View source for Aérospatiale Alouette III

{{Short description|Light helicopter family by Sud Aviation, later Aerospatiale}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}} 
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = SA 316/SA 319 Alouette III
 |image = Sud SA 316B Alouette III A-247 (cropped).jpg
 |caption = A [[Netherlands Air Force]] SA 316B Alouette III during '100th Anniversary of Dutch Military Aviation' airshow 
 |type = Light [[utility aircraft|utility]] [[helicopter]]
 |national_origin = France
 |manufacturer = [[Sud Aviation]]<br />[[Aérospatiale]]
 |designer =
 |first_flight = 28 February 1959
 |introduction = 1960
 |retired =
 |status = In service
 |primary_user = [[French Armed Forces]]<!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top four (4) users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on number of their fleets. -->
 |more_users = [[Indian Armed Forces]] <br /> [[Portuguese Air Force]] <br /> [[Rhodesian Air Force]]<br />
 |produced = 1961–1985<br />(HAL Chetak production stopped 2021)
 |number_built = 2,000+
 |developed_from = [[Aérospatiale Alouette II]]
 |variants = [[IAR 316]]
 |developed_into =[[Aérospatiale Gazelle]] <br /> [[Atlas XH-1 Alpha]]
}}

The '''Aérospatiale Alouette III''' ({{IPA|fr|aloo-wɛt}}, ''Lark''; company designations '''SA 316''' and '''SA 319''') is a single-engine, light [[utility helicopter]] developed by [[France|French]] aircraft company [[Sud Aviation]]. During its production life, it proved to be a relatively popular rotorcraft; including multiple [[Licensed production|licensed manufacturers]], more than 2,000 units were built.

The Alouette III was developed as an enlarged derivative of the earlier and highly successful [[Aérospatiale Alouette II|Alouette II]]. Sharing many elements with its predecessor while offering an extra pair of seats and other refinements, it quickly became a commercial success amongst both civil and military customers. Further variants were also developed; amongst these was a high-altitude derivative, designated as the [[Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama|SA 315B Lama]], which entered operational service during July 1971. The Alouette III was principally manufactured by [[Aérospatiale]]; the type was also built under licence by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) in [[India]] as the [[HAL Chetak]], by [[Industria Aeronautică Română]] (IAR) in [[Romania]] as the [[IAR 316]] and [[F+W Emmen]] in [[Switzerland]].

Similar to the Alouette II, in military service, it was used to perform missions such as aerial observation, photography, [[air-sea rescue]], liaison, transport and training; it could also be armed with anti-tank missiles, anti-shipping torpedoes, and a fixed cannon. In a civilian capacity, the Alouette III was commonly used for casualty evacuation (often fitted with a pair of external stretcher panniers), crop-spraying, personnel transportation, and for carrying external loads. By the 2010s, many operators were in the process of drawing down their fleets and replacing them with more modern types; the French military intend to replace their Alouette IIIs with the newly developed [[Airbus Helicopters H160]].<ref name = "frenavy retire"/>

==Development==
===Origins===
The Alouette III has its origins with an earlier helicopter design by French aircraft manufacturer [[SNCASE|Sud-Est]], the [[Sud-Est Alouette|SE 3120 Alouette]], which, while breaking several helicopter speed and distance records in July 1953, was deemed to have been too complex to be realistic commercial product.<ref name = "euro alouette"/><ref name = "boyne 101">Boyne 2011, p. 101.</ref> Having received financial backing from the French government, which had taken an official interest in the venture, the earlier design was used as a starting point for a new rotorcraft that would harness the newly developed [[turboshaft]] engine; only a few years prior, [[Joseph Szydlowski]], the founder of [[Turbomeca]], had successfully managed to develop the [[Turbomeca Artouste|Artouste]], a {{cvt|260|hp|abbr=on}} single shaft turbine engine derived from his [[Turbomeca Orédon|Orédon]] turbine engine. An improved version of this engine was combined with the revised design to quickly produce a new helicopter, initially known as the [[Aérospatiale Alouette II|SE 3130 Alouette II]].<ref name="euro alouette">[http://www.eurocopter.ir/site/en/ref/1955_-SE3130_454-125.html?noeu_id=454&page_id=125&lang=EN "1955: SE3130 "Alouette II"."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222150108/http://www.eurocopter.ir/site/en/ref/1955_-SE3130_454-125.html?noeu_id=454&page_id=125&lang=EN |date=22 December 2015 }} ''Eurocopter'', Retrieved: 20 December 2015.</ref><ref name = "boyne 271">Boyne 2011, p. 271.</ref><ref name = "mcgow 226">McGownen 2005, p. 226.</ref>

During April 1956, the first production Alouette II was completed, becoming the first production turbine-powered helicopter in the world.<ref name = "euro alouette"/> The innovative light helicopter soon broke several world records and became a commercial success.<ref name=alt10>"[http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=9874 FAI Record ID #9874 – Altitude without payload. Class E-1 (Helicopters), turbine] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217033555/http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=9874 |date=17 December 2014 }}" ''[[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale]] (FAI).'' Retrieved: 21 September 2014.</ref><ref name="JAWA66 p2">Taylor 1966, p. 2.</ref> As a result of the huge demand for the Alouette II, manufacturer Sud Aviation took a great interest in the development of derivatives, as well as the more general ambition of embarking on further advancement in the field of rotorcraft.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/>

In accordance with these goals, the company decided to commit itself to a new development programme with the aim of developing a more powerful helicopter that would be capable of accommodating up to 7 seats or a pair of [[stretcher]]s. The design team was managed by French [[Aerospace engineering|aerospace engineer]] [[René Mouille]].<ref name = "airbus 1959">{{Cite web |url=https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/ref/Early-history_156.html |title=Early history 1920 - 1990 |website=Airbus Helicopters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090337/https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/ref/Early-history_156.html |archive-date=2018-02-19 |url-status=dead |year=2015 |quote=1959: SA3160/ SA316/ SA319 B "Alouette III".}}</ref><ref name = "mcgow 75"/><ref>Polmar and Kennedy 1981, p. 32.</ref> The design produced, designated as the '''SE 3160''', featured several improvements over the Alouette II; efforts were made to provide for a higher level of external visibility for the pilot as well as for greater aerodynamic efficiency via the adoption of a highly [[streamliner|streamlined]] exterior.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/>

===Into flight and production===
[[File:Alouette3 cockpit1.jpg|thumb|Cockpit and flying controls of an Alouette III]]
On 28 February 1959, the first prototype SE 3160 performed its [[maiden flight]], piloted by French aviator [[Jean Boulet]].<ref name = "airbus 1959"/><ref name = "mcgow 75">McGownen 2005, p. 75.</ref> Shortly thereafter, the SE 3160 would become more commonly known as the Alouette III. During its flight test programme, the prototype demonstrated its high altitude capabilities on several occasions; in June 1959, it landed at an altitude of over 4,000 metres in the [[Mont Blanc]] mountain range and, during October 1960, it was able to achieve the same feat at an altitude more than 6,000 metres in the [[Himalayas]]. During these attempts, it was flown by Jean Boulet, who was accompanied by a pair of passengers and 250&nbsp;kg of equipment.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/>

During 1961, the initial SE 3160 model of the type entered serial production.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> On 15 December 1961, the Alouette III received its [[airworthiness certificate]], clearing it to enter operational service. Despite an order placed by the [[French Army]] for an initial batch of 50 Alouette IIIs during June 1961, the first two customers of the rotorcraft were in fact export sales, having been sold outside of France.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> The Alouette III was specifically designed to fly at high altitudes, as such, it quickly earned a reputation for its favourable characteristics during rescue operations. According to its manufacturer, it was the first helicopter to present an effective multi-mission capability and performance to match with its diverse mission range in both civil or military circles.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/>

The SE 3160 model continued to be produced until 1968, when it was replaced by the refined '''SA 316B''' model.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> (After its production ended, the SE 3160 has sometimes been retroactively redesignated "SA 316A", but its original SE 3160 designation is more commonly used, especially in older sources.) Both the SE 3160 and the SA 316B were powered by a more powerful version of the Artouste engine, the Artouste IIIB, whose turbine was rated to produce {{convert|858|hp|kW|0}}, though because of the limits of the engine's reduction gearbox, the Artouste IIIB was de-rated to generate {{convert|563|hp|kW|0}} in service. The later '''SA 319B''' model adopted the more fuel-efficient [[Turbomeca Astazou|Turbomeca Astazou XIVB]] engine, extending its range and endurance; on 10 July 1967, the Astazou-powered Alouette III performed its first flight.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> During 1979, the 1,437th Alouette III departed from the company's assembly line in [[Marignane]], France, after which the main production line was closed down as a consequence of diminishing demand for the type. During 1985, the final French-produced Alouette III was delivered.<ref name = "airbus 1959"/> It had been produced from 1961 to 1985 in France, however, license production continued.<ref name="airbus 19592">{{Cite web |year=2015 |title=Early history 1920 - 1990 |url=https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/ref/Early-history_156.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090337/https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/ref/Early-history_156.html |archive-date=2018-02-19 |website=Airbus Helicopters |quote=1959: SA3160/ SA316/ SA319 B "Alouette III".}}</ref>

