Aérospatiale Gazelle
Encyclopedia
The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a five-seat light helicopter
, powered by a single turbine engine. It was designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation
(later Aérospatiale
). It was also manufactured under licence by Westland Aircraft
in the United Kingdom (as the Westland Gazelle), by SOKO
in Yugoslavia and ABHCO in Egypt. The Gazelle has been used by several military forces around the world.
requirement for a lightweight utility helicopter. The design quickly attracted British interest, leading to a development and production share out agreement with British company Westland Helicopters
. The deal, signed in February 1967, allowed the production in Britain of 292 Gazelles and 48 Aérospatiale Puma
s ordered by the British armed forces; in return Aérospatiale was given a work share in the manufacturing programme for the 40 Westland Lynx
naval helicopters for the French Navy
.
Though the general layout resembles that of the Alouette
series, the Gazelle featured several important innovations. This was the first helicopter to carry a Fenestron
or fantail, which allows considerable noise reduction. Also, the rotor
blades were made of composite materials, a feature now widely used in modern helicopters.
In service with the French Army Light Aviation
(ALAT), the Gazelle is used primarily as an anti-tank gunship (SA 342M) armed with Euromissile HOT missiles. A light support version (SA 341F) equipped with a 20 mm cannon is used as well as anti-air variants carrying the Mistral air-to-air missile (Gazelle Celtic based on the SA 341F, Gazelle Mistral based on the SA 342M). The latest anti-tank and reconnaissance
versions carry the Viviane thermal imagery system and so are called Gazelle Viviane. The Gazelle is being replaced in frontline duties by the Eurocopter Tiger
, but will continue to be used for light transport and liaison roles.
It also served with all branches of the British armed forces—the Royal Air Force
, Royal Navy
(including Royal Marines
) and the British Army
in a variety of roles. Four versions of the Gazelle were used by the British forces. The SA.341D became the Gazelle HT.3 in RAF service, equipped as a helicopter pilot trainer (hence HT). The SA 341E was used by the RAF for communications duties and VIP transport as the Gazelle HCC.4. The SA 341C was purchased as the Gazelle HT.2 pilot trainer for the Royal Navy. The training variants have now been replaced by the Squirrel HT1. The SA 341B was equipped to a specification for the Army Air Corps as the Gazelle AH.1 (from Army Helicopter Mark 1).
It was used as an Air Observation Post
(AOP) for directing artillery fire, Airborne Forward Air Control
ler (ABFAC) directing ground-attack aircraft, casualty evacuation, liaison, and command and control, and communications relay.
The Gazelle flown by the British Army Air Corps has recently been enhanced with a Direct Voice Input
(DVI) system developed by QinetiQ
. It allows for voice control of avionics equipment using standard aircrew helmet microphones and intercom. Being speaker independent, the system does not need to be trained to recognize a specific user. This means high command recognition rates may be achieved whether or not the user has operated the system before. It gives aircrew the ability to control aircraft systems using voice commands and access information without removing their hands from the flight controls or their eyes from the outside world.
Gazelles were also manufactured in Egypt by ABHCO and in Yugoslavia by SOKO
.
Iraq
Syria
Kuwait
Ecuador
United Kingdom
Yugoslavia
Lebanon
Morocco
Ireland
SA 341
SA 341.1001
SA 341B (Westland Gazelle AH.1)
SA 341C (Westland Gazelle HT.2)
SA 341D (Westland Gazelle HT.3)
SA 341E (Westland Gazelle HCC.4)
SA 341F
SA 341G
SA 341H
SA 342J
SA 342K
SA 342L
SA 342M
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Republika Srpska
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in the 1983 action-thriller film Blue Thunder
, and in its short-lived television series spinoff
. A Gazelle was used as part of the futuristic semi-truck in the television series The Highwayman
.
A Gazelle was also seen in the British motoring TV show Top Gear.
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
, powered by a single turbine engine. It was designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation
Sud Aviation
Sud-Aviation was a French state-owned aircraft manufacturer, originating from the merger of Sud-Est and Sud-Ouest on March 1, 1957...
(later Aérospatiale
Aérospatiale
Aérospatiale was a French aerospace manufacturer that built both civilian and military aircraft, rockets and satellites. It was originally known as Société Nationale Industrielle Aérospatiale...
