"The Enlightenment" wrote in message
om...
(B2431) wrote in message
...

SNIP

The French built a High Altitide Helicopter called the
Aerospatiale
SA-315B Lama. Hovered at 17000 ft. It was for the Indian Airforce.
http://www.evergreenaviation.com/EHI...eets/lama.html

It involved installing the Rotor and Mechanicals of the Allouette III
into the body of the Allouette II.

The Russian Helocopters (eg Mi 24 Hind) becuase of their 5 blade
rotors have better high altitude performance than their 4 bladed US
equivalents.

Some Russian sounding guy posted stuff from a Russian AF General with
Grudging but usefull Advice on this just before the Afghanistan
invasion.

FYI:

http://www.globalaircraft.org/planes/mi-24_hind.pl

Check out the max altitude numbers.

Allen