IAR 330

{{Short description|Romanian military transport helicopter}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = IAR 330 Puma | image = File:Romanian air force IAR 330 Puma during Carpathian Summer 19 (cropped).jpg | caption = A Romanian Air Force IAR 330 Puma performs [[Medical evacuation]] duty | type = [[Utility helicopter]]/[[gunship]]/[[naval helicopter]] | manufacturer = [[Industria Aeronautică Română]] | designer = | first_flight = 22 October 1975 | introduction = | retired = | status = In service | primary_user = [[Romanian Air Force]] | more_users = [[Romanian Naval Forces|Romanian Navy]] <br/>[[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] <br/>[[Sudan Air Force]] <br/> [[Lebanese Air Force]] | produced = 1975–2008 | number_built = ≥ 163<ref name=marnix>Marnix Sap, Carlo Brummer: ''Fortele Aeriene Romane'' in: Lotnictwo Nr. 4/2010, pp. 40–41 {{in lang|pl}}</ref> | developed_from = [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]] | variants = }}

The '''IAR 330''' is a [[licensed production|licence-built]] version of the [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]] [[helicopter]], manufactured by the [[Romania]]n aerospace manufacturer [[Industria Aeronautică Română]].

The IAR 330 was produced under a licensing agreement with the French aerospace firm [[Aérospatiale]], signed on 30 July 1974. On 22 October 1975, the first Romanian-built Puma conducted its [[maiden flight]]. Deliveries to customers begun shortly thereafter; by 1980, around 25 IAR 330s had been produced for both domestic and overseas customers. Various oversea countries opted to procure the IAR 330, including [[Pakistan]], [[Ivory Coast]], [[United Arab Emirates]], and [[Sudan]]. The largest operator of the type would be the [[Romanian Air Force]], who initially used it primarily as a utility transport.

During the 1990s, there was a desire for a rotary [[anti-tank]] capability, as well as to integrate Romania's defense equipment with [[NATO]]. Accordingly, during the 2000s, IAR collaborated with the [[Israel]]i defense company [[Elbit Systems]] to produce twenty-four ''IAR 330 SOCAT'' helicopters, which was designed for anti-tank and battlefield support operations.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.roaf.ro/en/dotare/socat_en.php |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071007120023/http://www.roaf.ro/en/dotare/socat_en.php |publisher = roaf.ro |url-status = dead |title = IAR-330 Puma SOCAT |archive-date = 7 October 2007}}</ref> A modernized utility transport model equipped [[NATO]]-compatible avionics derived from the SOCAT, referred to as the ''IAR 330M'', was also produced around this time. A navalised model, capable of search and rescue, medevac, and maritime surveillance, was also developed. The final IAR 330 was produced in 2008; the programme has effectively been replaced by the [[Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma|Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma]], the production of which was transferred to Brașov under ''Eurocopter Romania'', a [[joint venture]] between Airbus Helicopters and IAR.

==Design and development==

=== Background === Throughout most of the [[Cold War]], Romania was a member of both [[COMECON]] and the [[Warsaw Pact]]. Despite this, the [[Nicolae Ceaușescu|Ceaușescu]] government sought to avoid becoming overly dependent on support from the [[Soviet Union]] and maintain independence.<ref>Romania 2009, p. 34.</ref> Accordingly, for military equipment to be developed entirely or partially in Romania to bolster the nation's self-reliance was desirable, while partnerships with third party countries were also sought for the supply of large-ticket items. During the early 1970s, the Romanian government invited multiple companies, including the French aerospace firm [[Aérospatiale]] and the American helicopter manufacturer [[Sikorsky Aircraft]], to demonstrate their helicopters, which held the intention of acquiring a [[licensed production|license to produce]] its preferred rotorcraft.

Accordingly, on 11 October 1973, the [[Sikorsky S-61]] was formally pitched to a group of Romanian representatives, which included a test flight performed at [[Aurel Vlaicu International Airport|Băneasa Airport]]. Between 13 and 15 October of that same month, a presentation at the Romanian aerospace manufacturer [[Industria Aeronautică Română|Întreprinderea de Construcții Aeronautice]]'s (IAR) facility at [[Ghimbav]].<ref name=":0" /> The Puma was demonstrated on 20 October. On 30 July 1974, it was announced that Romania had signed a licensing agreement covering the local production of the Puma by IAR. A separate agreement was also signed to undertake the licensed production of the [[Turboméca Turmo|Turboméca Turmo IVC]] [[turboshaft]] engines that powered the type.<ref name = "us business1981"/>

