IAR330 Puma made in the IAR Ghimbav SA factory, near Brasov, Romania
Romanian Air Force
IAR330L Puma during an international exercise
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IAR330 Puma Technical Data
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| Maximum weight
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7,400 kg
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16,300 lbs
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| Empty weight
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3,615 kg
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8,000 lbs
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| Maximum height
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5.14 m
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16.86 ft
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| Engine
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twin gas-turbine engines with 1,575 HP at take-off
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| Maximum speed
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263 km/h
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142 kt
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| Max cruise speed
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258 km/h
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139 kt
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| Range (with internal fuel tanks)
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500 km
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310 mi
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AS330, commonly known as "Puma", or "Cougar", is one of the most widely used medium sized helicopters in the world. A large number of these are currently in use in many air forces, on all the continents.
The largest user of 330 helicopters is France, closely followed by Romania, and at a long distance, come the other users, starting with Great Britain.
Nicolae Ceausescu, the former dictator of Romania between 1965-1989, steared his country away from Soviet influence during the Cold War. One of the many important turning points in this policy, was the acquision by Romania of the 330 production license from France.
Since that day, over 160 Puma helicopters have been built at the IAR Ghimbav SA factory (located near Brasov, in the center of Romania), and the Romanian Air Force currently operates 103 aircraft, making it the second largest Puma user in the world.
Romanian Air Force IAR330L Puma tail 07
recovering Romanian Special Forces from a NATO exercise
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IAR330L Puma SOCAT
- transport and attack helicopter ;
- modern weapons systems, digital navigation, communications and firing equipment ;
- cannon, sensors and rockets move where the pilot's helmet is turning ;
 IAR330L Puma SOCAT in flight |
Sorin IAR330 Puma page is 
2003 by Sorin
A Crâsmarelu from Sorin®Air Group
Pictures by NATO/PfP photographers. All rights reserved
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