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Aérospatiale Gazelle

From Alfawiki
Sud Aviation / Aérospatiale
IndustryAerospace, defense
FoundedMarch 10, 1957; 69 years ago (1957-03-10) in France
FateMerged into Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters)
Headquarters
France

The Aérospatiale Gazelle (model numbers SA 340, SA 341, SA 342) is a five-seat rotorcraft originally designed by the French manufacturer Sud Aviation and subsequently by Aérospatiale. It was pioneering as the first helicopter to incorporate a fenestron tail unit rather than a traditional tail rotor, and was also adapted for solo pilot operation under instrument flight rules.

Conceived during the 1960s as a successor to the Aérospatiale Alouette II and to fulfill the French Army’s demand for a lightweight observation helicopter, the Gazelle is larger than its forerunner but retains a single Turbomeca Astazou turbine engine. Notable innovations included a design focused on ease of maintenance and a semi-rigid composite main rotor system. In February 1967, France and the United Kingdom reached an agreement entrusting Westland Aircraft with British production of the Gazelle and collaboration on future enhancements. The aircraft’s inaugural flight took place on 7 April 1967.

Gazelles entered operational service in 1971, with initial manufacturing conducted in France and the UK. Production later extended under license to SOKO in Yugoslavia and the Arab British Helicopter Company (ABHCO) in Egypt. Various armed versions were developed for French military use, including the anti-tank SA 342M, light support SA 341F, and anti-aircraft variants. The Gazelle has been utilized by all branches of the British military—the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and British Army—fulfilling multiple roles. It has enjoyed extensive export success, primarily serving in military light transport, reconnaissance, and attack functions, while also operating in civilian capacities.

Throughout its operational history, the Gazelle has participated in numerous conflicts such as the 1982 Lebanon War (involving Syria), the Rwandan Civil War, and both factions during the 1991 Gulf War. By the early 2000s, many operators began phasing out the type in favor of more modern helicopters; within French service, it was replaced as an attack platform by the larger Eurocopter Tiger, though it continued to serve as a scout helicopter. Several nations have modernized their Gazelles to prolong their service life, with some still active as of 2024. Production ceased in 1996.

Development

In 1966, Sud Aviation initiated development of a five-seat light observation helicopter intended to replace the Aérospatiale Alouette II. The Gazelle was born from a French Army requirement seeking a lightweight observation helicopter to succeed the Aérospatiale Alouette III. Early design phases saw an increase in size to enhance versatility and appeal for export markets.

British involvement led to a significant production partnership between Sud Aviation and Westland in February 1967. Westland acquired a 65% share of work on Gazelles destined for British forces and collaborated on further refinements. This agreement encompassed manufacturing 292 Gazelles and 48 SA 330 Puma helicopters for UK military use, while Sud Aviation received work share on producing 40 Westland Lynx naval helicopters for the French Navy. Westland ultimately produced 262 Gazelles mainly serving British military requirements, including versions intended for civilian customers.

The initial SA 340 prototype took flight on 7 April 1967 equipped with a conventional tail rotor inherited from the Alouette II. By early 1968, the second prototype adopted the now-distinctive fenestron tail design. A total of four SA 341 prototypes were flown, including one built by Westland. The first production model flew on 6 August 1971. On 13 May 1967, the Gazelle set two world speed records over closed circuits at velocities of 307 km/h and 292 km/h.

Within French Army Light Aviation (ALAT), the Gazelle primarily functioned as an anti-tank gunship (SA 342M) equipped with HOT missiles. Other variants included a light support version (SA 341F) armed with a 20 mm cannon and anti-aircraft models fitted with Mistral missiles (referred to as Gazelle Celtic and Gazelle Mistral). The most recent anti-tank and reconnaissance variants incorporate the Viviane thermal imaging system (known as Gazelle Viviane). Although frontline roles are being assumed by the Eurocopter Tiger, the Gazelle continues to perform light transport and liaison missions.