===Initial production=== On 22 October 1975, the first Romanian-built Puma, which was locally designation ''IAR 330H'', performed its [[maiden flight]].<ref name="marnix" /> Quantity production of the type proceeded shortly thereafter; by 1980, around 25 IAR 330s had reportedly been produced, with the deliveries evenly divided between domestic and overseas customers.<ref name = "us business1981">{{cite journal |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=PQhMpv1ojFcC&dq=romania+iar+330&pg=RA7-PA11 |title = Romania open to Western Help in carrying out ambitious plans to expand its aircraft industry |journal = Business America: Volume 4 |publisher = U.S. Department of Commerce |first = David C. |last = Bowie |date = 1981 |page = 12}}</ref> By 2010, around 163 of these helicopters have reportedly been built, 104 of which were delivered to the air wings of the Romanian military, while two were retained by the manufacturer and a further 57 were produced for various export operators.<ref name="marnix" /> Oversea countries that procured the IAR 330 include [[Pakistan]], [[Ivory Coast]], [[United Arab Emirates]], and [[Sudan]].

By the end of the Cold War, the IAR 330 was well established as the principal rotorcraft of Romania.<ref>Brooks and Gott 2006, p. 574.</ref> Furthermore, specialised variants of the helicopter were developed for roles such as naval warfare, [[search and rescue]] (SAR), command & control, and [[medevac]] operations, typically being produced in limited numbers. The SAR model was outfitted with inflatable floats for emergency landing at sea. Production of the IAR 330 continued into the 21st century, performed by the Industria Aeronautică Română (presently known as ''IAR S.A. Brașov'') at their plant outside [[Braşov|Brașov]]. In 2008, the final Romanian-built helicopter was reportedly manufactured, the company was [[privatisation|privatised]] that same year.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/business-briefs/79776.article |title = Business Briefs |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 11 April 2008}}</ref> In November 2015, [[Airbus Helicopters]] announced that all final assembly of the [[Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma|Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma]], the successor to the original Puma, would be transferred to a final assembly line in Brașov under ''Eurocopter Romania'', a [[joint venture]] between Airbus Helicopters and IAR; as such, this initiative effectively took the place of the IAR 330 programme.<ref>[http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/press/Romania-to-host-production-of-new,-robust,-and-cost-effective-H215-heavy-helicopter_1865.html "Romania to host production of new, robust, and cost-effective H215 heavy helicopter."] ''Airbus Helicopters'', 17 November 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/Eurocopter-Romania_370.html "EC ROMANIA (EUROCOPTER ROMANIA SA)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918081754/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/Eurocopter-Romania_370.html |date=18 September 2011 }} ''Eurocopter''. Eurocopter.com. Accessed 9 July 2011.</ref>

==Operational history== [[File:!IAR-330 Puma SOCAT antitank gunship 2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|The IAR-330 Puma SOCAT used for [[Anti-tank warfare#Cold War|anti-armor]] warfare]] During the 1990s, the Romanian Air Force sought to enhance the combat capabilities of its IAR 330L fleet to make it into a [[helicopter gunship|universal anti-tank and support helicopter]]. By this time, Romania started to cooperate with Israel on several different military programs.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/romania-shows-upgrades/3059.article |title = Romania shows upgrades |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 18 June 1997}}</ref> The Israeli company [[Elbit Systems]] was chosen and, in September 1995, the Romanian Air Force signed a contract with the company to upgrade 24 helicopters with the SOCAT system (''Sistem Optronic de Cercetare și Anti-Tanc'').<ref name=marnix/><ref>Romania 2009, p. 77.</ref> On 26 May 1998, the first IAR 330L SOCAT was flown from IAR's airfield in [[Ghimbav]], near [[Brașov]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/romania-begins-tests-of-iar330-helicopter-anti-tank-upgrade/21384.article |title = Romania begins tests of IAR330 helicopter anti-tank upgrade |publisher = flightglobal.com |first1 = Andrzej |last1 = Jeziorski |first2 = Arie |last2 = Egozi |date = 10 June 1998}}</ref> On 23 October 1999, the second prototype made its first flight. During 2001, the first IAR 330L SOCAT was delivered to a combat unit. In all, 25 SOCATs were produced, including the prototypes, which were rebuilt to production standard in 2005.<ref name=marnix/><ref>{{cite journal |url = https://www.proquest.com/openview/ba4ebc55e0d6ee34d6c67f4bb3d2193f/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2026346 |title = Avionics System of the Combat Helicopter in Romanian Air Force |journal = International Scientific Conference "Strategies XXI", Suppl. Command and Staff Faculty; Bucharest |first = Gabriel |last = Goagă |date = 2017}}</ref>