==== Overseas production ====
[[File:Three Indian Navy Chetaks flying in formation.jpg|thumb|The HAL Chetak (Alouette III) remained in production to 2021, and in 2022 marked six decades of service in India]]
Despite the closure of Aérospatiale 's own production line, the event was not the end of the type's manufacturing activity. Over 500 Alouette IIIs are recorded as having been manufactured under licence abroad in several countries, such as Romania, India, and Switzerland.<ref name="airbus 1959" /><ref name=":3" /> Various versions of the Alouette III were also either licence-built or otherwise assembled by IAR in Romania (as the [[IAR 316]]), F+W Emmen ([[:de:Eidgenössisches Flugzeugwerk|de]]) in Switzerland, by [[Fokker]] and Lichtwerk in the [[Netherlands]], and in India as the HAL Chetak.<ref name="airbus 1959" /><ref name="mcgow 227">McGownen 2005, p. 227.</ref> The Romanian IAR 316, was an Aérospatiale SA 316B Alouette III license produced from 1971 to 1987, with 250 made with about half for Romania and half for export.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IAR 316 |url=https://tvd.im/aviation/1097-iar-316.html |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Military Equipment Guide With Photos}}</ref> Additionally, Romania also developed the IAR 317 Airfox, an attack helicopter version of the IAR 316;at least one prototype was made and was debuted at the 1985 [[Paris Air Show]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fMYb7A8860gC&dq=IAR+317&pg=RA4-PA118|title=Air Force Magazine |date=July 1985 |publisher=Air Force Association |language=en}}</ref>

[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) obtained a licence to construct the Alouette III, which was known locally as the '''HAL Chetak''', at their own production facilities in India.<ref name="airbus 1959" /> More than 300 units were built by HAL; the company has continued to independently update and indigenise the helicopter over the decades. A modernised variant of the Chetak has remained production, though at a diminished volume, into the 21st century. The latest HAL Chetak was delivered in 2021, and also included updated avionics.<ref name=":3" /> Over 350 Chetak had been produced the 2020s.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=HAL Delivers Chetak Helicopter to Indian Navy |url=https://globalbusinesspress.net/stories/hal-delivers-chetak-helicopter-to-indian-navy/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=GBP |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Retirement ==
By the 2010s, the majority of Alouette III operators were in the process of winding down or entirely retiring their fleets.<ref name="frenavy retire" /> During 2017, the French Navy observed that it was costing the service around 13,000 Euros per flight hour to operate a single Alouette III, which it claims was more than double the equivalent costs of a modern-day rotorcraft in its class; it attributed this high running cost as being a natural side effect of their fleet's advanced age and an overall shortage of spare parts for the type, which has in turn been caused by the mass production of the Alouette III having been terminated three decades earlier. Furthermore, retirement has also been motivated by a lack of modern features that would be present upon contemporary helicopters, which is a natural consequence of the Alouette III having been originally developed during the 1950s.<ref name="frenavy retire">Trevithick, Joseph. [http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/17886/the-french-navy-is-finally-retiring-these-antique-helicopters-after-55-years-of-service "The French Navy Is Finally Retiring These Antique Helicopters After 55 Years of Service."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628205013/http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/17886/the-french-navy-is-finally-retiring-these-antique-helicopters-after-55-years-of-service |date=28 June 2018 }} ''thedrive.com'', 22 January 2018.</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:Alouette III på Inspektionsskibet Beskytteren.jpg|thumb|Danish Navy Alouette III on HDMS ''Beskytteren'' in 1977]]

===Argentina===
The [[Argentine Naval Aviation]] operated a total of 14 Alouette III helicopters. A single SA316B was on board the {{ship|ARA|General Belgrano}} when she was sunk by [[torpedoes]] fired by {{HMS|Conqueror|S48|6}}  during the 1982 [[Falklands War]] between Argentina and the United Kingdom. A second Alouette III played an important role during the Argentine [[Invasion of South Georgia]]. On 2 December 2010, the last example was retired at a ceremony held at BAN [[Comandante Espora Airport|Comandante Espora]], [[Bahía Blanca]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gacetamarinera.com.ar/nota.asp?idNota=2531&idSec=7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208043255/http://www.gacetamarinera.com.ar/nota.asp?idNota=2531&idSec=7|url-status=dead|title=Adiós Alouette|archive-date=8 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="AFM275">{{cite journal|date=March 2011|title=Argentine Navy's Final Alouette III Retired|journal=Air Forces Monthly|publisher=Key Publishing Ltd|issue= 275 |page=24 |issn=0955-7091}}</ref>

===Australia===
Between April 1964 and 1967, a small batch of Alouette IIIs were delivered from France in a disassembled state to [[Australia]]. Following their assembly, these were used by the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF) at the [[Woomera Test Range|Woomera]] Rocket Range for light passenger transport purpose and to assist in the recovery of missile parts in the aftermath of test launches conducted at the Range.<ref>[http://listeningtothepast.com.au/2017/12/father-christmas-helicopter/ "Father Christmas always arrives in a helicopter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629022236/http://listeningtothepast.com.au/2017/12/father-christmas-helicopter/ |date=29 June 2018 }} ''listeningtothepast.com.au'', 2 December 2017.</ref>

===Austria===
Between 1967 and 1969 Austria acquired 12 SE3160 Alouette IIIs which were upgraded to version SE316B.
They are used for liaison and transport purposes and still play a vital role in rescue missions in the high mountains of Austria with their side-mounted hook.<br />
They are stationed in [[Aigen im Ennstal]], [[Klagenfurt]] and [[Schwaz]] in Tirol.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bundesheer.at/waffen/waf_alouette.shtml|title=Bundesheer - Waffen und Gerät - "Alouette" III|website=www.bundesheer.at}}</ref> Austria plans to decommission them beginning in 2023, they are being replaced by Leonardo AW169M.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donald  |first=David |date=December 28, 2021 |title=Austria To Replace Alouette IIIs with Leonardo AW169s {{!}} AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2021-12-28/austria-replace-alouette-iiis-leonardo-aw169s |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref>

In addition to the original order, three more used Alouette III were acquired from other forces to replace attrition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/Austria-Alouette-III/|title=Alouette III in Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte|accessdate=16 February 2024}}</ref>

===Bangladesh===
[[File:Old photo archive of Bangladesh Air Force (28) (cropped).png|thumb|The historical [[Bangladesh Air Force]] Alouette III which was used in the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]. It was the first helicopter of [[Bangladesh Air Force]], and it performed successful airstrikes during the war. One of the [[Rocket launcher|rocket pods]] is seen in the outfitted  pylons attached to its side.]]
Indian civilian authorities and the IAF donated 1 [[DC-3 Dakota]] (gifted by the Maharaja of Jodhpor), 1 [[Twin Otter]] plane, and 1 [[Alouette III]] helicopter for the newborn [[Bangladesh Air Force]],<ref name="scramble">{{cite web|url=http://www.scramblemagazine.nl/orbats/bangladesh/overview|title=Armed Forces Overviews: Bangladesh|website=Scramble|access-date=12 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215143240/http://www.scramblemagazine.nl/orbats/bangladesh/overview|archive-date=15 December 2013|url-status = live}}</ref> which was to take advantage of the lack of night-fighting capability of the PAF to launch hit-and-run attacks on sensitive targets inside Bangladesh from the air.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.baf.mil.bd/?page_id=31|title=BAF History – Bangladesh Air Force|website=www.baf.mil.bd|language=en-US|access-date=3 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404131639/http://www.baf.mil.bd/?page_id=31|archive-date=4 April 2017|url-status = live}}</ref> The [[Alouette III]] helicopter was rigged to fire 14 rockets from pylons attached to its side and had [[M1919 Browning machine gun|.303 Browning machine guns]] installed, in addition to having 1-inch (25&nbsp;mm) steel plate welded to its floor for extra protection. Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmood, Flight Lieutenant Bodiul Alam, and Captain Shahabuddin, all of whom later won the [[Bir Uttam]] gallantry award, operated the helicopter.