). It was also manufactured under licence by Westland Aircraft
Westland Aircraft
Westland Aircraft was a British aircraft manufacturer located in Yeovil in Somerset. Formed as a separate company by separation from Petters Ltd just before the start of the Second World War, Westland had been building aircraft since 1915...
in the United Kingdom (as the Westland Gazelle), by SOKO
SOKO
SOKO was an aircraft factory situated in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It gained prominence in Yugoslavia.-Products:* Soko 522* Soko S-55-5 Mk...
in Yugoslavia and ABHCO in Egypt. The Gazelle has been used by several military forces around the world.
Design and development
The Aérospatiale Gazelle originated in a French ArmyFrench Army
The French Army, officially the Armée de Terre , is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces.As of 2010, the army employs 123,100 regulars, 18,350 part-time reservists and 7,700 Legionnaires. All soldiers are professionals, following the suspension of conscription, voted in...
requirement for a lightweight utility helicopter. The design quickly attracted British interest, leading to a development and production share out agreement with British company Westland Helicopters
Westland Aircraft
Westland Aircraft was a British aircraft manufacturer located in Yeovil in Somerset. Formed as a separate company by separation from Petters Ltd just before the start of the Second World War, Westland had been building aircraft since 1915...
. The deal, signed in February 1967, allowed the production in Britain of 292 Gazelles and 48 Aérospatiale Puma
Aérospatiale Puma
The Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engined medium transport/utility helicopter. The Puma was originally manufactured by Sud Aviation of France.-Development:...
s ordered by the British armed forces; in return Aérospatiale was given a work share in the manufacturing programme for the 40 Westland Lynx
Westland Lynx
The Westland Lynx is a British multi-purpose military helicopter designed and built by Westland Helicopters at its factory in Yeovil. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants...
naval helicopters for the French Navy
French Navy
The French Navy, officially the Marine nationale and often called La Royale is the maritime arm of the French military. It includes a full range of fighting vessels, from patrol boats to a nuclear powered aircraft carrier and 10 nuclear-powered submarines, four of which are capable of launching...
.
Though the general layout resembles that of the Alouette
Aérospatiale Alouette III
The Aérospatiale Alouette III is a single-engine, light utility helicopter developed by Sud Aviation. It was manufactured by Aérospatiale of France, and under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in India as Hal Chetak and Industria Aeronautică Română in Romania.The Alouette III is the...
series, the Gazelle featured several important innovations. This was the first helicopter to carry a Fenestron
Fenestron
A Fenestron is a shrouded tail rotor of a helicopter that is essentially a ducted fan. The housing is integral with the tail skin, and, like the conventional tail rotor it replaces, is intended to counteract the torque of the main rotor...
or fantail, which allows considerable noise reduction. Also, the rotor
Helicopter rotor
A helicopter main rotor or rotor system is a type of fan that is used to generate both the aerodynamic lift force that supports the weight of the helicopter, and thrust which counteracts aerodynamic drag in forward flight...
blades were made of composite materials, a feature now widely used in modern helicopters.
In service with the French Army Light Aviation
French Army Light Aviation
The French Army Light Aviation is the aviation service of the French Army.-History:The French Army Light Aviation was established on 22 November 1954 for observation, reconnaissance, assault and supply duties.-Composition:...
(ALAT), the Gazelle is used primarily as an anti-tank gunship (SA 342M) armed with Euromissile HOT missiles. A light support version (SA 341F) equipped with a 20 mm cannon is used as well as anti-air variants carrying the Mistral air-to-air missile (Gazelle Celtic based on the SA 341F, Gazelle Mistral based on the SA 342M). The latest anti-tank and reconnaissance
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
versions carry the Viviane thermal imagery system and so are called Gazelle Viviane. The Gazelle is being replaced in frontline duties by the Eurocopter Tiger
Eurocopter Tiger
The Eurocopter Tiger is an attack helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter. In Germany it is known as the Tiger; in France and Spain it is called the Tigre.-Origins:...
, but will continue to be used for light transport and liaison roles.
It also served with all branches of the British armed forces—the Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
, Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
(including Royal Marines
Royal Marines
The Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
) and the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
in a variety of roles. Four versions of the Gazelle were used by the British forces. The SA.341D became the Gazelle HT.3 in RAF service, equipped as a helicopter pilot trainer (hence HT). The SA 341E was used by the RAF for communications duties and VIP transport as the Gazelle HCC.4. The SA 341C was purchased as the Gazelle HT.2 pilot trainer for the Royal Navy. The training variants have now been replaced by the Squirrel HT1. The SA 341B was equipped to a specification for the Army Air Corps as the Gazelle AH.1 (from Army Helicopter Mark 1).
