Does IAR still produce its own puma in Romania (IAR330 i believe)?
If so, a new batch of these could be procured?
No, production ended in early 90’s (92 I believe) after 163 built. Besides, these wouln’t be of any help, since we built the L version, which is quite different than what the UK has got (IIRC equivalent to C version in terms of airframe, systems and engines).
Also I recall there were some pictures on a website of some Pumas in an MOD vehicle store that they had purchased secondhand from South Africa to act as an attrition reserve. Although not flyable they would be made so if needed. Don’t know how many they bought though or if there are options to buy more.
6 former SAAF Puma 330L were acquired by your MoD in early 2002. Four were due to be converted to HC…whatever standard by IAR Brasov in Romania, with the other 2 stored as reserves.
A very teadious job, as they literally had to be downgraded for the sake of commonality with the rest of the UK Puma fleet. Just an example – the Turmo IV turbines had to be replaced with the older, weaker Turmo III. The first helo, ZJ954, was delivered in July 2004 and I haven’t heard anything about the others since than.
EDIT:
Out of these 6 Scramble.nl lists ZJ 954 and 955 in service, 956 and 957 “on order” and 958 and 959 stored
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