The Musée ALAT et de l’Hélicoptère located in Dax, in the Landes department of southwestern France, is dedicated to the history of French Army Aviation (Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre, or ALAT) and the evolution of helicopters used by the French military. Dax is known for its aviation history, and this museum offers an in-depth exploration of the role helicopters have played in military operations.
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Musée de l’ALAT et de l’Hélicoptère
EAALAT Base General Navelet
58 Avenue de l’Aérodrome
40100 Dax
March – November
- Mondays – Saturdays 14:00 – 18:00
Closed December, January and February
Admission fee
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
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1032/BRD 1071/DCE 1200 (F-ZWTH) 1262/DBD 1282/BGO 1338/BDD 1372/GQM 1463/GQR 1579/CWD 1689/DAX 1721/BGG 3904/AWA 1201 5309/UD F-ZBEJ 1003/BSP F-ZWTM 160/ZP 710/BCV 24530/CEA 2430/CZZ 133 84-EL 269/MIA 94+08 (F-BDQQ) 656/UA 66/AJR 99/AJO 75/MFA 97/SU FR94/BEJ 18-1475 24725/BUA F-BETX/9676/39-F F-BFYP/22-25621/KAC 55-1086/AVW 143 70/ABX 496/1 162 1601/SDT 1634/BEJ 1784/BBP 2117/AEX 001/AE 02/BLG 210/JBM 302 1185/KBA FR14/ATN FR149/CCA 276 | Aerospatiale SA321G Super Frelon
Aerospatiale SA330B Puma Aerospatiale SA330B Puma Aerospatiale SA330B Puma Aerospatiale SA330B Puma Aerospatiale SA341F Gazelle Aerospatiale SA341F Gazelle Aerospatiale SA341F Gazelle Aerospatiale SA341F Gazelle Aerospatiale SA341F Gazelle Aerospatiale SA341F Gazelle Aerospatiale SA341F Gazelle Aerospatiale SA341M Gazelle Aerospatiale SA349-2 Gazelle Aerospatiale SA355F1 Ecureuil Aerospatiale SA355F1 Ecureuil Aerospatiale SA361 Dauphin Aerospatiale SA365MTR Panther Agusta Bell AB47G-2 Bell B47G Cessna O-1E Bird Dog Eurocopter AS532UL Cougar Horizon Hiller UH-12A Marquiond RM-02 Gyrocopter Max Holste MH1521M Broussard Mil Mi-8TB Morane Saulnier MS505 Criquet Nord 3202 Nord 3202 (F-BNRO) Nord 3400 Norbarbe Norvigie NC856A Piasecki (Vertol) H-21C Shawnee Piper L-18C Super Cub Piper L-19E Birddog Piper L-4J Cub Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer Sikorsky H-19D Chickasaw Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat SOCATA TBM700A Stampe Vertongen SV-4C (F-BDIZ) Sud Aviation Alouette 2 Sud Aviation Alouette 2 Sud Aviation Alouette 2 Sud Aviation Alouette 2 Sud Aviation Alouette 2 Sud Aviation Alouette 3 Sud Aviation Alouette 3 Sud Aviation Alouette 3 Sud Aviation Alouette 3 Sud Aviation Alouette 3 Sud-Ouest SO1221 Djinn Sud-Ouest SO1221S Djinn Westland Lynx HAS.2(FN) |
Key Highlights of the Musée ALAT et de l’Hélicoptère:
1. Focus on ALAT (Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre)
- The museum showcases the history, evolution, and operations of Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre (ALAT), the French Army’s helicopter corps. It highlights the importance of helicopters in the modern military, particularly in combat support, troop transport, reconnaissance, and rescue operations.
2. Helicopter Collection
- The Musée ALAT et de l’Hélicoptère is home to an impressive collection of helicopters, showcasing key models used by the French Army, including:
- SA 330 Puma: A prominent medium-lift helicopter used in a variety of roles.
- Gazelle: A light, agile helicopter used for reconnaissance and combat missions.
- H-34 Sikorsky: A classic transport helicopter used in the early years of ALAT’s history.
- Cougar: A multi-role helicopter for both military and humanitarian operations.
- Tiger: The modern, highly capable French attack helicopter used in combat scenarios.
3. Educational Exhibits
- The Musée ALAT et de l’Hélicoptère focuses on the technological and tactical evolution of helicopters over time. It explains how these aircraft have transformed military operations, with a special focus on French military campaigns and their use in peacekeeping, rescue missions, and combat operations.
- Historical Context: It also provides historical context for the role of helicopters in major military operations, from Indochina to Afghanistan.
4. Interactive and Immersive Displays
- The Musée ALAT et de l’Hélicoptère often includes interactive displays to demonstrate the mechanics of helicopters and the history of their operations.
- Aircraft and Engine Exhibits: Visitors can get up close to various models of helicopters and learn about the components, engines, and technologies that make these machines work.
5. Military Aviation Artifacts
- In addition to helicopters, the museum features various military aviation artifacts, including uniforms, insignia, weapons, and personal items from soldiers who served in ALAT.
6. Special Events and Demonstrations
- The Musée ALAT et de l’Hélicoptère hosts air shows, helicopter demonstrations, and events where visitors can see helicopters in action, learn about their roles in modern combat, and gain a greater appreciation for the capabilities of military aviation.
7. Visitor Experience
- The museum offers guided tours that provide in-depth information about the helicopters on display, the history of the ALAT, and the role of helicopters in military aviation. It is suitable for all ages, making it a great educational destination for both aviation enthusiasts and families.
8. Location and Accessibility
- The Musée ALAT et de l’Hélicoptère is situated in Dax, a city in the Landes department, which is well-connected to the rest of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Dax is easily accessible by road from Bordeaux and other major cities in southwestern France.
- Nearby Attractions: Dax itself is famous for its Roman baths and thermal spas, offering visitors the opportunity to combine their visit to the museum with a relaxing trip to the region’s wellness centers.
In Summary:
The Musée ALAT et de l’Hélicoptère in Dax offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of military helicopters and the French Army Aviation’s crucial role in modern warfare. The museum’s collection of helicopters, educational exhibits, and immersive displays makes it an exciting and informative destination for anyone interested in aviation and military history.
Photos Rob Vogelaar
Photos Ruud Boots