The British operated four main Gazelle versions: SA 341D ('Gazelle HT.3') served as an RAF pilot trainer; SA 341E ('Gazelle HCC.4') was used for RAF communications and VIP transport; SA 341C ('Gazelle HT.2') functioned as a Royal Navy trainer before being replaced by the Squirrel HT1; and SA 341B ('Gazelle AH.1') was configured for use by the Army Air Corps.

The commercial appeal of the Gazelle prompted Aérospatiale to introduce the SA 342 series featuring more powerful engines. Licensed production extended beyond Britain to include Egyptian manufacturer ABHCO and Yugoslavian firm SOKO, which produced approximately 132 units. As newer attack helicopters entered service, Gazelles transitioned from offensive roles toward secondary support tasks such as artillery spotting, forward air control, casualty evacuation, liaison duties, and communications relay. By production’s end, roughly 1,560 Gazelles had been built across France and Britain.

Design

The Aérospatiale Gazelle was created to succeed the Alouette helicopter family, maintaining similar mission roles, size, and onboard systems. It pioneered the fenestron or fantail—a multi-blade, enclosed anti-torque mechanism substituting the traditional tail rotor. This fenestron design slightly boosts power efficiency at low speeds, decreases exposure to damage, enhances safety around ground personnel, and reduces power consumption during cruising, helping establish the Gazelle as the fastest helicopter in its category.

Initially, the Gazelle employed a main rotor system modeled after the rigid rotor of Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm's MBB Bo 105. However, production variants switched to a semi-rigid rotor due to handling difficulties encountered at high speeds during flight tests. The rotor blades, constructed from composite fiberglass materials, were engineered for extended durability and later became standard in helicopter manufacturing. The main rotor also offers a broad autorotation capability.

This helicopter accommodates five passengers internally or can transport an external payload of up to 1,320 pounds via a cargo hook; internally, it can carry 1,100 pounds within an 80 cubic foot cabin volume. Armed configurations support up to four HOT wire-guided anti-tank missiles or a forward-firing 20mm cannon with ammunition stored inside the airframe. Optional features include engine noise reduction systems, auxiliary ferry fuel tanks, a rescue hoist capable of lifting 390 pounds, emergency flotation devices, particle filtration units, elevated landing skids, cabin heating units, adjustable landing lights, and engine anti-icing equipment. While primarily designed for military use, the Gazelle was also marketed commercially—for instance, Vought Helicopters operated a civilian fleet exceeding 70 Gazelles. Civilian models often incorporated an external baggage compartment door located beneath the cabin.

Recognized for its gentle handling characteristics, the Gazelle can maintain controlled flight without its main hydraulic system up to speeds of 100 knots. The flight controls are notably responsive; it does not incorporate a throttle or trim system but includes hydraulic servo boosters across all control surfaces to counteract potential failures. It was the first helicopter certified for single-pilot instrument flight rules (IFR), supported by an advanced duplex autopilot system developed by Honeywell designed to lessen pilot workload through enhanced speed and stability.

Maintenance considerations influenced the design significantly: bearings are rated for their entire lifespan without requiring continuous lubrication, and fluid reservoirs are designed for quick inspection. Numerous components have service intervals exceeding 700 hours, with some reaching up to 1,200 hours before replacement is necessary—contributing to low operational expenses. The fenestron innovation notably shaped future Aérospatiale helicopter designs.

Entering the 21st century, modernization initiatives introduced upgraded avionics and ballistic protection enhancements. Aerotec provided retrofit packages including night vision goggle compatibility, new armaments such as rockets and machine guns, and three-dimensional navigation displays; nations like Egypt expressed interest in these enhancements during the 2010s. Additionally, QinetiQ developed a Direct Voice Input (DVI) interface allowing voice commands to reduce crew workload. In 2011, QinetiQ partnered with Northrop Grumman to propose converting former British Gazelles into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), integrating autonomous flight control systems derived from the MQ-8 Fire Scout platform to fulfill Royal Navy requirements for unmanned maritime operations.

China

During the 1980s, China obtained eight SA 342L combat helicopters, marking its initial acquisition of purpose-built attack helicopters for the People's Liberation Army. Although there were considerations for additional purchases and licensed manufacturing, these plans were ultimately discarded following the end of the Cold War. The helicopters mainly served to develop anti-armor strategies and to act as simulated enemy forces in training exercises.