It was used as an Air Observation Post
Air Observation Post
An Air Observation Post is a British military aircraft used for active or passive observation of artillery actions.-History:Air Observation Post is the term used by the Royal Air Force and other services of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth air forces for an aeroplane or helicopter used in the...
(AOP) for directing artillery fire, Airborne Forward Air Control
Forward air control
Forward air control is the provision of guidance to Close Air Support aircraft intended to ensure that their attack hits the intended target and does not injure friendly troops. This task is carried out by a forward air controller . For NATO forces the qualifications and experience required to be...
ler (ABFAC) directing ground-attack aircraft, casualty evacuation, liaison, and command and control, and communications relay.
The Gazelle flown by the British Army Air Corps has recently been enhanced with a Direct Voice Input
Direct Voice Input
Direct Voice Input is a style of Human-Machine Interaction "HMI" in which the user makes voice commands to issue instructions to the machine...
(DVI) system developed by QinetiQ
QinetiQ
Qinetiq is a British global defence technology company, formed from the greater part of the former UK government agency, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency , when it was split up in June 2001...
. It allows for voice control of avionics equipment using standard aircrew helmet microphones and intercom. Being speaker independent, the system does not need to be trained to recognize a specific user. This means high command recognition rates may be achieved whether or not the user has operated the system before. It gives aircrew the ability to control aircraft systems using voice commands and access information without removing their hands from the flight controls or their eyes from the outside world.
Gazelles were also manufactured in Egypt by ABHCO and in Yugoslavia by SOKO
SOKO
SOKO was an aircraft factory situated in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It gained prominence in Yugoslavia.-Products:* Soko 522* Soko S-55-5 Mk...
.
Operational history
France- The French army deployed the Gazelle on many occasions, especially during interventions in Africa and peacekeepingPeacekeepingPeacekeeping is an activity that aims to create the conditions for lasting peace. It is distinguished from both peacebuilding and peacemaking....
operations. This includes ChadChadChad , officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west...
(1980s), the former YugoslaviaFormer YugoslaviaThe former Yugoslavia is a term used to describe the present day states which succeeded the collapse of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia....
(1990s), DjiboutiDjiboutiDjibouti , officially the Republic of Djibouti , is a country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden at the east...
(1991-1992), SomaliaSomaliaSomalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
(1993) and Cote d'IvoireCôte d'IvoireThe Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
(2002-Present). During Operation Desert Storm, HOT-carrying Gazelles were used against Iraqi armour. They were also used in 2011, under NATO in Libya to support the Libyan rebels' uprising against pro-Muammar Gadhafi's troops.
Iraq
- Iraq received a number of Gazelles and HOT missiles in the 1970s and 1980s. They were used intensively in the Iran–Iraq War. During the Gulf WarGulf WarThe Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
they saw little use, because of Allied air supremacy.
Syria
- Syria purchased the first 18 SA.342 Gazelles in 1977, in response to Israeli Bell AH-1 Cobras. These Gazelles entered service with the 976 Attack Helicopter Squadron, equipped with AS.12 anti-tank guided missiles. Additional SA.342s were supplied, enabling the SyAAF to organize a full brigade of three squadrons, and one unit used for liaison and cooperation with police. France supplied HOT ATGMs with those helicopters, considered at that time one of the most advanced ATGMs. Each Gazelle could carry four HOT missiles, mounted on stubs behind the cockpit.
- Syrian Gazelles were used during 1982 Lebanon War1982 Lebanon WarThe 1982 Lebanon War , , called Operation Peace for Galilee by Israel, and later known in Israel as the Lebanon War and First Lebanon War, began on 6 June 1982, when the Israel Defense Forces invaded southern Lebanon...
. The three units equipped with the type flew slightly over 100 combat sorties during four days of battles between the Syrians and Israelis, in June 1982. Syrian Army claimed they had large success against Israeli armour (77 kills, 30 Israeli tanks and 50 other vehicles), while suffering medium losses (five helicopters). One was captured by Israeli forces, tested and now is displayed in IAF museum.
- SyAAF helicopters and special “hunter-killer teams” of the Syrian Army developed simple but effective tactics to ambush and tie down Israeli mechanized formations in the local hilly terrain, roads, dozens of villages in southern Lebanon.