===Chile===
During 1977, the [[Chilean Navy]] ordered a batch of ten SA-319Bs. These rotorcraft, which were delivered by the middle of 1978, were only made operational just before the peak of the [[Beagle conflict]] between Chile and neighbouring Argentina. The Alouette III was the first real organic maritime ship borne tactical helicopter to be operated by Chile's naval forces; for this role, they were equipped with a radar and armed with rockets, guns, depth charges and a single light anti-submarine torpedo.{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}}

During the frantic training period in 1978 to meet wartime needs, a sole SA-319B was accidentally damaged, leading to it being placed in storage and subsequently repaired back to an airworthy condition years later. All ten Chilean Navy SA-319Bs were operational and in excellent conditions by the end of the 1980s, shortly after which they were replaced by larger SA532 Super Puma helicopters, and were bought by civilian operators.{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}}

===Denmark===
Between 1962 and 1967, a total of 8 Alouette IIIs were delivered to the [[Royal Danish Navy]]. They were primarily tasked with SAR and reconnaissance in support of the navy's Arctic patrol ships. During 1982, they were replaced by a batch of British [[Westland Lynx]].<ref name="Schrøder">Schrøder, Hans (1991). "Royal Danish Airforce". Ed. Kay S. Nielsen. Tøjhusmuseet, 1991, p. 1–64. {{ISBN|87-89022-24-6}}.</ref>

===France===
[[File:Alouette Motte Piquet.jpg|thumb|French Navy SA 319B Alouette III (with Astazou engine) on the [[frigate]] ''[[Georges Leygues class frigate|La Motte-Picquet]]''|left]]

During early 1960, the Alouette III officially entered squadron service with the French armed forces. In June 1971, having been suitably impressed by the type's performance so far, the French Army elected to order a force of 50 Alouette IIIs for their own purposes.{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}} Amongst the most noteworthy uses that France applied the type to was the first use of helicopter-based [[Anti-tank guided missile|anti-tank missile]]s in the form of the [[SS.11]] [[MCLOS]] [[wire-guided missile]].<ref name = "boyne 74">Boyne 2011, p. 74.</ref>

During June 1960, an Alouette III carrying seven people successfully performed both take-offs and landings on [[Mont Blanc]] in the [[French Alps]] at an altitude of 4,810 metres (15,780 feet), an unprecedented altitude for such activities by a helicopter at the time.<ref name="Donald, p. 22">Donald 1997, p. 22.</ref> The same helicopter again demonstrated the type{{'}}s extraordinary performance in November 1960 by making take-offs and landings with a crew of two and a [[Payload (air and space craft)|payload]] of 250&nbsp;kg (551&nbsp;lbs) in the [[Himalayas]] at an altitude of 6,004 metres (19,698 feet).<ref name="Donald, p. 22"/>

During June 2004, the Alouette III was retired from the French Air Force after 32 years of successful service, having been entirely replaced by the newer twin-engined [[Eurocopter AS355|Eurocopter EC 355 Ecureuil 2]]. The French Army also withdrew the last of their examples during 2013 in favour of more modern rotorcraft.<ref name = "frenavy retire"/>

By 2017, the French Navy were still using the Alouette III in a reduced capacity, nonetheless being used to routinely conduct both Search and Rescue and logistics missions.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.opex360.com/2017/12/05/la-marine-nationale-envisage-de-louer-des-helicopteres-civils-doccasion-pour-remplacer-ses-alouette-iii/|author = Laurent Lagneau|title = La Marine nationale envisage de louer des hélicoptères civils d'occasion pour remplacer ses Alouette III|publisher = Zone militaire|date = 5 December 2017|language = fr|access-date = 23 January 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180207015324/http://www.opex360.com/2017/12/05/la-marine-nationale-envisage-de-louer-des-helicopteres-civils-doccasion-pour-remplacer-ses-alouette-iii/|archive-date = 7 February 2018|url-status = live}}</ref> Since the 1970s, the type has gradually been supplanted by the larger [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin]], and later on, by the specialised [[Eurocopter AS565 Panther]] as an anti-submarine warfare platform. The use of twin-engined rotorcraft in the maritime environment has become somewhat of an expected standard, one which the single-engined Alouette III cannot satisfy, putting the type at an obvious disadvantage.<ref name = "frenavy retire"/> During January 2018, it was announced that the French Navy would be replacing its remaining Alouette IIIs with rented [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]]s as a stop-gap measure; this decision was reportedly taken due to its increasing unreliability, rapidly inflating operating costs, and the sheer age of the fleet.<ref name = "frenavy retire"/><ref>Cabirol, Michel. [https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/en-attendant-le-h160-l-armee-va-louer-des-dauphin-pour-remplacer-ses-antiques-alouette-765344.html "En attendant le H160, l'armée va louer des Dauphin pour remplacer ses antiques Alouette."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190505/https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/en-attendant-le-h160-l-armee-va-louer-des-dauphin-pour-remplacer-ses-antiques-alouette-765344.html |date=23 January 2018 }} ''La Tribune'', 19 January 2018.</ref> However, as of 2021 the Alouette III was still reported to be in service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/french-frigate-docks-in-vietnam-for-helicopter-repairs-4247460.html |title=French frigate docks in Vietnam for helicopter repairs - VnExpress International |website=e.vnexpress.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312161136/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/french-frigate-docks-in-vietnam-for-helicopter-repairs-4247460.html |archive-date=2021-03-12}}</ref> The aircraft was finally withdrawn from French Navy service in June 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/les-alouette-iii-terminent-leur-carriere-embarquee-avec-corymbe-et-rimpac | title=Les Alouette III terminent leur carrière embarquée avec Corymbe et RIMPAC &#124; Mer et Marine | date=30 June 2022 }}</ref> It had been in service for 60 years and was in active use right to the end, with the last three ending their service at the end of December.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-13 |title=French armed forces wave goodbye to the Alouette |url=https://verticalmag.com/features/french-armed-forces-wave-goodbye-to-the-alouette/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}}</ref> The aircraft was long known for ease of maintenance, which aided its use overseas, however and the end of its life it was requiring increasing maintenance hours and it was becoming hard to get spare parts which were no longer in production. The aircraft was still be used for training, interdiction missions, and shorter range mission.<ref name=":1" />

===Ireland===
[[File:195, Baldonnel 2011 (8030721401).jpg|thumb|An Irish Air Corps SA 316B Alouette III, 2011]]
During 1963, the first pair of Alouette IIIs were delivered to the [[Irish Air Corps]]; a third rotorcraft arrived in 1964 and a batch of five further aircraft were delivered between 1972 and 1974. The service ultimately operated a total of eight Alouette IIIs between 1963 and 2007; throughout much of this period, they were the only helicopters operated by the Corps. {{Citation needed|date=January 2018}}

On 21 September 2007, the Alouette III was formally retired from the Irish Air Corps during a ceremony held at [[Baldonnel Aerodrome]]. During 44 years of successful service, the Irish Alouette III fleet amassed over 77,000 flying hours. As well as routine military missions, the aircraft undertook some 1,717 [[search-and-rescue]] missions, saving 542 lives and flew a further 2,882 [[air ambulance]] flights. The oldest of the Alouettes, 195, is kept in 'rotors running' condition for the Air Corps Museum.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/hangar/2008/475iac/iac.htm |title=New Wings for the Irish Air Corps |work=airsceneuk.org.uk |access-date=3 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230316/http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/hangar/2008/475iac/iac.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status = dead}}</ref>

===India===
[[File:Indian Navy Chetak During IFR 2016.jpg|thumb|Indian Navy Chetak during IFR 2016]]

Under a licensing arrangement between Aérospatiale and Indian aircraft manufacturer [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL), the Alouette III has been built under licence by HAL in India. Known locally under the designation '''HAL Chetak''', more than 300 rotorcraft have been manufactured to date; the majority of these were acquired for military purposes with the [[Indian Armed Forces]], who have used them to perform various mission roles, including training, transport, CASEVAC ([[casualty evacuation]]), communications and liaison roles.<ref name ='HT010517'/> By 2017, the Chetak was reportedly serving as the most widely used IAF helicopter for training, light utility and light attack roles.<ref>[https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/201217/the-chetaks-hyderabad-connect.html "The Chetak’s Hyderabad connect."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628212817/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/201217/the-chetaks-hyderabad-connect.html |date=28 June 2018 }} ''Deccan Chronicle'', 20 December 2017.</ref>