The IAR 330M NATO is a modernized transport version with the SOCAT version's avionics, but without either the weapons and [[Optoelectronics|optronic]] systems. Among other features, it has a [[weather radar]]. Between 2005 and 2008, twelve IAR 330Ls were modernized to the IAR 330M standard.<ref name=marnix/> By the early 2020s, several of the IAR 330 SOCATs were approaching their original operational limits, thus the Romanian Air Force begun contracting IAR to replace life-expired elements and thus facilitate the type's continued service.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-helicopter/romania-replace-parts-two-pumas/ |title = Romania to replace parts on two Pumas |publisher = shephardmedia.com |date = 12 January 2021}}</ref>

On 30 January 2007, the first IAR 330 NAVAL helicopter was officially unveiled at Ghimbav. The [[Romanian Naval Forces]] ordered three of this variant. The helicopter is in a similar configuration to the Romanian Air Force variant, including the SOCAT upgrade package; however, the Navy rotorcraft are equipped with RDR-1700A on-board radar, flotation gear housed underneath the nose and main [[landing gear|undercarriage]] fairings and can carry [[Sting Ray (torpedo)|Sting Ray]] torpedoes. Much of the mission-specific avionics are supplied by the French defense company [[Thales Group]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/paris-thales-gets-romanian-puma-equipment-contract/110215.article |title = PARIS: Thales gets Romanian Puma equipment contract |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Craig |last = Hoyle |date = 17 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title = First Steps towards the certification of IAR-330 Puma naval for helicopter-ship operations |publisher = semanticscholar.org |last1 = Pavel |first1 = P. Booij |first2 = J. |last2 = Boer |year = 2007|s2cid = 55849122 }}</ref> They are typically operated from the Navy's frigates and undertake missions such as [[search and rescue]], [[medevac]], maritime surveillance missions and [[anti-submarine warfare]] missions.<ref>[http://www.zf.ro/articol_132511/primul_elicopter_iar_330_puma_naval_intra_maine_in_serviciul_fnr.html ''First IAR 330 Puma Naval helicopter enters Romanian Naval Forces service''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623183227/http://www.zf.ro/articol_132511/primul_elicopter_iar_330_puma_naval_intra_maine_in_serviciul_fnr.html |date=23 June 2008 }}, [[Ziarul Financiar]], 12 July 2007. Retrieved on 20 July 2008.</ref><ref>Romania 2009, p. 74.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nineoclock.ro/iar-ghimbav-successfully-completes-puma-naval-programmeiar-330-puma-naval-helicopter-among-worlds-top-10-asw-helicopters/|title=IAR Ghimbav successfully completes PUMA Naval programme:IAR 330 Puma Naval helicopter, among world's top 10 ASW helicopters – Nine O'Clock|date=27 October 2015 |access-date=20 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204103641/http://www.nineoclock.ro/iar-ghimbav-successfully-completes-puma-naval-programmeiar-330-puma-naval-helicopter-among-worlds-top-10-asw-helicopters/|archive-date=2016-02-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Variants== [[File:IAR 330 Puma Naval first flight.jpg|thumb|right|IAR 330 Puma NAVAL variant.]]