Kuwait
- Kuwait said its Gazelles were used during the Iraqi invasion, destroying some Iraqi trucks or APCs. Several were captured and used by Iraqi Army.
Ecuador
- The Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) lost at least one Gazelle helicopter in Combats with Peru in 1995
United Kingdom
- The Gazelle was used in combat in the Falkland IslandsFalkland IslandsThe Falkland Islands are an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, located about from the coast of mainland South America. The archipelago consists of East Falkland, West Falkland and 776 lesser islands. The capital, Stanley, is on East Falkland...
, Kuwait, Iraq and KosovoKosovoKosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia...
, and with 8 Flight Army Air Corps8 Flight Army Air Corps8 Flight Army Air Corps is one of the Independent Flights within the British Army's Army Air Corps. 8 Flight is attached to the Special Air Service and based alongside them in Hereford....
in support of 22 Special Air ServiceSpecial Air ServiceSpecial Air Service or SAS is a corps of the British Army constituted on 31 May 1950. They are part of the United Kingdom Special Forces and have served as a model for the special forces of many other countries all over the world...
Regiment. It was also used for air patrols in Northern Ireland. British Gazelles were only armed when used in the Falklands, where they were fitted with machine guns and rocket pods, but these were not used. Three Gazelles were lost in action in 1982, two due to ground fire, and one shot down by a Sea Dart surface to air missile fired by HMS Cardiff. British Gazelles performed as scouts for other attack platforms in 1991 Gulf War.
- SA 341/342 Gazelle GAMA was used by the Republika Srpska Air ForceRepublika Srpska Air ForceThe Republika Srpska Air Force was the air force of Republika Srpska and was used primarily during the Bosnian war. In 2005, it was integrated into the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. SFOR still plays a large role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which consists of the Federation of Bosnia and...
during the Yugoslav civil wars (1991-1995), and by the Yugoslav air force during the Kosovo warKosovo WarThe term Kosovo War or Kosovo conflict was two sequential, and at times parallel, armed conflicts in Kosovo province, then part of FR Yugoslav Republic of Serbia; from early 1998 to 1999, there was an armed conflict initiated by the ethnic Albanian "Kosovo Liberation Army" , who sought independence...
.
Lebanon
- Gazelles armed with machine guns, were used by the Lebanese Air ForceLebanese Air ForceThe Lebanese Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Lebanese Armed Forces. The seal of the air force is constituted of a Roundel with two wings and a Lebanese Cedar tree, surrounded by two laurel leaves on a blue background.-History:...
against the Al Qaeda-inspired militants of Fatah al-IslamFatah al-IslamFatah al-Islam, is a radical Sunni Islamist group that formed in November 2006 in a Palestinian refugee camp, located in Lebanon. It has been described as a militant jihadist movement that draws inspiration from al-Qaeda...
during the battle of Nahr el-Bared2007 Lebanon conflictThe 2007 Lebanon conflict began when fighting broke out between Fatah al-Islam, an Islamist militant organization, and the Lebanese Armed Forces on May 20, 2007 in Nahr al-Bared, an UNRWA Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli. It was the most severe internal fighting since Lebanon's 1975–90 civil...
.
Morocco
- 24 SA342L Gazelle helicopters were bought, half of them armed with HOT missiles and the other half with 20mm guns. Some were used in Western Sahara to fight Polisario columns.
Ireland
- The Irish Air CorpsIrish Air CorpsThe Air Corps is the air component of the Defence Forces of Ireland providing support to the Army and Naval Service, together with non-military air services such as search and rescue and the Ministerial Air Transport Service...
formerly operated two Gazelle helicopters as pilot training aircraft.
Variants
SA 340- First prototype, first flown on 7 April 1967 with a conventional Alouette type tail rotor.
SA 341
- Four pre-production machines. First flown on 2 August 1968. The third was equipped to British ArmyBritish ArmyThe British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
requirements and assembled in France as the prototype Gazelle AH.1. This was first flown on 28 April 1970.
SA 341.1001
- First French production machine. Initial test flight 6 August 1971. Featured a longer cabin, an enlarged tail unit and an uprated Turbomeca AstazouTurbomeca Astazou|-References:...
IIIA engine.
SA 341B (Westland Gazelle AH.1)
- Version built for the British Army; Featured the Astazou IIIN2 engine, a nightsun searchlight and Decca Doppler 80 Radar. First Westland-assembled version flown on 31 January 1972, this variant entered service on 6 July 1974. A total of 158 were produced.
