HA-7s Seabuzard- Aegis Industry
AEGIS AH-7S Seabuzard
General Information
[b]Manufacturer[/b]
AEGIS Industry / Civil Aviation Division
[b]Category[/b]
Aircraft
[b]Class / Role[/b]
Rescue Helicopter (SAR) / Civil Security
[b]Country of Origin[/b]
France
[b]Introduction / Retirement[/b]
2007 / Rejected before service
[b]Current Status[/b]
Prototype / Cancelled project
Overview
The [b]AH-7S Seabuzard[/b] is a [i]search and rescue (SAR) variant[/i] of the [b]AH-7 Buzard[/b], developed by [b]Aegis Industry[/b] in response to a French Civil Security modernization program in the early 2000s.
Designed to [b]replace aging Gazelle and Alouette III helicopters[/b], the Seabuzard aimed to provide a [b]robust, affordable, and reliable[/b] solution based on the proven Buzard platform.
Despite its potential, the project was [b]rejected in favor of the Airbus EC145[/b], which offered more modern avionics and integration within the European industrial ecosystem.
Nevertheless, the Seabuzard remains a symbol of AEGIS’ design philosophy: [b]reuse proven platforms to create modular, cost-effective aircraft for public services.[/b]
Technical Specifications
[b]Crew[/b]
1 pilot + 1 camera operator + 1 diver
[b]Capacity / Passengers[/b]
7 victims or evacuees
[b]Empty / Max / Loaded Weight[/b]
~2,400 kg / 4,100 kg / 4,400 kg (same as Buzard)
[b]Engine Type[/b]
1 × Cyrano 11-cylinder Diesel engine
[b]Power Output[/b]
~1,200 hp equivalent / high torque for lifting operations
[b]Propulsion[/b]
Main 2-blade rotor + anti-torque tail rotor
[b]Max / Cruise Speed[/b]
120 knots / 110 knots
[b]Range / Endurance[/b]
~200 km / about 2 hours
[b]Fuel Consumption[/b]
50–60 L/h (diesel)
[b]Fuel Tank Capacity[/b]
700 L
[b]Dimensions (L × W × H)[/b]
13.25 m × 2.4 m × 4.5 m
[b]Rotor Diameter[/b]
12 m
[b]Payload / Equipment[/b]
40 m winch (300 kg), IR nose camera, searchlight, flare launcher (lighting use)
[b]Onboard Systems[/b]
IR camera, area light system, proximity radar, rescue radio suite
[b]Materials / Protection[/b]
Aluminum alloy and composite structure, unarmored
[b]AEGIS Equipment Compatibility[/b]
Compatible with AEGIS “Rescue Pack” modules (communication, mapping, telemetry)
Model Specifics
The [b]AH-7S Seabuzard[/b] features a set of mission-specific enhancements over the standard Buzard:
[list]
[] Integrated [b]infrared nose camera[/b] for thermal detection and night operations[] [b]40-meter winch[/b] rated for [b]300 kg[/b] for mountain or sea rescue[] [b]Flare launcher[/b] repurposed for [b]illumination and signaling[/b][] [b]Reconfigured cabin[/b] with space for 7 victims and light medical gear[] [b]Dedicated diver seat and equipment racks[/b][] [b]Distinctive red and yellow livery[/b] of the French Civil Security service
[/list]
Performance-wise, it retains the [b]same flight capabilities as the HA-7 Buzard[/b], with no engine or aerodynamic upgrades.
Performance and Evaluation
The Seabuzard provided an [b]affordable transitional solution[/b] for [i]coastal and mountain rescue missions[/i].
[b]Strengths:[/b]
[list]
[*] [b]Low acquisition cost[/b] ($27,000)
[*] [b]Proven mechanical reliability[/b] from the UH-1 lineage
[*] [b]Simple maintenance[/b]
[*] [b]Excellent hover stability[/b]
[/list]
[b]Weaknesses:[/b]
[list]
[*] [b]Outdated design and analog instruments[/b]
[*] [b]Limited night and medical capabilities[/b] compared to EC145
[*] [b]Shorter range and endurance[/b]
[/list]
Ideal for [b]moderate environments[/b] (rural, coastal, or inland rescue zones), the Seabuzard was [b]well-received by test pilots[/b] for its handling and power balance.
Even though the program was abandoned, it stands as a testimony to AEGIS Industry’s ability to [b]revitalize legacy airframes into efficient civilian platforms.[/b]
Related Variants
Variant
Designation
Main Features
AH-7 Buzard
Base version
Civil utility helicopter derived from the Bell UH-1
AH-7S Seabuzard
SAR variant
Civil Security model with IR camera, 300 kg winch, and illumination flares
[hr]
[i]Developed by AEGIS Industry – Civil Aviation Division[/i]
[i]"Reliability in the air, precision in rescue."[/i]