* '''IAR 330H''' – initial model (1975–1977). 15 built.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last = Turturică |first = Sorin |date = 14 December 2020 |title = Cum a început România să construiască elicoptere |url = http://presamil.ro/cum-inceput-romania-sa-construiasca-elicoptere/ |access-date = 22 June 2022 |website = Trustul de presă al Ministerului aparării naționale}}</ref> * '''IAR 330L''' – improved model (1977–2008). Out of the 165 built, 112 went into service with the Romanian armed forces.<ref name=":0" /> * '''IAR 330M''' – modernized variant with [[NATO]]-compatible avionics derived from the SOCAT model, 12 IAR 330Ls rebuilt as such between 2005 and 2008.<ref name=marnix/> * '''IAR 330L SOCAT''' – attack helicopter, total of 25 produced during the early to mid 2000s.<ref name=marnix/> * '''IAR 330 NAVAL''' – naval helicopter. 3 built between 2005 and 2008, with further trials and upgrades up to 2015.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last = Iacob |first = Mădălin |date = 17 December 2015 |title = Al treilea elicopter IAR 330 Puma Naval, livrat MApN |url = http://www.romania-actualitati.ro/al_treilea_elicopter_iar_330_puma_naval_livrat_mapn-84439 |access-date = 29 June 2022 |website = România Actualități}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last = Manole |first = Gabriel |date = 4 April 2017 |title = IAR 330 PUMA – Vânătorul de submarine |url = http://www.autotestmagazin.ro/mapn-iar-330-puma-vanatorul-de-submarine/ |website = Auto Test Magazin |access-date = 29 June 2022 |archive-date = 1 March 2024 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240301134158/https://autotestmagazin.ro/mapn-iar-330-puma-vanatorul-de-submarine/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> * '''IAR 330 SM''' – equipped with [[Turbomeca Makila 1A1]] engines<ref>{{cite web |url = https://bvb.ro/infocont/infocont21/IARV_20210429150516_iarv---Annual-Report-2020-with-financial-reports-and-indepen.pdf |title = IAR S.A. Annual Report |author =  |date = 29 April 2021 |website = bvb.ro |publisher = [[Bucharest Stock Exchange]] |page = 2}}</ref> (export configuration for the [[United Arab Emirates]]).

==Operators==

{{Maplink|frame=yes|text=Map of current and former IAR 330 operators.

|id1=Q974 |type1=shape| fill1=#0000FF|stroke-width1=0|title1=DR Congo |id2=Q1008 |type2=shape| fill2=#0000FF|stroke-width2=0|title2=Ivory Coast |id3=Q114 |type3=shape| fill3=#0000FF|stroke-width3=0|title3=Kenya |id4=Q822 |type4=shape| fill4=#0000FF|stroke-width4=0|title4=Lebanon |id5=Q843 |type5=shape| fill5=#0000FF|stroke-width5=0|title5=Pakistan |id6=Q218 |type6=shape| fill6=#0000FF|stroke-width6=0|title6=Romania |id7=Q1049 |type7=shape| fill7=#0000FF|stroke-width7=0|title7=Sudan |id8=Q878 |type8=shape| fill8=#0000FF|stroke-width8=0|title8=United Arab Emirates }}

;{{COD}} * [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Air Force of the DRC]] – 1, delivered in 1971<ref name="sipri"/> ;{{CIV}} * [[Military of Ivory Coast#Air Force|Ivory Coast Air Force]] – 4, delivered in 2003, 2 of which are for VIP transport<ref>{{Cite web |title = UNROCA original report - Romania 2003 |url = https://www.unroca.org/romania/report/2003/ |website = United Nations Register of Conventional Arms}}</ref><ref name="sipri">{{cite web |title = Arms Transfers Database |url = http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |publisher = Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date = 19 February 2013 |archive-date = 14 April 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |url-status = dead }}</ref> ;{{KEN}} * [[Kenya Air Force]] – 9–16, delivered between 1978 and 1984<ref name="sipri"/> ;{{LBN}} * [[Lebanese Air Force]] – 6, delivered in 1984<ref name="sipri"/> ;{{PAK}} * [[Pakistan Army]] – 4, delivered in 1984<ref name="sipri"/><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/iar-330l-puma-helicopter-romania/ |title = IAR 330 Puma |publisher = airforce-technology.com |access-date = 17 February 2013}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}} ;{{ROM}} * [[Romanian Air Force]] – 56<ref name="IISSMB">{{Cite web |url = http://www.iiss.org/publications/military-balance/ |title = IISS Military Balance 2010 |publisher = iiss.org |access-date = 2011-03-05 |archive-date = 2013-01-19 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130119002336/http://www.iiss.org/publications/military-balance/ |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="WORLD 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 = 15 February 2013}}</ref><ref>Romania 2009, pp. 78-79.</ref> * [[Romanian Navy]] – 3<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013" /> ;{{SUD}} * [[Sudanese Air Force]] - 15, delivered between 1984 and 1985<ref name="sipri"/><ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013" /> ;{{UAE}} * [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] - 20. An initial 10 IAR-330L were delivered between 1993 and 1994, a further 10 IAR-330SM were supplied between 2006 and 2007.<ref name="sipri"/><ref>{{cite web |url = http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Defence-Weekly-2010/Lebanon-takes-delivery-of-three-more-IAR-330-Pumas.html |title = Lebanon takes delivery of three more IAR 330 Pumas |publisher = Janes-Defence-Weekly-2010 |access-date = 17 February 2013 |archive-date = 11 April 2013 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130411045005/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Defence-Weekly-2010/Lebanon-takes-delivery-of-three-more-IAR-330-Pumas.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> At least 7 SMs were transferred to the Lebanese Air Force between 2009 and 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last = van Veenendaal |first = Jeroen |date = 17 January 2019 |title = A force on the rise |url = https://www.keymilitary.com/article/force-rise |website = Key Military}}</ref>