SA 341C (Westland Gazelle HT.2)
- Training helicopter version built for British Fleet Air Arm; Features included the Astazou IIIN2 engine, a stability augmentation system and a hoist. First flown on 6 July 1972, this variant entered operational service on 10 December 1974. A total of 30 were produced.
SA 341D (Westland Gazelle HT.3)
- Training helicopter version built for British Royal Air Force; Featuring the same engine and stability system as the 341C, this version was first delivered on 16 July 1973. A total of 14 were produced.
SA 341E (Westland Gazelle HCC.4)
- Communications helicopter version built for British Royal Air Force; Only one example of this variant was produced.
SA 341F
- Version built for the French Army; Featuring the Astazou IIIC engine, 166 of these were produced. Some of these were fitted with an M621 20-mm cannonM621 cannonThe M621 is a 20 mm automatic cannon of French design, developed by Nexter as on-board armament for armored vehicles, aircraft, helicopters and small coastal vessels of the French Navy....
.
- Civil variant, powered by an Astazou IIIA engine. Officially certificated on 7 June 1972; subsequently became first helicopter to obtain single-pilot IFR Cat 1Instrument Landing SystemAn instrument landing system is a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during instrument...
approval in the US. Also developed into "Stretched Gazelle" with the cabin modified to allow an additional 8 inches (20cm) legroom for the rear passengers.
SA 341H
- Military export variant, powered by an Astazou IIIB engine. Built under licence agreementLicence-builtThe term licence-built refers to an object manufactured by one organisation with the authorisation of the organisation that owns the intellectual property of the design...
signed on 1 October 1971 by SOKOSOKOSOKO was an aircraft factory situated in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It gained prominence in Yugoslavia.-Products:* Soko 522* Soko S-55-5 Mk...
in Yugoslavia.-
- SOKO HO-42
- Yugoslav-built version of SA 341H.
- SOKO HI-42 Hera
- Yugoslav-built scout version of SA 341H.
-
-
-
- SOKO HN-42M Gama
- Yugoslav-built attack version of SA 341H.
- SOKO HN-45M Gama 2
- Yugoslav-built attack version of SA 342L.
- SOKO HS-42
- Yugoslav-built medic version of SA 341H.
-
SA 342J
- Civil version of SA 342L. This was fitted with the more powerful 649kW (870shp) Astazou XIV engine and an improved FenestronFenestronA Fenestron is a shrouded tail rotor of a helicopter that is essentially a ducted fan. The housing is integral with the tail skin, and, like the conventional tail rotor it replaces, is intended to counteract the torque of the main rotor...
tail rotor. With an increased take-off weight, this variant was approved on 24 April 1976, and entered service in 1977.
SA 342K
- Military export version for "hot and dry areas". Fitted with the more powerful 649-kW (870-shp) Astazou XIV engine and shrouds over the air intakes. First flown on 11 May 1973; initially sold to Kuwait.
SA 342L
- Military companion of the SA 342J. fitted with the Astazou XIV engine. Adaptable for many armaments and equipment, including six Euromissile HOT anti-tank missiles.
SA 342M
- French Army anti-tank version fitted with the Astazou XIV engine. Armed with four EuromissileEuromissileEuromissile was a European consortium set up in the 1970s by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG of Germany and Aérospatiale of France to produce the Euromissile HOT anti-tank missile. All activities have been merged and are now part of MBDA....
HOT missilesEuromissile HOTThe HOT is a second-generation long-range anti-tank missile system developed originally as an effort to meet a joint German-French Army requirement, by the then German firm Bolkow and the French firm Nord, to replace the older SS.11 wire guided...
and a SFIM APX M397 stabilised sight.-
- SA 342M1
- Standard SA 342M retrofitted with three Ecureuil main blades to improve performance.
-
Operators
Current
:- National Air Force of Angola – Operates about 7 aircraft.
:
- Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Defence of Bosnia and HerzegovinaAir Force and Anti-Aircraft Defence of Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a part of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The HQ stands in Sarajevo...
– Operates 4 aircraft. - Republika Srpska PoliceLaw enforcement in Republika SrpskaThe Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska is the interior ministry of the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina.-Headquarters:The Police of Republika Srpska has it's main headquarters in Banja Luka, but...
– operates 4 aircraft.