During 1986, the Indian Government constituted the Army's Aviation Corps; consequently, the majority of Chetaks previously operated by AOP Squadrons were transferred from the Indian Air Force to the Indian Army on 1 November 1986. The Air Force has continued to fly a force of armed Chetaks in the anti-tank role as well as for CASEVAC missions and general duties. During the 2010s, the Chetak is being gradually replaced by the newer [[HAL Dhruv]] in the armed forces.<ref name ='HT010517'>{{cite news|url = https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-to-pull-plug-on-oldest-light-utility-cheetah-chetak-helicopters-over-safety-concerns/story-YmF1kmWnAYdR8Zn7RQsZiP.html|newspaper = Hindustan Times|author = Rahul Singh|date = 5 January 2017|access-date = 23 January 2018|title = Cheetah, Chetak choppers to retire after string of crashes raise safety concerns|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180124005714/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-to-pull-plug-on-oldest-light-utility-cheetah-chetak-helicopters-over-safety-concerns/story-YmF1kmWnAYdR8Zn7RQsZiP.html|archive-date = 24 January 2018|url-status = live}}</ref> An option to re-engine the HAL Chetak with the Turbomeca TM 333-2B engine, which would better facilitate high-altitude operations in the [[Himalayas]] was considered, but ultimately not pursued.{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}}

In addition to producing the type for Indian customers, HAL has also achieved some export sales of Chetak helicopters to several nations, including [[Namibia]] and [[Suriname]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13611:hal-delivers-namibian-helicopters&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |title=HAL delivers Namibian helicopters |publisher=defenceWeb |access-date=23 January 2018 |date=15 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124005744/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13611:hal-delivers-namibian-helicopters&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |archive-date=24 January 2018 |url-status = live}}</ref> India has also opted to donate several secondhand Chetak helicopters to other countries, such as neighbouring [[Nepal]].<ref>Upreti 2008, p. 119.</ref> As of 2017, the Indian Navy has reportedly recognised the necessity of procuring a replacement for the type.<ref>Raghuvanshi, Vivek. [https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2017/08/23/indian-navy-floats-10b-helicopter-acquisition-program/ "Indian Navy floats $10B helicopter acquisition program."] ''defensenews.com'', 23 August 2017.</ref>

HAL Chetak was used in [[Operation Khukri]] which was a multinational operation launched in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), involving India, Ghana, Britain and Nigeria
.<ref name=VSena>{{cite web|title=Operation Khukri|url=http://vayu-sena.tripod.com/other-unamsil-opkhukri.html|work=UN Ops involving the Indian Air Force|publisher=Vayu Sena Tripod|access-date=13 July 2012}}</ref>

Beginning in the 1970s, during Republic Day parades, Chetak helicopters have been decorated to look like animals such as dodo birds, fish, and, most notably, elephants. The helicopters decorated like elephants have become iconic in India, and known as names such as "dancing elephant helicopters" and "flying elephants".<ref>{{cite web|title=The time when India had dancing elephant helicopters|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/27702-The-time-when-India-had-dancing-elephant-helicopters|last=Venckunas|first=Valius|date=18 April 2021}} ''aerotime.aero''</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Is It a Bird, Is It a Plane? It's a 'Flying Elephant'!|url=https://www.livehistoryindia.com/story/mmi-perspectives/chetak-helicopter-flying-elephant|last=Lobo|first=Carol|date=7 October 2021}} ''liveindiahistory.com''</ref>

Newly built HAL Chetak were delivered as recently as 2019, after a 2017 contract for 8 additional Chetak.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hemanth |date=2019-07-24 |title=HAL delivers Chetak helicopter to Indian Navy |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/hal-delivers-chetak-helicopter-to-indian-navy/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Naval Technology |language=en-US}}</ref> The last (or latest for new) new Chetak was delivered in 2021, and in 2022 marked 60 years of service in India.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-29 |title=IAF's oldest helicopter Chetak to mark 60 years in action next month |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iafs-oldest-helicopter-chetak-to-mark-60-years-in-action-next-month-101648492514331.html |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> By the 2020s over 350 Hal Chetak had been produced.<ref name=":4" />

===Pakistan===
During the 1960s, Pakistan purchased a fleet of 35 Alouette III helicopters to equip the [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF). These saw active combat during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], in which the type was mainly used for liaison and VIP-transport missions. In 2010, it was announced that Switzerland had come to an agreement with Pakistan for a number of ex-Swiss Alouette IIIs to be donated to the PAF; however, the terms of this agreement restricts their usage to performing search and rescue and disaster relief operations. Pakistan Navy started operating Alouette III helicopters in 1977. The helicopters are still in service and have a long history of flying laurels.<ref name = "swiss pak2010"/>

===Portugal===
{{main|Sud Aviation Alouette III in Portuguese service}}

[[File:AssaltonaMatadaSanga.jpg|thumb|Portuguese paratroopers jump from an Alouette III in an air assault operation in Angola in the early 1960s.]]

Portugal was the first country to use the Alouette III in combat. In 1963, during the [[Portuguese Colonial War|Overseas Wars]] in [[Portuguese Angola|Angola]], [[Portuguese Mozambique|Mozambique]] and [[Portuguese Guinea]], Portugal began using Alouette IIIs in combat, mainly in [[air assault]] and [[medevac]] operations, where it proved its qualities. Besides the basic transport version (code named ''[[Human cannibalism|canibal]]'', plural '' canibais''), Portugal used a special version of the Alouette III with a [[MG 151 cannon|MG 151]] 20&nbsp;mm [[autocannon]] mounted in the rear in order to fire from the left side door; it was designated ''helicanhão'' (heli-cannon) and code named ''lobo mau'' ([[big bad wolf]]).

In the Overseas Wars, the Portuguese usually launched air assaults with groups of six or seven Alouette III: five or six ''canibais'' – each usually carrying five [[Parachute Troops School|paratroopers]] or [[Portuguese Army Commandos|commandos]] – and a ''lobo mau'' heli-cannon. The Portuguese practice was for the troops to jump from the ''canibais'' when the helicopters were hovering two-three metres above the ground – famous images of these disembarking troops became an iconic image of the war. The landing of the troops was covered by the ''lobo mau''. While the troops performed the ground assault, the ''canibais'' moved away from the combat zone, while the ''lobo mau'' stayed to provide fire support, destroying enemy resistance and concentration points with the fire from its 20&nbsp;mm autocannon. Once the ground combat had finished, the ''canibais'' returned; firstly to collect the wounded, then the rest of the troops.

In April 2020, the last of Portugal's SE3160 Alouette IIIs were withdrawn from service, the type having been replaced by five [[AgustaWestland AW119 Koala]].<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://twitter.com/Defence360/status/1235592940602392576 |title = The last SE3160 Alouette III light utility helicopters of the @fap_emfa are scheduled to be withdrawn from service in April. The type was replaced by five AW119 Mk II Koala helicopters purchased from @Leonardo_livepic.twitter.com/ofYtZLJuQm |last = Defence 360° |first = Victor Barreira / |date = 5 March 2020 |website = @Defence360 |language = en |access-date = 2 April 2020}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url = https://defpost.com/portuguese-air-force-orders-five-aw119kx-koala-multirole-helicopters/ |title = Portuguese Air Force Orders Five AW119Kx Koala Multirole Helicopters |last = Releases |first = DP Press |date = 21 October 2018 |website = DefPost |language = en-US |access-date = 2 April 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Republic of Korea===
[[File:South Korean Aérospatiale SA 319B Alouette III.jpg|thumb|South Korean Aérospatiale SA 319B Alouette III]]
In 1977, the [[Republic of Korea Navy]] started operating 12 Alouette IIIs.<ref name = "yna.kr 2019"/> It was typically dispatched aboard several destroyers in an anti-submarine capacity. On 13 August 1983, the Republic of Korea Navy discovered a naval vessel of the [[Korean People's Army]] that had entering their sea. A single Alouette III engaged the spy ship and destroyed it using an [[AS.12]] missile;<ref name = "yna.kr 2019"/> following the mission, the specific helicopter involved received a [[victory marking]], which was the only aircraft to receive such a mark in the entire [[Republic of Korea Armed Forces]]. The Alouette III was also operated as a rescue helicopter, responding to major incidents such as the crash of [[Asiana Airlines Flight 733]] in [[Mokpo]], [[Republic of Korea]], on 26 July 1993.

