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One of the last of eight Lamas still actively used in
Switzerland
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The Aérospatiale SA-315 Lama is a light multipurpose
helicopter. It’s been originally designed by the French
manufacturer Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale) for the
Indian Air Force, in particularly for assignments in
high and hot environments. The Lama still holds the
certificated altitude world record for helicopters of
40’820 ft and over years enjoyed the renown nickname
’’workhorse of aviation’’. It is still an adequate
helicopter being used for rescue missions in extreme and
mountainous surroundings. Reconditionings and date
inspections of the Lamas engine have been offered by
TUAG in Arbon up until 2015.
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Last privately owned Alouette III, ex. Swiss Air Force,
flying in Switzerland
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The Swiss Air Force purchased between 1964 – 1972 a
total of 84 Alouettes, 60 have been manufactured in
Switzerland under licence. The Helicopter stood out for
its multi capable use and its abilities in mountainous
environments for over 46 years in service, until its
decommission from active duty in 2010. Ever since the
first few helicopters were bought, Saurer Werke (later
TUAG) supplied for engine services and maintenance. |
Both the SA 316 Alouette and the SA 315 B Lama have been
equipped with the Artouste III B
turbine
and has been continuously improved ever since. Over time
the amount of qualified engine workshops for the
Artouste decreased internationally, leaving only TUAG
after the turn of the millennium. TUAG
ceased
their support for the last Artouste workshop in 2015.
Today, there are no more qualified workshops supporting
the Artouste III B
turbine.
This means, if the last date inspection of an Artouste
was made in 2015, then both the Alouette and the Lama
will have their last ever flight in 2030.
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Installed engine Lama HB-XMC
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Longitudinal cut Artouste III B engine
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Without a
turbine
workshop both helicopter types are endangered to go
instinct. When executing a date inspection, the
whole
turbine
is dismantled and examined, regardless of its amount
of operation hours. Every component is cleaned and
inspected, while gaskets are replaced. Without the
15-year recurring overhaul, operating safety for the
only permitted engine of the Alouette and Lama is
not guaranteed. Continuous deployment of the
helicopters would only be possible by acquiring a
historical category licence. Commercial usage will
be lost pending the category change, due to failing
to uphold set standards by ICAO, EASA, FAA and the
manufacturer. For an owner of an Alouette or Lama
this means:
- As soon as a major repair or overhaul is due, the helicopter must be written off
(unless a replacement engine is found). This has considerable financial
consequences for the company and its staff.
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An operationally unique
and valuable helicopter may stand still from one day to the next.
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Our company is also affected. We only have one engine
left open for about 110 hours until
its
overhaul. Also, we have another one, which
still has about 1'000 hours open until the overhaul. However, this has expired
and needs a partial disassembly before it can be used again with
de-preservation.
How the project emerged:
After initially hearing about TUAG giving up on their
turbine
workshop, business manager Roland Triet, thinking about
his own helicopters, came up with the idea
to continue this highly necessary workshop
and promptly contacted key personnel
of the company.
The following talks provided interesting insights, many
confirmed their support for the realisation of his
project. One of the
manager on site also
mentioned:
"That would be something for you - you can do it"!
Immediate measures already taken:
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Orderly handover and
dismantling of test bench
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Control station of the turbine test bench
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Test bench before disassembly
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Control desk cabling before dismantling
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Water brake and test bench bed are dismantled
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Loading onto trucks on a sunny dry day
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Safe transport of accessoires
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Takeover / purchase of the still existing TUAG
workshop inventory by the end of 2015, including the
complete heatable cleaning baths, a drying oven, the
associated electrical control cabinet, baths,
exhaust fans, grates and various chrome steel
shelves
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Turbines at Helicopter Service Triet
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In 2014 and 2015 there were still five Swiss Army
turbines to buy that had already been passed on and were in private
hands.
We bought them because they are complete, in good condition and
interesting for the planned project.
They provide
the opportunity of additional
spare parts at our disposal,
making replacement or rental engines
available if required.
Of course, only after
recertification.
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Hall Helicopter Service Triet AG
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Experience and
education project manager:
Roland Triet has
been working with Artouste as a helicopter mechanic and
controller since 1980.
He
flew about 1479 hours on Lama and Alouette.
He
also
possesses
an ID card for mechanical components.
Next steps:
A business plan has been created and we are currently
looking for investors.
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