:
- Burundi Army AviationMilitary of BurundiThe Military of Burundi consists of the Army and the Gendarmerie. The naval and air units are incorporated within the Army.Army equipment includes BTR-40, Panhard AML, Shorland armoured car, and Walid armoured vehicles, ZPUair defence guns, and Heckler & Koch G3 and FN MAG small arms.- Small Arms...
– Operates 2 aircraft.
:
- Cameroon Air ForceCameroon Air ForceThe Cameroon Air Force is the air force of the African nation of Cameroon. The Cameroon Air Force, along with the Cameroon Army, the Cameroon Navy , the National Gendarmerie, and the Presidential Guard make up the Cameroonian Armed Forces.The Cameroon Air Force theoretically possesses a fairly...
– Operates 8 aircraft.9 were ordered but 1 crashed.
:
- Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
's Air Component – Operates 4 aircraft.
:
- Ecuadorian ArmyEcuadorian ArmyThe Ecuadorian Army is the land component of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces. Its 24,135 soldiers are sensibly deployed in relation to its military doctrine...
– Operates about 20 aircraft.
:
- Egyptian Air ForceEgyptian Air ForceThe Egyptian Air Force, or EAF , is the aviation branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces. The EAF is headed by an Air Marshal . Currently, the commander of the Egyptian Air Force is Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez Mohamed...
– Operates about 84 aircraft.
:
- French ArmyFrench ArmyThe French Army, officially the Armée de Terre , is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces.As of 2010, the army employs 123,100 regulars, 18,350 part-time reservists and 7,700 Legionnaires. All soldiers are professionals, following the suspension of conscription, voted in...
:
- Gabon Air ForceMilitary of GabonThe African country of Gabon has a small, professional military of about 5,000 personnel, divided into army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, and national police. Gabonese forces are oriented to the defense of the country and have not been trained for an offensive role...
– Operates 5 aircraft.
:
- Guinea Air ForceMilitary of GuineaThe Republic of Guinea Armed Forces are the armed forces of Guinea. They are responsible for the territorial security of Guinea's border and the defence of the country against external attack and aggression....
– Operates 1 aircraft.
- Iraqi Air ForceIraqi Air ForceThe Iraqi Air Force or IQAF is the military branch in Iraq responsible for the policing of international borders, surveillance of national assets and aerial operations...
– Operates 6 aircraft.
- Kenya Air ForceKenya Air ForceThe Kenya Air Force is the national Air Force of Kenya.The main airbase operating fighters is Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, while Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi is the HQ & operations Kenya Air Force. Other bases include FOB Mombasa The Kenya Air Force (KAF) is the national Air Force of...
– 1 in service in 2009.
:
- Kuwait Air ForceKuwait Air ForceThe Kuwait Air Force is the air arm of the State of Kuwait. The Air Force headquarters is located at Al Mubarak Air Base, with the remaining forces stationed at Air Defence Brigade, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base...
– Operates 13 aircraft.
- Lebanese Air ForceLebanese Air ForceThe Lebanese Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Lebanese Armed Forces. The seal of the air force is constituted of a Roundel with two wings and a Lebanese Cedar tree, surrounded by two laurel leaves on a blue background.-History:...
– Operates 8 helicopters equipped with HOT missiles, 68 mm rocket pods, and heavy machine guns. Lebanon signed a contract with Eurotech in January 2010 to revamp and upgrade 13 Gazelles of the original and ex-UAE deliveries.
:
- Air DefenseMilitary of MontenegroThe Military of Montenegro consists of an army, navy and air force. Conscription was abolished in 2006; the military is now a fully professional standing army....
– Operates 11 aircraft. - PoliceLaw enforcement in MontenegroLaw enforcement in Montenegro is primarily the responsibility of the Police Administration, a law enforcement agency under the authority of the Ministry of Interior and Public Administration. Headquartered in Podgorica, the Police Administration, with its 8,000 armed officers, provides security for...
– 3 aircraft.
:
- Royal Moroccan Air ForceRoyal Moroccan Air ForceThe Royal Moroccan Air Force is the air force branch of the Moroccan Armed Forces.-History:...
– Operates 24 aircraft.
- Qatar Emiri Air Force
:
- Serbian Air ForceSerbian Air ForceThe Serbian Air Force and Air Defence is the air force of Serbia and service branch of the Serbian Armed Forces. Established in 1912, it is one of the oldest air forces in the world.-History:...
– Operates 61 aircraft. - PoliceLaw enforcement in SerbiaLaw enforcement in Serbia is the primary responsibility of the Serbian Police, which is subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The ministry is responsible for all local and national law enforcement services in Serbia...