Following the introduction of the [[Westland Lynx]] during the early 1990s, the Alouette IIIs were diverted to secondary roles, such as training, and were gradually phased out of service. A substantial number were withdrawn in 2006. South Korea's remaining Alouette IIIs were withdrawn from service in December 2019.<ref name = "yna.kr 2019">{{cite web |url = https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20191203005300325 |title = S. Korea retires last Alouette-III naval helicopters |publisher = en.yna.co.kr |date = 3 December 2019}}</ref>

===Rhodesia===
The nation of [[Rhodesia]] emerged as a prolific user of both the Alouette II and its enlarged sibling, the Alouette III.<ref name = "cocks 18">Cocks 2015, p. 18.</ref> Early operations were flown with an emphasis on its use by the [[Rhodesian Security Forces#Rhodesian Army|Rhodesian Army]] and [[British South Africa Police]], including [[paramilitary]] and aerial reconnaissance operations. Throughout the 1960s, the type progressively spread into additional roles, including [[Military logistics|aerial supply]], [[casualty evacuation]], communications relays, and troop-transports.<ref name = "cocks 20">Cocks 2015, p. 20.</ref> Rhodesian aerial operations would typically involve flying under relatively high and hot conditions, which reduced the efficiency of aircraft in general; however, the Alouette II proved to be both hardy and relatively resistant to battle damage.<ref name = "cocks 19">Cocks 2015, p. 19.</ref> In order to extend the inadequate range of the type, fuel caches were strategically deployed across the country to be used for refuelling purposes.<ref name = "cocks 20"/>

[[File:RhodesianAlouette.jpg|thumb|A Rhodesian SE 3160 Alouette III hovering with an underslung cargo, August 1962]]
At its peak, No. 7 Squadron of the Rhodesian Air Force operated a force of 34 Alouette IIIs, which would normally operate in conjunction with a smaller number of Alouette IIs. They played a major part in the Rhodesian Forces' [[Fireforce]] doctrine, in which they would rapidly deploy ground troops, function as aerial observation and command posts, and provide mobile fire support as armed gunships.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rhodesian Air Force {{ndash}} No 7 Squadron|url=http://rhodesianforces.org/No7Sqn.htm|publisher=Rhodesian Army Association|access-date=14 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131130154544/http://rhodesianforces.org/No7Sqn.htm|archive-date=30 November 2013|url-status = live}}</ref> In order to improve performance, Rhodesia's Alouette fleet was subject to extensive modifications during its service life, including changes to their refueling apparatus, gun sights, and cabin fittings, along with the installation of additional armouring and armaments.<ref name = "cocks 20 22">Cocks 2015, pp. 20–22.</ref>

Over time, the [[Rhodesian Security Forces]] developed an innovative deployment tactic of rapidly encircling and enveloping enemies, known as the [[Fireforce]], for which the Alouette II was a core component.<ref name = "cocks 18"/> The quick-reaction Fireforce battalions were typically centred at [[Centenary, Zimbabwe|Centenary]] and [[Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe|Mount Darwin]]; however, a deliberate emphasis was placed on locating both rotorcraft and troops as close to a current or anticipated theatre of operations as would be feasibly possible.<ref name = "cocks 21 22">Cocks 2015, pp. 21–22.</ref>

===South Africa===
[[File:Alouette III at Harvard 50 b.jpg|thumb|A flight of four Alouette IIIs performing an [[aerobatic]] display]]
The Alouette III served for over 44 years in the [[South African Air Force]] (SAAF); it is believed that 121 examples were acquired between 1962 and 1975 for the service from France.<ref name = "scimil 12">Wessels, André. [https://www.ajol.info/index.php/smsajms/article/viewFile/89169/78723 "The South African Air Force, 1920–2012: A Review of its History and an Indication of its Cultural Heritage."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628233915/https://www.ajol.info/index.php/smsajms/article/viewFile/89169/78723 |date=28 June 2018 }} ''Scientia Militaria'', vol 40, no 3, 2012, pp.&nbsp;222–249.</ref> During 1966, by which point the SAAF had built up a fleet of around 50 Alouette IIIs already, it was decided to dispatch several of the type to support ground troops stationed in [[South West Africa]] attempting to contain the emerging [[SWAPO|South West African People's Organisation]] (SWAPO); this would be the beginnings of what would become the lengthy [[South African Border War]].<ref name = "scimil 12"/> The type saw considerable action during the conflict; while initially used for more passive operations such as [[aerial reconnaissance]], from July 1967 onwards, Alouette III participated in active combat missions as well. It was frequently employed as a support platform for performing South African counterstrike operations inside neighbouring [[Namibia]] and [[Angola]].<ref name  = "saaf retire"/> Reportedly, a total of eight Alouette IIIs had been listed as having been lost over the conflict zone by the end of the war.<ref name = "scimil 12"/>

By 1990, there were a total of 70 Alouette III helicopters remaining in active service.<ref name = "scimil 12"/> Throughout the course of its service life with the SAAF, the Alouette III fleet was recorded as having accumulated more than 346,000 flight hours. During June 2006, the last Alouette III was officially withdrawn from SAAF service at a ceremony held at [[AFB Swartkop]], near [[Pretoria]].<ref name  = "saaf retire">{{cite web |url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/586/alouette-iii-final-flight |title=The South African Air Force |author=Dean Wingrin |work=saairforce.co.za |access-date=3 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704232337/http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/586/alouette-iii-final-flight |archive-date=4 July 2015 |url-status = live}}</ref>

During January 2013, reports emerged that South African defense officials were in the process of planning to transfer some of the retired fleet, along with spare parts and associated support equipment, to the [[Air Force of Zimbabwe|Zimbabwean Air Force]]; South African newspaper [[Mail & Guardian]] claimed that the rotorcraft could be used to sway politics in the nation in favour of the incumbent [[President of Zimbabwe|President]], [[Robert Mugabe]].<ref>Brümmer, Stefaans and Craig McKune. [https://mg.co.za/article/2013-01-25-00-south-africas-helicopter-gift-for-mugabe "South Africa's helicopter gift for Mugabe."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628233926/https://mg.co.za/article/2013-01-25-00-south-africas-helicopter-gift-for-mugabe |date=28 June 2018 }} ''Mail & Guardian'', 25 January 2013.</ref> However, during February 2013, an interim [[court order]] was issued which blocked the proposed sale of South African Alouette IIIs to Zimbabwe.<ref>[http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/bdeb23804ea5c80e90e6fa7da4cd6ad7/Zim-helicopter-interdict-confirmed SABC: '' Zim helicopter interdict confirmed''.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232451/http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/bdeb23804ea5c80e90e6fa7da4cd6ad7/Zim-helicopter-interdict-confirmed |date=2 December 2013 }} ''sabc.co.za'', 2 February 2013.</ref> In February 2014, reports emerged that South Africa now intended to sell part of the ex-SAAF fleet to [[Namibia]] instead.<ref>[http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33656:south-african-alouette-iiis-apparently-destined-for-namibia-not-zimbabwe&catid=35:Aerospace "South African Alouette IIIs apparently destined for Namibia, not Zimbabwe."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629021809/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33656:south-african-alouette-iiis-apparently-destined-for-namibia-not-zimbabwe&catid=35:Aerospace |date=29 June 2018 }} ''defenceweb.co.za'', 18 February 2014.</ref>

===Suriname===
During 1986, the South American country of Suriname purchased a pair of secondhand Alouette III helicopters from Portugal. During 1999, the [[Military of Suriname|Surinam Air Force]] opted to retire and sell off its Alouette III helicopters. In their place, three newly built HAL Chetaks (an Indian version of the Alouette IIIs) were delivered to the Suriname Air Force on 13 March 2015, while the pilots and technicians of the Surinam Air Force underwent training on the type in Bangalore, India for some time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.surinametimes.com/2014/08/17/|title=2014 August 17 – Times of Suriname – grootste landelijke dagblad van Suriname|work=Times of Suriname – grootste landelijke dagblad van Suriname|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006082618/http://www.surinametimes.com/2014/08/17/|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="m.starnieuws.com">{{cite web|url=http://m.starnieuws.com/index.php/welcome/index/nieuwsitem/27332/1|title=Starnieuws – Eerste Chetak helikopter in elkaar gezet op basis Luchtmacht|work=starnieuws.com|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203083012/http://m.starnieuws.com/index.php/welcome/index/nieuwsitem/27332/1|archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.starnieuws.com/index.php/welcome/index/nieuwsitem/28036|title=Starnieuws – Luchtmacht neemt Chetak-helikopters in gebruik|work=starnieuws.com|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704201611/http://www.starnieuws.com/index.php/welcome/index/nieuwsitem/28036|archive-date=4 July 2015|url-status = live}}</ref>

===Switzerland===
[[File:SA 319 Alouette III (Switzerland) (4831664942).jpg|thumb|Formation flight of 10 Alouette IIIs, 2010]]

During 1964, the [[Swiss Air Force]] opted to procure a batch of nine Alouette III rotorcraft directly from Aérospatiale; further orders included one placed in 1966 for 15 more. In addition, a total of 60 SA-316Bs (often referred to as the ''F+W Alouette IIIS'') were licence-assembled by [[F+W Emmen]] in Switzerland.{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}}