France

The French Army has extensively utilized Gazelle helicopters in various international missions, including deployments in Chad during the 1980s, the former Yugoslavia throughout the 1990s, Djibouti between 1991 and 1992, Somalia in 1993, Côte d'Ivoire from 2002 onward, and Afghanistan from 2002 until 2021. More than 50 French Gazelles provided support to coalition forces during the 1990–1991 Gulf War.

In Operation Desert Storm, several countries, including Kuwait, employed HOT missile-armed Gazelles to confront Iraqi troops occupying Kuwait. French forces used these helicopters in rapid strafing maneuvers targeting enemy tanks, vehicles, and fortifications.

Gazelles have also been instrumental in United Nations operations such as the 1992 intervention in the Bosnian War. They have operated from French naval vessels as well; notably, up to six Gazelles launched rocket attacks during a 2008 counter-piracy mission against Somali pirates. During the 2011 intervention in Libya, multiple Gazelles conducted strikes launched from the amphibious assault ship Tonnerre (L9014) against forces loyal to Gadhafi.

In African theaters, Gazelles have been vital for reconnaissance and attack roles across former French territories such as Chad, Djibouti, Somalia, and Côte d'Ivoire. In April 2011, four Gazelle attack helicopters supported by two Mil Mi-24 gunships targeted rebel positions in Côte d'Ivoire, playing a part in President Gbagbo’s eventual surrender. In January 2013, Gazelles participated in gunship assaults during Opération Serval in Mali against insurgent groups.

By 2016, the Direction générale de l'armement revealed that Gazelles operated by the French Army Aviation’s 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4ème RHFS) could be outfitted with the M134 Minigun, significantly boosting their offensive capabilities.

Iraq

Throughout the Iran–Iraq War of the 1980s, Iraq procured a substantial amount of French military hardware, including approximately 100 Gazelle helicopters equipped with HOT missiles. These aircraft operated alongside Soviet Mil Mi-24 gunships during counteroffensive operations targeting Iranian forces. Following losses sustained during the 1991 Gulf War, Iraq’s fleet reportedly dwindled to around 20 Gazelles by the year 2000.

In 2003, US intelligence alleged that a French company covertly supplied Gazelle spare parts to Iraq through intermediaries despite an embargo. Airbus Helicopters, successor to Aerospatiale, refuted these claims, asserting no components were delivered. Later in 2009, Iraq purchased six Gazelle helicopters from France for training purposes as part of a wider military modernization effort.

Syria

Syrian forces prominently deployed Gazelle helicopters during the 1982 Lebanon War, where they executed harassment attacks that impeded Israeli ground advances. The psychological effect of their HOT missiles was significant among Israeli tank crews. Despite increasing Israeli air superiority that heightened helicopter vulnerability, Gazelle strikes persisted until the ceasefire was established.

The conflict highlighted attack helicopters’ strategic importance. Syria reported destroying 30 tanks and 50 vehicles at a cost of five helicopters lost; meanwhile, Israel claimed seven tanks destroyed and downed twelve Syrian Gazelles. Analysts observed that while Gazelles had a strong psychological impact on enemy armor crews, their actual damage to armored units was limited.

Following the war, Syria expanded its attack helicopter inventory from 16 to approximately 50 Gazelles, supplemented by an additional fleet of around 50 Mil Mi-24 gunships. During Syria’s civil war, Gazelles have continued to be active—including participation in the Palmyra Offensive—employing both unguided rockets and HOT anti-tank guided missiles.

Kuwait

Amid the 1991 Gulf War, approximately 15 Gazelle helicopters withdrew alongside other Kuwaiti military units to neighbouring Saudi Arabia following Iraq's invasion. These retreating Gazelles subsequently conducted offensive operations against Iraqi forces within occupied Kuwait, focusing on destroying tanks and other military equipment.