==Notable incidents== * On 23 December 1989, an IAR 330 crash landed after having been presumably shot at during a transport flight near [[Alba Iulia]], killing the crew of three and two passengers.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.romanialibera.ro/special/documentare/oameni-cheie-ai-revolutiei-au-murit-suspect-113939 |title = Oameni-cheie ai Revoluției au murit suspect |language=ro |first = Carol |last = Harsan |date = 18 December 2007 |newspaper = [[România liberă]]}}</ref> * On 16 August 2001, an IAR 330 SOCAT crashed during a training flight shortly after take-off from [[List of Romanian Air Force bases#Closed|Titu Air Base]]. The crash occurred at an altitude of 50 metres (165 ft.), wounding the crew.<ref name=marnix/> * On 7 November 2007, an IAR 330 SOCAT, belonging to the [[RoAF 90th Airlift Base|90th Airlift Base]], crashed in [[Ungheni, Argeș|Ungheni]], 30 km south of [[Pitești]], during a night training mission, killing all three crew members.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://antena3.ro/Elicopter-prabusit-in-apropiere-de-Pitesti-Trei-oameni-au-murit_act_41497_ext.html |title = Helicopter crashed near Pitești killing three people aboard |publisher = [[Antena 3 (Romanian TV channel)|Antena 3]] |date = 7 November 2007 |access-date = 8 November 2007 |archive-date = 9 November 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071109103933/http://antena3.ro/Elicopter-prabusit-in-apropiere-de-Pitesti-Trei-oameni-au-murit_act_41497_ext.html |url-status = dead}}</ref> * On 7 March 2013, an IAR 330 SOCAT crashed in [[Berești-Bistrița]], near [[Bacău]], during a training flight, killing two crew members and wounding three other crew members. The Romanian Air Force and Navy grounded the entire IAR 330 SOCAT fleet pending an investigation into the crash.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-ultima_ora-14368747-ultima-ora-elicopter-armatei-prabusit-filipesti-bacau.htm |title = Helicopter crashed near Bacău killing two and wounding three crew |date = 7 March 2013 |publisher = hotnews.ro}}</ref> * On 21 November 2014, an IAR-330 MEDEVAC crashed in [[Laslea|Mălâncrav]], near [[Sibiu]], during a training flight, killing eight military personnel and injuring two others.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/military-dead-helicopter-crash-romania-27076779 |title = 8 Military Dead in Helicopter Crash in Romania |publisher = abcnews.go.com}}</ref> * On 22 March 2022, an IAR 330 crashed near the village of Gura Dobrogei, [[Cogealac]] Commune, amid adverse weather conditions while searching for a crashed [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21 Lancer]] in the area, killing seven military personnel.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.g4media.ro/breaking-un-avion-mig-21-lancer-a-disparut-de-pe-radar-in-judetul-constanta-a-disparut-de-pe-radar-si-elicopterul-care-a-plecat-in-cautarea-avionului-mapn-nu-sunt-date-la-acest-moment-despre-st.html |title = Un avion MiG 21 LanceR a dispărut de pe radar în județul Constanța. Elicopterul care a plecat în căutarea avionului s-a prăbușit. Șapte militari au decedat. Avionul MiG s-a prăbușit |language = ro |publisher = [[G4 Media (TV company)|G4 Media]] |date = 2 March 2022}}</ref>