During 2004, the [[Swiss Armed Forces]] announced the expected withdrawal of the Alouette III from front-line service would commence by 2006 and that it was to be entirely retired by 2010; they have been replaced by a smaller force of 20 new-built [[Eurocopter EC635]]s.<ref>[http://www.eurocopter.com/publications/FO/scripts/newsFO_complet.php?lang=EN&news_id=480 Eurocopter Press Release – First Eurocopter EC635 For Swiss Air Force Takes To The Air] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926222932/http://www.eurocopter.com/publications/FO/scripts/newsFO_complet.php?lang=EN&news_id=480 |date=26 September 2007 }}</ref> Since their retirement, at least 10 ex-Swiss Alouettes have been gifted to Pakistan to perform search and rescue operations.<ref name = "swiss pak2010">[http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/117925/swiss-give-surplus-alouette-iiis-to-pakistan.html "Switzerland Gives Its Alouette III Helicopters to Pakistan to Reinforce Search and Rescue Assets."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202082257/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/117925/swiss-give-surplus-alouette-iiis-to-pakistan.html |date=2 February 2017 }} ''defense-aerospace.com'', 8 September 2010.</ref>

==Variants==
*'''SE 3160''' : the first production version. Sometimes retroactively redesignated '''SA 3160''' or '''SA 316A'''.<ref>Chant 2014, pp. 348–349.</ref> Maximum weight of {{cvt|4630|lb|disp=flip}}; powered by [[Turbomeca Artouste|Turbomeca Artouste IIIB or IIIB1]] turboshaft engine rated at {{cvt|420|kW|0}} for takeoff ({{cvt|440|kW|0}} for IIIB1) and {{cvt|405|kW}} continuous, but restricted by rotor transmission limitations to {{cvt|405|kW|0}} for takeoff and {{cvt|331|kW}} continuous.<ref name=DGAC_no61>{{cite web |author=Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) |author-link=Directorate General for Civil Aviation (France) |title=Fiche de Navigabilité No. 61 |date=June 1985 |language=French |url=https://www.avialogs.com/aircraft-s/sud-aviation/item/2839-fiche-de-navigabilit%C3%A9-no-61-helicopt%C3%A8res-alouette-iii}}</ref><ref name=FAA_H1IN>{{cite web |author=Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) |author-link=Federal Aviation Administration |title=Type Certificate Data Sheet No. H1IN |date=10 January 2014 |url=https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/7620c074-8e78-40e6-a88f-381738b60c36}}</ref><ref name=EASA_R.123>{{cite web |author=European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) |author-link=European Aviation Safety Agency |title=Type Certificate Data Sheet No. EASA.R.123 |date=14 February 2017 |url=https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/TCDS_EASA_R123_AH_SE3160_SE315_SE316_SE319_Issue_03.pdf}}</ref>
*'''SA 316B''' : like SE 3160, but with strengthened main and tail rotor for greater performance; maximum weight of {{cvt|4850|lb|disp=flip}}, and rotor transmission limit on takeoff power increased to {{cvt|440|kW|0}}.<ref name=DGAC_no61 /><ref name=FAA_H1IN /><ref name=EASA_R.123 /> The SA 316B was built under licence in India as the HAL Chetak, and again under licence in Romania as the IAR 316.<ref name = "chant 349">Chant 2014, p. 349.</ref>
**'''[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited|HAL]] Chetak''' : Indian production version of the SA 316B.<ref name = "chant 349"/>
**'''[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited|HAL]] Chetan''' : HAL/Turbomecca TM 333-2M2 Shakti engine.
**'''[[IAR 316]]''' : Romanian production version of the SA 316B.<ref name = "chant 349-415"/>
** '''F+W Alouette IIIS''' : 60 SA-316B licence-assembled in [[Switzerland]] by F+W Emmen ([[:de:Eidgenössisches Flugzeugwerk|de]]) between 1970 and 1974.
*'''SA 319B''' (sometimes called "Alouette III Astazou") : developed from the SA 316B. Maximum weight of {{cvt|4960|lb|disp=flip}}; powered by a [[Turbomeca Astazou|Turbomeca Astazou XIVB]] turboshaft engine rated at {{cvt|440|kW|0}} for takeoff and {{cvt|405|kW}} continuous, but rotor transmission limitations restricted continuous power to {{cvt|368|kW}}.<ref name=DGAC_no61 /><ref name=FAA_H1IN /><ref name=EASA_R.123 /><ref name = "chant 349"/>
*'''SA 316C''' : developed from the SA 316B. Maximum weight of {{cvt|4960|lb|disp=flip}}; powered by a Turbomeca Artouste IIID turboshaft engine rated at {{cvt|440|kW|0}} for takeoff and {{cvt|405|kW}} continuous, but rotor transmission limitations restricted continuous power to {{cvt|368|kW}}.<ref name=DGAC_no61 /><ref name=FAA_H1IN /><ref name=EASA_R.123 /> The SA 316C was only built in small numbers.<ref name = "chant 349"/>
*'''G-Car''' and '''K-Car''' : Helicopter gunship versions for the [[Rhodesian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite book |title= Counter-strike From the Sky: The Rhodesian All-arms Fireforce in the War in the Bush 1974–1980|last= Wood|first= J.R.T|year= 2009|publisher= 30° South Publishers|isbn= 978-1-920143-33-6}}</ref> The G-Car was armed with two side-mounted [[Browning Model 1919 machine gun|Browning .303]] or a single 7.62mm [[L7A1|MAG]] machine guns. The K-Car was armed with a 20&nbsp;mm [[MG 151 cannon]], fitted inside the cabin, firing from the port side of the helicopter.
*'''SA.3164 Alouette-Canon''': Modified in 1964 as a gunship version armed with a 20mm gun in the nose and external hardpoints for missiles mounted on each side of the fuselage. Only one prototype was built.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/stingrayslistofrotorcraft/sa-3164-alouette-canon|title=SA 3164 "Alouette Canon" – Stingray's List of Rotorcraft|work=google.com|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713211730/https://sites.google.com/site/stingrayslistofrotorcraft/sa-3164-alouette-canon|archive-date=13 July 2015|url-status = live}}</ref>
*'''[[IAR 317]] Airfox''': A Romanian helicopter gunship project based on the IAR 316. Only three prototypes were ever built.<ref name = "chant 349-415">Chant 2014, pp. 349–415.</ref>
*[[Atlas XH-1 Alpha]]: South African two-seat attack helicopter project. It was used in the development of the [[Denel Rooivalk]].<ref name = "chant 349"/><ref name = "mcgow 204">McGownen 2005, p. 204.</ref>
*'''K-1 'Chetak', informally- 'Frenchman'''': 8 HAL Chetaks were bought by the Soviet Union for testing purposes at Kacha airfield, Sevastopol,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://warspot.ru/1672-rannyaya-ptashka|title=Ранняя пташка|first=Mikhail|last=Zhirokhov|date=27 September 2014|website=warspot.ru|language=ru}}</ref> in 1985, and later 2 of them were used by DOSAAF from Karagoz airfield{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

==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.-->

===Current military operators===
[[File:Sud SE-3160 Alouette III, Austria - Air Force AN0518202.jpg|thumb|Austrian SE 3160 Alouette III over the Alps]]

;{{ANG}}
* [[People's Air and Air Defence Force of Angola|Angola Defence Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018">{{cite web|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|title= World Air Forces 2018|publisher= Flightglobal Insight|year= 2018|access-date= 4 August 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180206123925/https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|archive-date= 6 February 2018|url-status = live}}</ref>

;{{BOL}}⁸
* [[Bolivian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{BDI}}
* [[Military of Burundi|Burundi National Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{CHA}}
* [[Chad Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{flaglist|COD}}
* [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo Democratic Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{SWZ}}
* [[Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force#Air Force|Eswatini Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{ETH}}
* [[Ethiopian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{GAB}}
* [[Gabonese Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
[[File:Indian Navy Chetak flying (cropped).jpg|thumb|HAL Chetak from [[Indian Navy]]'s [[INS Rana (D52)|INS ''Rana'']].]]
;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
* [[Indian Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
* [[Indian Navy]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;
*
;{{MLT}}
* [[Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta|Maltese Air Wing]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{MUS}}
*[[Mauritius Police Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46469&catid=51&Itemid=106 |title=Mauritius commissions patrol vessel, receives two helicopters – defenceWeb |first=Guy |last=Martin |website=www.defenceweb.co.za |access-date=19 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118172522/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46469&catid=51&Itemid=106 |archive-date=18 January 2017 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{NAM}}
* [[Namibian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{PAK}}
* [[Pakistan Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
* [[Pakistan Navy]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
[[File:Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing Aerospatiale SA-316B Alouette III Zammit-1.jpg|thumbnail|right|An SA 316B Alouette III used by the [[Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta]] during a flying display.]]
;{{SUR}} 
* [[Military of Suriname|Surinam Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{TUN}}
* [[Tunisian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
;{{ZIM}}
* [[Air Force of Zimbabwe]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>