Ecuador

During the 1995 Cenepa war against Peru, the Ecuadoran Army utilized Gazelle helicopters primarily for close air support and escort duties. In 2008, an international dispute emerged when an Ecuadoran Gazelle reportedly crossed into Colombian airspace unintentionally.

United Kingdom

In 1973, the United Kingdom placed an order for 142 Gazelles as part of a larger plan to acquire 250 helicopters. The first British unit to operate them was No. 660 Squadron AAC based in Germany, beginning in July 1974, where they replaced Bell H-13 Sioux helicopters. Their missions encompassed reconnaissance, troop transport, artillery spotting, medical evacuation, and anti-tank engagements. By August 1974, 30 Gazelles had been delivered to RAF Ternhill for pilot training.

The Royal Navy incorporated Gazelles into service in December 1974 through 705 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk), ordering 23 units to train pilots ahead of introducing the Westland Lynx. Army AH.1 variants operated with 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron and later the Commando Helicopter Force, providing utility and reconnaissance support to Royal Marines. By 1975, British forces had placed orders totaling 310 Gazelles.

Deployments of Gazelles to RAF Sek Kong in Hong Kong proved ineffective, leading to their replacement by Scout AH1 helicopters by 1978. Throughout the Cold War period, Army Gazelles accumulated over 660,000 flight hours and underwent upwards of a thousand modifications. Starting in the early 1980s, they were equipped with the Gazelle Observation Aid gyro-stabilised sighting system to improve targeting capabilities alongside Lynx helicopters. Additionally, they supported special operations units such as 8 Flight AAC.

In Northern Ireland, Gazelles regularly performed aerial patrols; however, one was downed near Jonesborough in 1978 after being hit by fire from the Provisional IRA.

During the Falklands War, Gazelles operated from Royal Navy vessels with swift adaptations including the addition of rocket pods and armor plating. Two Royal Marines’ Gazelles were lost on the initial landing day at San Carlos Water. On 6 June 1982, an Army Air Corps Gazelle was accidentally shot down by HMS Cardiff in a friendly fire incident.

Gazelles fulfilled reconnaissance and liaison roles during the War in Afghanistan (2001–present), distinguished by higher operational availability compared to other British rotorcraft.

They also took part in the 1991 Gulf War and the NATO intervention in Kosovo in 1999. By 2009, only the Army Air Corps remained as a UK operator with roughly 40 aircraft and initially planned retirement by 2012. This timeline was extended to maintain support for domestic tasks including operations with Northern Ireland’s Police Service until 2018.

In July 2016, the UK Ministry of Defence prolonged the Gazelle’s service life until 2025, marking more than fifty years of continuous service—the longest-serving helicopter type in the UK inventory. Active units included 29 (BATUS) Flight AAC in Canada supporting training exercises; 665 Squadron AAC conducting surveillance duties in Northern Ireland; and various training units based at AAC Middle Wallop. Contracts awarded between 2018 and 2019 secured maintenance and operational readiness through at least 2022 with potential extensions to 2025. By 2019, the Army Air Corps operated a fleet of 32 Gazelles with 19 actively flying.

In January 2022, plans were revealed to retire all remaining British Army Gazelles by March 2024, replacing them with Airbus Helicopters H135 models. The final withdrawal took place on 31 October 2023, commemorated by a farewell flypast from Flying Station Aldergrove to Vector Aerospace International Ltd in Gosport on 23 October.

Yugoslavia

On 27 June 1991, amid the Ten Day War in Slovenia, a Yugoslav Air Force Gazelle helicopter was downed near Ljubljana by a man-portable 9K32 Strela-2 surface-to-air missile, marking the initial loss of an aircraft during the breakup of Yugoslavia. These Gazelles continued to participate actively throughout the ensuing Yugoslav Wars, especially in Bosnia, where the Republika Srpska Air Force conducted numerous missions, losing only five Gazelles. They were also deployed during the Kosovo War. Following Yugoslavia's disintegration, its successor states inherited SOKO-manufactured Gazelles and maintained their operation, including the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Serbian Air Force, and the Montenegro Air Force.

