Austrian Air Force SA 316B Alouette 3 50th Anniversary Patch

The Austrian Air Force SA 316B Alouette 3 50th Anniversary Patch commemorates five decades of service by the SA 316B Alouette III helicopter in Austria. The Alouette III, produced by Sud Aviation and later Aérospatiale, is a light utility helicopter introduced in the early 1960s. It became a mainstay of the Austrian Air Force, performing roles such as reconnaissance, search and rescue, and transport. This embroidered patch marks the 50th anniversary of the helicopter’s operational use in Austria, reflecting both historical significance and technical heritage. The design typically features a depiction of the Alouette III and relevant insignia or dates denoting the anniversary period. Such patches are often worn by personnel or collected as commemorative items. Measuring approximately 8–10 centimeters in diameter, this patch is representative of unit insignia associated with aviation milestones within the Austrian military.