SAAF Alouette III Patch

The Aérospatiale Alouette III is a single-engine, light utility helicopter developed by the French aircraft company Sud Aviation. The Alouette III was developed as an enlarged derivative of the earlier and highly successful Alouette II. It quickly became a commercial success amongst both civil and military customers. In military service, the Alouette III was used for various 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, crop-spraying, personnel transportation, and for carrying external loads.

The South African Air Force (SAAF) utilized the Alouette III in various roles. One notable squadron that operated the Alouette III was the 22 Squadron SAAF. In 1978, 22 Squadron received a complement of Aérospatiale Alouette IIIs. This squadron is the sole maritime helicopter squadron of the SAAF, providing all helicopters, air, and ground crew for operation aboard South African Navy vessels. The squadron's Alouette IIIs were retired in August 2007.

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