Lebanon

Between 1980 and 1981, the Lebanese Air Force procured ten SA 342K/L and SA 341H Gazelle helicopters from France to fulfill anti-tank and utility functions, forming the newly established 8th attack squadron based at Beirut Air Base. In 1983, this squadron moved to locations north of Beirut, dispersing its helicopters across makeshift helipads to enhance security. One helicopter sustained damage during an unsuccessful takeoff attempt.

In 1988, Lieutenant Majed Karameh defected with an SA 342K attack helicopter to the Druze-held Chouf District, where it was captured by the Druze PLA militia. Due to their lack of aviation expertise, the PLA stored the helicopter at Hammana under Druze infantry guard throughout the Civil War.

During the final stages of the Lebanese Civil War, the Gazelle fleet provided substantial close air support for General Michel Aoun's forces. However, losses in combat and maintenance difficulties reduced operational numbers to four by 1990. Additionally, three helicopters were reportedly seized by the Lebanese Forces and illicitly sold to Serbia in 1991.

Following the conflict, Lebanon aimed to restore its attack helicopter capabilities with assistance from the United Arab Emirates. In 2007, nine SA 342L Gazelles previously operated by the UAE Air Force were delivered. Financial limitations have frequently resulted in most Lebanese Gazelles remaining in storage when not engaged in conflict.

During the 2007 Lebanon conflict, Gazelles armed with rockets targeted positions held by Al Qaeda-inspired Fatah al-Islam militants. In 2010, France offered up to 100 HOT missiles for Lebanon’s Gazelle fleet and reportedly considered supplying additional helicopters.

Morocco

In January 1981, France and Morocco concluded a $4 billion military procurement agreement that included 24 Gazelle helicopters. The Royal Moroccan Air Force extensively utilized these armed Gazelles equipped with anti-tank missiles and ground attack ordnance against Polisario insurgents operating in western Sahara. Their reconnaissance abilities were crucial for detecting and striking insurgent camps.

Rwanda

After Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana requested French assistance in 1990 against the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), nine armed Gazelles were delivered in 1992. These helicopters played a pivotal role during the Rwandan Civil War, conducting reconnaissance missions and attacking enemy formations, including destroying a column of ten RPF units in October 1992. Their effectiveness influenced a tactical shift within the RPF toward guerrilla warfare. French forces operating under Opération Turquoise also deployed Gazelles during their 1994 intervention.

Egypt

In 1975, Egypt initiated a collaboration with France and the United Kingdom aimed at fostering Arab military manufacturing capabilities and curtailing reliance on foreign arms imports. This effort led to the formation of the Arab British Helicopter Company (ABHCO) in March 1978, backed by a $595 million agreement with Westland Helicopters to assemble British Westland Lynx helicopters locally. Egypt had previously ordered 42 Gazelle helicopters in 1975; throughout the 1980s, ABHCO produced 100 Gazelles, with engine support provided by the British Arab Engine Company, which manufactured powerplants for these aircraft.

Mozambique

During the 2021 Battle of Palma, three Gazelle helicopters played a vital role in delivering air support to Mozambican security forces confronting insurgent attacks. Additionally, these helicopters facilitated the evacuation of civilians and contractors from the besieged area.