– 13 aircraft.
:
- Syrian Air ForceSyrian Air ForceThe Syrian Air Force is the Aviation branch of the Syrian Armed Forces. It was established in 1948.-History:The end of World War II led to a withdrawal of the United Kingdom and France from the Middle East, and this included a withdrawal from Syria...
– Operates 38 aircraft.
- Trinidad and Tobago Defence ForceTrinidad and Tobago Defence ForceThe Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force is the military organisation responsible for the defence of the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago...
- Tunisian Air ForceTunisian Air ForceThe Tunisian Air Force is one of the branches of the Tunisian Armed Forces.-Air Force:The Tunisian Air Force was established in 1959, three years after Tunisia regained its independence from France. It took deliveries of its first aircraft, eight Saab 91 Safirs, in 1960, later to be complemented...
:
- United Arab Emirates Air ForceUnited Arab Emirates Air ForceThe United Arab Emirates Air Force is the air force of the United Arab Emirates . Its predecessor was established in 1968, when the Emirates were still under British rule. Since then, it has undergone a continual reorganization and expansion in terms of both capability and numbers of aircraft...
– Operates 1 aircraft.
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- Army Air Corps – Current Units;
- 2 Regiment AAC (Trg), 671 Sqn
- 5 Regiment AAC (NI), 665 Sqn
- Canada, 29 (BATUS) Flight
- Germany, 12 Flight
Former
- Irish Air CorpsIrish Air CorpsThe Air Corps is the air component of the Defence Forces of Ireland providing support to the Army and Naval Service, together with non-military air services such as search and rescue and the Ministerial Air Transport Service...
– Two aircraft operated between 1979–2005.
Republika SrpskaRepublika Srpska
Republika Srpska is one of two main political entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
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- Republika Srpska Air ForceRepublika Srpska Air ForceThe Republika Srpska Air Force was the air force of Republika Srpska and was used primarily during the Bosnian war. In 2005, it was integrated into the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. SFOR still plays a large role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which consists of the Federation of Bosnia and...
– Operated 20 aircraft.
- Royal Air ForceRoyal Air ForceThe Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
– 32 - Royal MarinesRoyal MarinesThe Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
- Royal NavyRoyal NavyThe Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
– Fleet Air ArmFleet Air ArmThe Fleet Air Arm is the branch of the British Royal Navy responsible for the operation of naval aircraft. The Fleet Air Arm currently operates the AgustaWestland Merlin, Westland Sea King and Westland Lynx helicopters...
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- Yugoslav Air ForceYugoslav Air ForceThe Yugoslav Air Force may refer to:Kingdom of Yugoslavia*Yugoslav Royal Air Force, active from 1918 to 1941.Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia*SFR Yugoslav Air Force, active from 1945 to 1991....
– Passed on to successor states.
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- Slovenian Air Force and Air DefenceSlovenian Air Force and Air DefenceSlovenian Air Force and Air Defence is a part of the Slovenian Armed Forces. It is an integral part of the command structure, not an independent branch.-Duties:...
– Operated 1 aircraft from 1991 to 1996.
Specifications (SA 341)
Popular culture
Two Gazelles were modified to star as a high-tech attack/surveillance helicopterBlue Thunder (helicopter)
Blue Thunder is the title character in the 1980s American film and television series of the same name. The aircraft itself was a converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter.-Aérospatiale Gazelle:...
in the 1983 action-thriller film Blue Thunder
Blue Thunder
Blue Thunder is a 1983 feature film that features a high-tech helicopter of the same name. The movie was directed by John Badham and stars Roy Scheider...
, and in its short-lived television series spinoff
Blue Thunder (TV series)
Blue Thunder is a 1984 ABC TV series based on the movie of the same title featuring the Blue Thunder helicopter.The series used the converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter and large portions of stock footage from the 1983 film. A ground unit named "Rolling Thunder" backed up the helicopter in...
. A Gazelle was used as part of the futuristic semi-truck in the television series The Highwayman
The Highwayman (TV series)
The Highwayman is an action-adventure themed television series starring Sam J. Jones, set in "the near future." It was created by Glen A. Larson and Douglas Heyes. The pilot aired in September 1987, and was followed by a short-lived series of nine episodes, with significant changes to the cast and...
.
A Gazelle was also seen in the British motoring TV show Top Gear.