picture 219414

Other than the five Aérospatiale SA.342 Gazelles and 11 Aérospatiale SE.316B Alouette IIs, as of 1981 the most important type in service with the Ecuadorean Army was the Aérospatiale SA.315B Lama, six of which were acquired from 1975. This was a helicopter with excellent performance for operations at high altitudes, as in the Cordillera del Cóndor. All wore the same disruptive camouflage pattern in tan (FS34201) and dark green (FS34096). Small service titles and serials (316 in this case) were applied on the rear fuselage. Experiences from 1981 prompted the Ecuadorean Army to subsequently bolster its aviation through the acquisition of eight AS.332 Super Pumas and up to 35 additional Gazelles. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)