Variants

SA 340
The initial prototype, featuring a traditional Alouette tail rotor, made its maiden flight on 7 April 1967.
SA 341
Comprising four pre-production units, the third was modified to meet British Army standards as the prototype Gazelle AH.1, which first flew on 28 April 1970.
SA 341.1001
The first French production variant incorporated an extended cabin, a larger tail design, and an enhanced Turbomeca Astazou IIIA engine; it underwent initial testing on 6 August 1971.
SA 341B (Westland Gazelle AH.1)
This British Army model was equipped with an Astazou IIIN2 engine, nightsun searchlight, ARC 340 radio locator, and rocket armament. The first unit assembled by Westland flew on 31 January 1972 and entered operational service on 6 July 1974, with a total of 158 produced. The Fleet Air Arm also operated this version in support of Royal Marines.
SA 341C (Westland Gazelle HT.2)
A training configuration for the British Fleet Air Arm featuring an Astazou IIIN2 engine, stability augmentation system, and hoist equipment. It was introduced into service on 10 December 1974, with thirty units manufactured.
SA 341D (Westland Gazelle HT.3)
Similar to the HT.2 but tailored for RAF training purposes; deliveries began in July 1973 and the variant was retired by August 1997 after producing fourteen units.
SA 341E (Westland Gazelle HCC.4)
A singular communications helicopter constructed for RAF use.
SA 341F
French Army edition powered by an Astazou IIIC engine; produced in a batch of 166 units, some outfitted with M621 20-mm cannons.
SA 341G
A civil version driven by an Astazou IIIA engine; it was the first helicopter certified for single-pilot IFR Category I operations in the United States and evolved into the "Stretched Gazelle," offering increased rear passenger legroom.
SA 341H
A military export type featuring an Astazou IIIB engine; this model was license-built by SOKO in Yugoslavia.
SOKO HO-42
Yugoslavian-built SA 341H variant.
SOKO HI-42 Hera
Scout helicopter variant manufactured in Yugoslavia.
SOKO HS-42
Medical evacuation version produced locally in Yugoslavia.
SOKO HN-42M Gama
Attack helicopter armed with Soviet-origin Malyutka anti-tank missiles built under license.
SOKO HN-45M Gama 2
Attack model derived from SA 342L configuration.
SA 342J
Civilian adaptation of SA 342L featuring a more potent Astazou XIV engine and an enhanced Fenestron tail rotor; certified in April 1976 and entered service in 1977.
SA 342K
Export military variant optimized for hot and arid environments with Astazou XIV powerplant and air intake covers; its maiden flight occurred in May 1973 and it was initially sold to Kuwait.
SA 342L
Military counterpart to the SA342J equipped with an Astazou XIV engine; capable of carrying diverse weaponry including six Euromissile HOT anti-tank missiles.
SA 342M
Anti-tank version used by the French Army fitted with Astazou XIV engine, four HOT missiles, and SFIM APX M397 stabilized sighting system.
SA 342M1
An upgraded iteration of SA342M retrofitted with three Ecureuil main rotor blades to enhance performance.
SA 349
Experimental model equipped with stub wings for testing purposes.

Operators

Retired

Aircraft on display

Several Gazelle helicopters are preserved predominantly within the United Kingdom, showcased in museums or positioned as static displays at military installations:

  • XW276 Aerospatiale SA.341 Gazelle – the prototype delivered to Britain for assessment by Westland Helicopters and the Army Air Corps, exhibited at Newark Air Museum
  • XW844 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 displayed at Vector Aerospace Fleetlands
  • XW855 Westland WA.341 Gazelle HCC.4 housed in RAF Museum Hendon
  • XW863 Westland WA.341 Gazelle HT.2 preserved by Farnborough Air Sciences Trust
  • XW890 Westland WA.341 Gazelle HT.2 located at RNAS Yeovilton
  • XX380 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 serving as a gate guardian at Wattisham Airfield
  • XX381 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 held at Defence Sixth Form College Welbeck
  • XX392 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 stationed at AAC Middle Wallop
  • XX411 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 on display at South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum
  • XX444 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 part of Wattisham Airfield Museum collection
  • XX457 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 exhibited at East Midlands Aeropark
  • XZ337 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 located at MOD Defence Equipment and Support headquarters, Abbey Wood
  • XZ346 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 at AAC Middle Wallop
  • ZA737 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 displayed in the Museum of Army Flying, AAC Middle Wallop
  • ZB670 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 positioned at Taunton Army Reserve Centre (675 (The Rifles) Squadron AAC)
  • ZB672 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1 housed by Army Technical Foundation, Winchester
  • G-SFTA Westland WA.341G Gazelle Series 1 exhibited at North East Land, Sea and Air Museums

One British-registered Gazelle is preserved in Canada:

A former Yugoslav Army model is preserved in Slovenia:

Bibliography

  • {{cite book last=March first=Peter R. title=Royal Air Force Yearbook 1998 year=1998 publisher=Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund location=Fairford, UK}}

External links

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