AVIATION - EUROCOPTER AS 332 SUPER PUMAID92900067


On the obverse an image of an AS332 Super Puma helicopter is reproduced in color. At the top, the legend AS332 SUPER PUMA. At the bottom, the legend ESPAÑA and the year of minting 2020 appear. The motifs and legends are surrounded by geometric figures symbolizing the shapes of the clouds.
On the reverse (common to all the pieces), the image of a two-bladed propeller is reproduced; above, the legend HISTORY OF AVIATION; below the central image, the value of the 1.5 EURO coin and the mint mark. Outside the central circle, the images of two turbines are reproduced, separated from each other by lines.
Series | History of Aviation |
Year | 2020 |
Colour | Yes |
Diameter (mm) | 33 |
Face Value (Euro) | 1.5 |
Metal | Cupronickel |
Weight (g) | 15 |
EUROCOPTER AS 332 “SUPER PUMA”
Developed from the SA-330 Puma, with more powerful engines and better performance, the first prototype flew on 13 September 1978 and the first series unit was delivered in 1981.
Seeking to replace the Agusta Bell AB-205 that constituted the bulk of the fleet of the Air Force’s search and rescue helicopters and to complement the SA-330 Pumas in the task of transporting state authorities, in 1982 the acquisition of twelve AS-332Bs was contracted, ten of which (denominated HD.21) were allocated to that mission and the other two (the HT.21) to the latter task, though they were transformed into HD.21 in the 2000s.
At a later date more units were acquired of the AS-332C and C1 versions, with more powerful engines and greater load capacity so that, in total, 21 units have served, and some of them still serve, in 801 Squadron (Son San Juan airbase), 802 Squadron (Gando airbase) and 803 Squadron (Cuatro Vientos airbase) of the Spanish Air Search and Res- cue as well as 402 Squadron (Cuatro Vientos airbase).
They and their skilled crews have saved thousands of Spanish and foreign castaways from drowning.
CHARACTERISTICS (VERSION AS 332B
Length: 18.70 m
Main rotor diameter: 15.60 m
Height: 4.92 m
Maximum take-off weight: 8,950 kg
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 278 km/h Maximum operating range: 800 km Maximum service ceiling: 4,400 m
ENGINES
Two Turbomeca Makila 1A turbines with 1,780 hp on take-off
INTERNAL LOAD: 2,500 kg