===Former military operators===

;{{flag|Abu Dhabi}}
* [[United Arab Emirates Air Force|Abu Dhabi Air Wing]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201647.html |title= World Air Forces 1975 |page= 291 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 23 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516162304/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201647.html |archive-date= 16 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{ARG}}
* [[Argentine Naval Aviation]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/478/ |title=Comando de Aviacion Naval Argentina Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613214114/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/478/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{AUT}}
* [[Austrian Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 May 2024 |title=Austrian Air Force Alouette III – Time to say goodbye! |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/austrian-air-force-alouette-iii-time-to-say-goodbye |website=Scramble}}</ref>
;{{BEL}}
* [[Belgian Air Component]]<ref name="Belgian Alouette 3 retirement">{{Cite web|url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/belgium-says-goodbye-to-alouette-3|title=Belgium says goodbye to Alouette 3|first=Hans|last=van Herk|website=www.scramble.nl|date=8 July 2021 }}</ref>
* [[Belgian Naval Component]]<ref name="Belgian Alouette 3 retirement"/>
;{{flag|Biafra}}
* [[Biafran armed forces]]<ref name="auto">Jowett 2016, p. 18.</ref>
;{{BAN}}
* [[Bangladesh Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201397.html |title= World Air Forces 1983 |page= 327 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150106082829/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201397.html |archive-date= 6 January 2015 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{flag|Bophuthatswana}}
* [[Bophuthatswana Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202494.html |title= World Air Forces 1987 |page= 44 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516075641/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202494.html |archive-date= 16 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{BIR}}
* [[Burma Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201653.html |title= World Air Forces 1975 |page= 293 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130521143958/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201653.html |archive-date= 21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
[[File:RDN Alouette III.jpg|thumb|Circa 1980, a [[Royal Danish Navy]]'s SE 3160 Alouette III on a ''Hvidbjørnen''-class inspection vessel.]]
;{{CMR}}
* [[Cameroon Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/every/all-time-aircraft-used-list-cameroon-air-force.htm|title = All-Time Aircraft Used List &#124; Cameroon Air Force}}</ref>
;{{CHI}}
* [[Chilean Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/597/ |title=Armada de Chile Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613225319/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/597/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{DNK}}
* [[Royal Danish Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/520/ |title=Kongelige Danske Marine Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613203431/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/520/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{DOM}}
* [[Dominican Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202500.html |title= World Air Forces 1987 |page= 50 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517114426/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202500.html |archive-date= 17 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{ECU}}
* [[Ecuadorian Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1001/ |title=Armada Ecuatoriana Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613220655/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1001/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{ESA}}
* [[Air Force of El Salvador]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1279/ |title=Fuerza Aerea Salvadoreña Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613232046/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1279/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{FRA}}
* [[French Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/air |title=Armée de L'air SA 316 |access-date=16 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411110544/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/air |archive-date=11 April 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
* [[French Army]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201408.html|title=World Air Forces 1983|page=338|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=30 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521172530/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201408.html|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status = live}}</ref> 
* [[French Navy]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.avionslegendaires.net/2022/12/actu/la-marine-nationale-dit-adieu-a-la-mythique-alouette-iii/# | title=La Marine Nationale dit adieu à la mythique Alouette III | date=9 December 2022 }}</ref>
* [[Sécurité Civile]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/609/ |title=Securite Civile Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613230751/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/609/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{GHA}}
* [[Ghana Air Force]]<ref name="World’s 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= 30 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}}</ref>
; {{GRE}}
* [[Hellenic Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Aircraft Fleet |url=https://hellenicnavy.gr/en/fleet-headquarters/hellenic-navy-aviation-command/hellenic-navy-helicopter-squadron1-hnhs-1/ |website=Hellenic Navy Official Website |access-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527232212/https://hellenicnavy.gr/en/fleet-headquarters/hellenic-navy-aviation-command/hellenic-navy-helicopter-squadron1-hnhs-1/ |archive-date=27 May 2024 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{GIN}}
* [[Guinean Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202509.html |title= World Air Forces 1987 |page= 59 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141217033602/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202509.html |archive-date= 17 December 2014 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{GNB}}
*[[Guinea-Bissau Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201416.html |title= World Air Forces 1983 pg .346 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130521145014/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201416.html |archive-date= 21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{GUY}}
*[[Guyana Defence Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/fleet/guyana-df-aerospatiale-sa-319b-alouette-iii.htm|title = Aerospatiale SA 319B &#124; Guyana Defence Force| date=19 April 2016 }}</ref>
;{{flag|Hong Kong|colonial}}
[[File:Aérospatiale SA 316B at RNAS Yeovilton.jpg|thumb|[[Irish Air Corps]] SA 316B Alouette III, 212 from 3 Operations Wing at [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]] in July 2006]]
* [[Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force|Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/115/ |title=Royal Hong Kong Aux. Air Force Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613225919/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/115/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{IRQ}}
* [[Iraq Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201418.html |title= World Air Forces 1983 |page= 352 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130521143006/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201418.html |archive-date= 21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{IRL}}
* [[Irish Air Corps]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/57/ |title=Aer Chór na hÉireann Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613221406/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/57/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{JOR}}
* [[Jordanian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201422.html |title=World Air Forces 1983 |page=358 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521152047/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201422.html |archive-date=21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{LBN}}
* [[Lebanese Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201423.html |title=World Air Forces 1983 |page=359 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521152445/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201423.html |archive-date=21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{LBY}}
* [[Libyan Air Force (1951–2011)|Libyan Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 68">{{cite web | title = World Air Forces 1987 | page = 68 | publisher = flightglobal.com | url = http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202518.html | access-date = 30 March 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150721204354/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202518.html | archive-date = 21 July 2015 |url-status = live}}</ref>
* [[Libyan National Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 68"/>
;{{MAS}}
*[[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]
*[[Malaysian Army Aviation]]
;{{MAD}}
* [[Military of Madagascar|Malagasy Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201424.html |title= World Air Forces 1983 |page= 360 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130521165400/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201424.html |archive-date= 21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{MWI}}
* [[Military of Malawi|Malawi Army Air Wing]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 68"/> 
;{{MEX}}
* [[Mexican Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 72">{{cite web | title = World Air Forces 1987 | page = 72 | publisher = flightglobal.com | url = http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202522.html | access-date = 30 March 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130521143459/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202522.html | archive-date = 21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
* [[Mexican Navy]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 72"/>
[[File:RNAF SA 316B Alouette III (framed).jpg|thumb|An SA 316B Alouette III of the [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]] ]]
;{{MAR}}
* [[Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 73">{{cite web |title=World Air Forces 1987 |page=73 |publisher=flightglobal.com |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202523.html |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521161300/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202523.html |archive-date=21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{MOZ}}
* [[Military of Mozambique|Mozambique Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 73"/>
;{{flag|North Yemen}}
* [[Yemeni Air Force|Yemen Arab Republic Air Force]]<ref>Cooper 2017, p. 34.</ref>
;{{NLD}}
* [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensie.nl/english/organisation/air-force/contents/materiel/aircraft-and-helicopters/alouette-iii-helicopter |title=Alouette III helicopter |publisher=defensie.nl |access-date=23 May 2014 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419012824/http://www.defensie.nl/english/organisation/air-force/contents/materiel/aircraft-and-helicopters/alouette-iii-helicopter |archive-date=19 April 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Bluebirds-last-flight |title=Bluebird's last flight – Vertical Magazine |access-date=4 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413090713/http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Bluebirds-last-flight |archive-date=13 April 2016 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{NIC}}
* [[Nicaraguan Air Force|Sandinista Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202524.html |title=World Air Forces 1987 |page=74 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109085859/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202524.html |archive-date=9 January 2015 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{PAK}}
* [[Pakistan Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://quwa.org/2018/12/17/ideas-2018-pakistan-air-force-updates-2/|title = IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Air Force Updates|date = 17 December 2018}}</ref>
;{{PER}}
* [[Peruvian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 77">{{cite web | title = World Air Forces 1987 | page = 77 | publisher = flightglobal.com | url = http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202527.html | access-date = 30 March 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130521150748/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202527.html | archive-date = 21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
* [[Peruvian Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 77"/>
* [[Peruvian Naval Aviation]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 77"/> 
;{{POR}}
*[[Portuguese Air Force]]<ref name=":0" />
;{{flag|Rhodesia}}
* [[Rhodesian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%201053.html |title= World Air Forces 1971 |page= 936 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130521163849/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%201053.html |archive-date= 21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{RWA}}
* [[Rwandan Defence Forces|Rwandan Defence Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202530.html |title=World Air Forces 1987 |page=80 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517115010/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202530.html |archive-date=17 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{SAU}}
[[File:FAP 19401 (4).JPG|thumb|Portuguese [[Rotores de Portugal]] aerobatic team's Alouette III helicopter]]
* [[Royal Saudi Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201682.html |title=World Air Forces 1975 |page=308 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521163928/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201682.html |archive-date=21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{SEY}}
* [[Military of Seychelles|Seychelles Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%203660.html |title= World Air Forces 1990 |page= 68 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130521184957/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%203660.html |archive-date= 21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{SIN}}
* [[Republic of Singapore Air Force|Singapore Air Force]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/936/ |title=Republic of Singapore Air Force Alouette III |newspaper=Helis.com |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613224833/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/936/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{RSA}} 
* [[South African Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/680/ |title=Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613201400/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/680/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{KOR}}
* [[Republic of Korea Navy|Republic of Korea Naval Air Arm]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/alouette3.htm |title=Alouette III|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref>
;{{flag|South Vietnam}}
* [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force|South Vietnamese Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%202097.html |title=Military Helicopter Market 1971 |page=581 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=3 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521170740/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%202097.html |archive-date=21 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{ESP}}
* [[Spanish Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/668/ |title=Ejercito del aire Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614002318/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/668/ |archive-date=14 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
* [[Spanish Army]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/636/ |title=Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra Alouette III |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614004917/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/636/ |archive-date=14 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{flaglist|SUI}}
* [[Swiss Air Force]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/526/ |title=schweizer luftwaffe Alouette III |newspaper=Helis.com |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613221541/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/526/ |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{flag|Upper Volta}}
[[File:Alouette ag1.JPG|thumb|Aérospatiale SE 3160 Alouette III of the Swiss Air Force]]
* [[Military of Burkina Faso|Upper Volta Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201443.html?search=Upper|title=World Air Forces 1983|publisher=flightglobal.com|page=379|access-date=30 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521142255/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201443.html?search=Upper|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status = live}}</ref> 
;{{VEN}}
* [[Venezuelan Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/601/|title=Fuerza Aerea de Venezuela Alouette III|access-date=30 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614003447/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/601/|archive-date=14 June 2013|url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{flag|FR Yugoslavia}}
* [[Yugoslav Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202517.html |title= World Air Forces 1987 |page= 67 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 30 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150715015252/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202517.html |archive-date= 15 July 2015 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{ZAI}}
* [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Zaire Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202556.html |title=World Air Forces 1987 |page=106 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516125734/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202556.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>

