The Puma is a tactical transport which entered RAF service in 1971. Selection of the design arose from an RAF requirement to replace Belvedere and Whirlwind helicopters then in service. An agreement between was signed in 1967 between Westland and Sud Aviation (later known as Aerospatiale) covering licence production of 48 SA330Es which were to be known as Puma HC1s in RAF service. The Anglo-French agreement also covered the production of 292 SA341 light helicopters (known as Gazelles). In return the French were granted licence production of 40 Westland Lynx helicopters.

The Puma can operate as a casualty evacuation aircraft, troop transport for up to 16 fully equipped troops, as a medium lift transport carrying up to 5,500 lbs of freight using underfuselage hardpoints to sling loads externally, and as a helicopter gunship capable of carrying a wide variety of armament. The Puma was also designed to be capable of being airlifted in a variety of transport aircraft with a minimum of work. Like the Chinook, the Puma is equipped with night vision aids, defensive electronic countermeasure systems and advanced navigation aids.

Powerplant: Two Turbomeca Turmo 111C4 turboshafts of 1,435shp

Rotor Diameter: 49ft 2.5in (15.00m)

Length: 46ft 1.5in (14.06m); Rotors turning: 59ft 6.5in (18.15m)

Max Speed: 163mph (263km/h)

Accommodation: Up to 20 passengers/troops or 7,055lb underslung.

Recognition: Tall, narrow cabin with a deep tail boom. Engines mounted above the cabin, forward of the main rotor hub. RAF Pumas have extended engine intakes projecting well forward above the windscreen. Large sliding cabin doors; retractable undercarriage, with the main wheels housed in small sponsons. Four-blade main rotor and tail rotor mounted on the starboard side.