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- Outdated design and analog instruments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