===Former civilian operators===
;{{flag|Slovakia}}
* [[Air – Transport Europe]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.planes.cz/en/photo/1132408/sa316b-alouette-iii-om-fit-air-transport-europe-eat-poprad-tatry-tat-lztt |title= Alouette III at Poprad-Tatry airport. First SAR helicopter in Slovakia. Originally registered in 1990 as OK-FIT. |page= |website=Planes.cz |access-date= 14 January 2022 |archive-url= |archive-date= }}</ref>

==Specifications (SA 316B)==
[[File:Aérospatiale Alouette III orthographical image.svg|right|250px]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77''<ref name="Janes 76 p39">Taylor 1976, p. 39.</ref>
|prime units?= met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew= 2
|capacity= 5 passengers
|length m= 10.03
|span m=
|upper span m=
|mid span m=
|lower span m=
|width m=
|height m= 3
|wing area sqm=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg= 1,143
|gross weight kg= 2,200
|max takeoff weight kg=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[Turbomeca Artouste IIIB]]
|eng1 type= [[turboshaft]]
|eng1 kw= 649
|eng1 note= derated to 425 kW (570 hp)

|rot number= 1
|rot dia m= 11.02
|rot dia ft=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia in=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area sqm= 95.38
|rot area sqft=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh= 210
|max speed note= at sea level
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kmh= 185
|stall speed kmh=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|range km= 540
|combat range km=
|ferry range km=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m= 3,200
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms= 4.3
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns= 
|bombs= 
|rockets= 
|missiles= 
|hardpoints=
|hardpoint capacity=
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|France}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Aérospatiale Alouette II]]
* [[Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama]]
* [[Aérospatiale Gazelle]]
* [[IAR 316]]
* [[Atlas XH-1 Alpha]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse]]
|lists=
*[[List of rotorcraft]]
*[[List of most-produced rotorcraft]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=N}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last = Andrade |first = John |title = Militair 1982 |year = 1982 |publisher = Aviation Press Limited |location = London, United Kingdom |isbn = 0-907898-01-7}}
* {{cite book |last = Boyne |first = Walter |title = How the Helicopter Changed Modern Warfare |publisher = Pelican Publishing |date = 2011 |isbn = 978-1-4556-1568-1}}
* {{cite book |last = Chant |first = Christopher |title = A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware |publisher = Routledge |date = 2014 |isbn = 978-1134646685}}
* {{cite book |last = Cocks |first = Kerrin |title = Rhodesian Fire Force 1966–80 |publisher = Helion |date = 2015 |isbn = 978-1-91029-405-5}}
* {{cite book |last = Cooper |first = Tom |title = Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 1 |date = 2017 |publisher = Helion & Company Publishing |location = Solihull, United Kingdom |isbn = 978-1-912174-23-2}}
* {{cite book |editor-last = Donald |editor-first = David |title = The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft |location = New York, United States |publisher = Barnes & Noble Books |date = 1997 |isbn = 0-7607-0592-5}}
* {{cite magazine |last = Hatch |first = Paul |title = World's Air Forces |magazine = Flight International |date = 5–11 December 1990 |pages = 35–81 |url = http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%203627.html}}
* {{cite magazine |last = Hoyle |first = Craig |title = World Air Forces Directory |magazine = Flight International |date = 6–12 December 2016 |pages = 22–53 |volume = 190 |issue = 5566}}
* {{cite book |last = Jowett |first = Philip |title = Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967–70 |year = 2016 |publisher = [[Osprey Publishing]] Press |location = Oxford, United Kingadom |isbn = 978-1472816092}}
* {{cite journal |last1 = Lefebvre |first1 = Jean-Michel |title = "Alouette"je te plumerai: Les "Alouettes" III du CoTaM |journal = Le Fana de l'Aviation |date = October 1982 |issue = 155 |pages = 43–49 |issn = 0757-4169 |language = fr |trans-title = "Alouette" I Pluck You: The "Alouettes" of CoTaM}}
* {{cite book |last = McGownen |first = Stanley |title = Helicopters: An Illustrated History of Their Impact |publisher = ABC-CLIO |date = 2005 |isbn = 1-8510-9468-7}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Polmar |first1 = Norman |first2 = Floyd D. |last2 = Kennedy |title = Military helicopters of the world: military rotary-wing aircraft since 1917 |publisher = Naval Institute Press |date = 1981 |isbn = 0-8702-1383-0}}
* {{cite book |last = Taylor |first = John W. R. |author-link = John W. R. Taylor |title = Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1966–67 |location = London, United Kingdom |publisher = Sampson Low, Marston & Company |date = 1966}}
* {{cite book |editor-last = Taylor |editor-first = John W R. |title = Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77 |year = 1976 |publisher = Jane's Yearbooks |location = London, United Kingdom |isbn = 0-354-00538-3 }}
* {{cite book |last = Upreti |first = Bhuwan Chandra |title = Maoists in Nepal: From Insurgency to Political Mainstream |publisher = Gyan Publishing House |date = 2008 |isbn = 978-8-1783-5687-7}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Aérospatiale SA 316/SA 319 Alouette III|Aérospatiale Alouette III}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070303071555/http://frenchnavy.free.fr/helicopters/alouette-3/alouette-3.htm Aérospatiale SA 316B/ VSV/ SA 319B Alouette III]
* [http://celag.free.fr/museum/sa319/us_sa319_0.htm Sud Aviation SA 316/319 Alouette III]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070420102929/http://luftfahrtmuseum.com/htmi/itf/sa316.htm The Virtual Aviation Museum – Aérospatiale SE 3160 Alouette III]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081014004902/http://www.hal-india.com/helicopter/products.asp#chetak Hindustan Aeronautics Limited – Chetak]
* {{YouTube|id=FJHQbqbDVz4|title=MAKILA - Oscar Fox, the Alps' last Alouette III|time=31m}}

{{Alouette family}}
{{Sud/Aérospatiale aircraft}}
{{Spanish helicopters}}
{{ADF aircraft designations}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aerospatiale Alouette Iii}}
[[Category:1950s French civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:1950s French military utility aircraft]]
[[Category:1950s French helicopters]]
[[Category:Aérospatiale aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Search and rescue helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1959]]