The world's first jet-powered helicopter. Its beginnings were a number of prototypes developed by a state-run aircraft production firm in France. The company made use of German know-how, and was assisted by Prof. Focke, who had been an expert in the field of helicopter development under the Nazis.

The prototype held its maiden flight in March of 1955. The Alouette quickly proved it was an excellent chopper, and broke a number of world records.

The first Alouette was donated to Heyl Ha'avir by a member of the French Deutsch-Lamarre family. At her request, a biblical quotation was inscribed on its side, and it was not used on missions of actual warfare. Several additional Alouettes were purchased later on. The peak of the Alouettes service was in the days of the 'mirdafim', the chases, as the IDF operations against terrorist targets in Jordan in the early 60's were known, and during the War of Attrition.

In the Six Day War, the Alouette served to carry commanders to the front lines. In the Yom Kippur War, the Alouettes carried out medevac and patrol missions, and gave chase to Egyptian ground troops.

In late 1971, Bell-206 choppers began joining the ranks of the IAF, and the Alouettes were phased out in a gradual process which lasted until May of 1975. In 1978, two Alouettes were brought back into service at the request of Ezer Weizmann, who was then Minister of Defense, and were used for carrying VIP's.

They were retired in 1983.