==Specifications (IAR-330L)== [[File:IAR 330 line Drawing.svg|right|400px|Orthographically projected diagram of the SA330 Puma Line Drawing]] [[File:2018BIAS-8393 (47342056011).jpg|thumb|Pair of IAR 330s in flight]] [[File:A diver falls toward the water from a Romanian IAR-330L Puma helicopter - DPLA - 50a244fa3f1613ec6767903b5a914391.jpeg|thumb|Diver dropping toward the water from an IAR-330L Puma, 1992]] {{Aircraft specs |ref= ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1992–1993''<ref name="jawa92 p193">Lambert 1992, p. 193.</ref> |prime units?= met  |crew= 1–3 |capacity= 16 fully equipped troops |length m= 18.15 |length note= (overall), {{convert|14.06|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |height m= 5.14 |empty weight kg= 3,615 |empty weight lb= |empty weight note= |max takeoff weight kg= 7,400  |eng1 number= 2 |eng1 name= [[Turboméca Turmo|Turboméca Turmo IVC]] |eng1 type= [[turboshaft engine]]s |eng1 kw= 1,175 |rot number= 1 |rot dia m= 15.00 |rot area sqm= 176.7  |cruise speed kmh= 271 |cruise speed note= (max cruise) |never exceed speed kmh= 294 |range km= 572 |ceiling m= 6,000 |climb rate ms= 9.2 |more performance=  |armament= * 2 x 23 mm single barrel [[NR-23]] [[gun pod]]s (on the sides of the nose) with 400 rounds each (optional)<ref name=roaf>[http://www.roaf.ro/en/dotare/iar330_en.php IAR-330 Puma] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326005041/http://www.roaf.ro/en/dotare/iar330_en.php |date=26 March 2011 }} at Romanian Air Forces official page [retrieved 18 May 2011]</ref> * [[S-5 rocket#Launcher characteristics|LPR 57]] unguided [[rocket launcher]] (optional, on four hardpoints)<ref name=roaf/> * 2 x 7.62 mm calibre door mounted [[machine gun]]s<ref name=roaf/> (usually only one mounted on the starboard side) * [[AT-3 Sagger|Malyutka]] wire guided [[ATGM]] (four rails above the hardpoints, used only on trials) * 50 or 100 kg bombs (four hardpoints, used only on trials)

'''Puma SOCAT'''{{citation needed|date=January 2016}} * [[Nexter]] [[M621 cannon|THL-20 20mm]] [[automatic cannon]] (chin mounted) with 750 rounds * [[S-5 rocket#Launcher characteristics|LPR 57]] unguided [[rocket launcher]] (inner two hardpoints) * 8 [[RAFAEL Armament Development Authority|RAFAEL]] [[Spike (missile)#Versions|Spike-ER]] [[anti-tank guided missile]]s (outer two hardpoints only) * Nexter NC-621 20 mm gun pod with 180 rounds (outer two hardpoints, used only on trials)

'''Puma Naval''' * 2 x [[Sting Ray (torpedo)|Sting Ray]] lightweight [[torpedo]]es * 1 x 7.62 mm calibre door mounted [[M134 Minigun|Dillon]] [[Rotary cannon#Minigun|rotary machine gun]]<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egilhLQ_IKo&t=256|title=Emisiunea Pro Patria din 13 aprilie 2025|language=ro|publisher=Pro Patria|format=video|via=[[YouTube]]|date=13 April 2025|time=4:16}}</ref> }}

==See also== {{aircontent |see also= |related= * [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]] * [[Atlas Oryx]] |similar aircraft= * [[Eurocopter AS532 Cougar]] * [[Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma]] |lists= * [[List of rotorcraft]] }}

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

===Bibliography=== * {{cite book |first1 = Michael G. |last1 = Brooks |first2 = Kendall D. |last2 = Gott |title = Security Assistance, U.S. and International Historical Perspectives |publisher = Proceedings of the Combat Studies Institute 2006 Military History Symposium |date = 2006 |isbn = 0-1608-7349-5}} * {{cite magazine |last = Lake |first = Jon |title = Variant File: Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma |magazine = International Air Power Review |volume = 2 |date = Autumn 2001 |location = Norwalk, Connecticut USA |publisher = AIRtime Publishing |isbn = 1-880588-34-X |issn = 1473-9917 |pages = 96–107}} * {{cite book |editor-last = Lambert |editor-first = Mark |title = Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1992–93 |year = 1992 |publisher = Jane's Defence Data |location = Coulsdon, UK |isbn = 0-7106-0987-6 }} * {{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=KjWmAwAAQBAJ |title = Romania Army, National Security and Defense Policy Handbook: Volume 1 |publisher = 1438739923 |date = 2009 |isbn = 978-1-4387-3992-2}}

==External links== {{Commons category|IAR 330}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20071114132124/http://www.roaf.ro/en/index_en.htm Official homepage of the Romanian Air Force] * [http://www.iar.ro/ Manufacturer's Homepage]

[[Category:Military helicopters]] [[Category:1970s Romanian military utility aircraft]] [[Category:1970s Romanian helicopters]] [[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]] [[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1975]] [[Category:IAR aircraft|330]] [[Category:France–Romania relations]] [[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]] [[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]