraded version for French Army and export markets featuring Turbomeca Turmo IVC engines and composite main rotor blades; designated SA 330Ba by the French Air and Space Force. All remaining French Army SA 330Bs were upgraded to this standard.
SA.330J
Improved civil transport variant incorporating composite rotor blades and increased maximum takeoff weight.
SA.330L
Designed for operations in "hot and high" environments, this military model corresponds to the civil SA.330J and is known as CH-33 in Brazilian service.
SA.330S
An enhanced SA 330L version for the Portuguese Air Force powered by Turbomeca Makila engines.
SA.330SM
Lebanese gunship conversion fitted with a single ADEN Mk 4/5 30mm cannon along with pairs of SNEB 68mm rocket pods mounted on reinforced side pylons.
SA.330Z
Experimental prototype featuring a "fenestron" enclosed tail rotor.
SA.331 Puma Makila
Served as an engine test platform for the AS.332 Super Puma series, powered by two Turbomeca Makila engines.

Variants by other manufacturers

Atlas Aircraft Corporation Oryx
A remanufactured and modernized version of the SA 330 Puma developed for the South African Air Force.
IPTN NAS 330J
Produced under license by IPTN in Indonesia, with a total of eleven units assembled under this designation.
IAR 330
Romanian license-built SA 330 Puma manufactured by Industria Aeronautică Română, designated as SA 330L by Aerospatiale.
IAR-330 Puma SOCAT
Twenty-four units modified specifically for anti-tank combat roles.
IAR-330 Puma Naval
Three units adapted for Romanian Navy use equipped with SOCAT avionics systems.
Westland Puma HC Mk 1
A variant equivalent to the SA 330E assembled by Westland Helicopters for the Royal Air Force, which first flew in 1970. The RAF placed an order for forty Pumas in 1967 and later acquired eight replacements in 1979.
Airbus Helicopters Puma HC.Mk 2
Puma HC Mk1 models upgraded with Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines, featuring glass cockpits, modern avionics suites, secure communication systems, and improved self-defense capabilities; twenty-four aircraft have been modernized to this standard.

Active Operators

Previous Operators

  • Philippine Air Force – Two units acquired in 1979 by the Central Bank of the Philippines for the VIP 700th Special Mission Wing

Significant accidents and incidents

Bibliography

  • Andrade, John. Militair 1982. London: Aviation Press Limited, 1982. .
  • Ashworth, Chris. Encyclopedia of Modern Royal Air Force Squadrons. Wellingborough, UK: Patrick Stephens Limited, 1989. .
  • Dean, David J. The Air Force role in low-intensity conflict. Air University Press, 1986. .
  • Edgar O'Ballance, Civil War in Lebanon, 1975–92, Palgrave Macmillan, London 1998.
  • Frawley, Gerard. The International Directory of Civil Aircraft. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 1997
  • Green, William. The illustrated encyclopedia of the world's commercial aircraft. Crescent Books, 1978. .
  • Healey, Andrew. Leading from the front: Bristow Helicopters, the first 50 years. Tempus, 2003. .
  • Jackson, Paul A. French Military Aviation. Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, England :Midland County Publications, 1979.
  • James, Derek N. Westland Aircraft since 1915. London: Putnam, 1991. .
  • Jefford, C G. RAF Squadrons, first edition 1988, Airlife Publishing, UK, .
  • Keucher, Ernest. R. Military assistance and foreign policy. Air Force Institute of Technology, 1989. .
  • Kraak, Jan. "Desert Puma". Air International, December 2016, Vol. 91, No. 6. pp. 88–95. .
  • Lake, Jon. "Variant File: Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma". International Air Power Review, Volume 2 Autumn/Fall 2001. Norwalk, CT, USA: AIRtime Publishing. . ISSN 1473-9917. pp. 96–107.
  • Leishman, J. Gordon. Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics. Cambridge University Press, 2006. .
  • McGowen, Stanley S. Helicopters: An Illustrated History Of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO, 2005. .
  • Neal, Molly. "SNIAS-Westland SA.330 Puma." Flight International, 14 May 1970. pp. 810–817.
  • Micheletti, Éric and Debay, Yves. Victoire a Souk El-Gharb – la 10e Brigade sauve le Liban in Liban – dix jours aux Coeur des combats, RAIDS magazine n.º41, October 1989. ISSN 0769-4814. pp. 18–24.
  • Penney, Stuart. "World Air Forces 2002". Flight International, Vol. 162, No. 4859, 26 November – 2 December 2002. pp. 33–78.
  • Rip, Michael Russel and James M. Hasik. The Precision Revolution: GPS and the Future of Aerial Warfare. Naval Institute Press, 2002. .
  • Ripley, Tim. Conflict in the Balkans 1991–2000. Osprey Publishing, 2010. .
  • Ryan, Mike. The Operators: Inside the World's Special Forces. HarperCollins, 2005. .
  • Smith, Gordon. Battle Atlas of the Falklands War 1982. Naval-History.net, 2006. .
  • Ray Sturtivant, RAF Flying Training and Support Units since 1912, Air-Britain (Historians), England, 2007,
  • Taylor, John W. R., ed. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1976–77. London: Macdonald and Jane's, 1976. .
  • Taylor, John W. R., ed. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988–89. Coulsdon, Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1988. .
  • Titley. Brian. Dark Age: The Political Odyssey of Emperor Bokassa. McGill-Queen's Press, 1997. .
  • Krimpen, Van and C. Bosgra. Portugal and NATO. Angola Comite, 1972.
  • Wheeler, Barry. "World Air Forces 1975". Flight International, Vol. 108, No. 3468, 28 August 1975. pp. 290–314.


External links

  1. ↑ "World News" Archived 2013-05-16 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International, Vol. 99, No. 3230, 4 February 1971, p. 144.
  2. ↑ "Wildcat Work-Out" Archived 2013-05-16 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International, Vol. 99, No. 3240, 15 April 1971, pp. 532–534.
  3. ↑ Ashworth 1989, p. 108.
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Variants p102-3
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Ryan 2005, p. 95.
  6. ↑ "Operation Tiger 9". Air International, January 2010, Vol. 78, No. 1. p. 7.
  7. ↑ No 31 – 35 Squadron Histories Archived 26 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 28 December 2009.
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named sqd 33
  9. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  10. ↑ Ryan 2005, p.170.
  11. ↑ Savill, Richard. "Fuel safety valves on fatal Puma crash helicopter `had not been checked for 30 years’." The Telegraph, December 2009
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named fiwaf02 p74
  13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named puma hc2 first
  14. ↑ "RAF gets funds for more Reaper UAVs, Puma upgrade." Flightglobal
  15. ↑ "Upgraded Puma HC2 to enter final flight test phase." Flightglobal
  16. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  17. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  18. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Aérospatiale_SA_330_Puma&oldid=33417"