Aérospatiale SA340 Gazelle

Summary

Description

The SA-340 Gazelle is a French light utility helicopter that was originally developed by Sud Aviation, later becoming Aérospatiale and eventually part of Airbus Helicopters. The helicopter first flew in 1967 and entered into service in 1973. The Gazelle was innovative for its time, featuring a fenestron tail rotor, which improved safety and reduced noise. It was designed for various roles including light transport, observation, and even anti-tank duties.

The development of the SA-340 Gazelle began in the 1960s, initiated by Sud Aviation, with the aim to produce a versatile and efficient light utility helicopter. The Gazelle's design was groundbreaking for several reasons, notably the incorporation of a fenestron tail rotor, which was encased to improve safety and reduce noise. This was a departure from the conventional tail rotor design and set the Gazelle apart from many of its contemporaries.

The helicopter features a streamlined design, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, and it was one of the first helicopters to employ composite materials in its construction. This not only made the Gazelle lighter but also more durable. The design also allowed for good visibility for both the pilot and passengers, which made it suitable for observation roles.

One of the most distinguishing features of the Gazelle is its Turbomeca Astazou turbine engine, which provides a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The engine was a key element in achieving the helicopter's impressive speed and range capabilities.

Armament

The SA-340 Gazelle was designed with modularity in mind, allowing for various weapon configurations depending on its intended role and the requirements of the operating force. In its anti-tank configuration, it can be armed with Euromissile HOT (High-Subsonic Optical Remote-Guided, Tube-Launched) wire-guided anti-tank missiles. These missiles are capable of penetrating most modern armored vehicles.

In some versions, the Gazelle can also be fitted with a 20mm cannon, typically mounted on the side of the aircraft. This provides a versatile capability for engaging a range of ground targets and can be useful in close air support roles.

For anti-aircraft and anti-vehicle roles, the Gazelle can be equipped with machine guns, typically 7.62mm or 12.7mm, which can be pintle-mounted in the cabin doorways. Additionally, it has the capacity to carry unguided rockets, commonly 68mm or 70mm, which can be used against soft targets or fortifications.

In reconnaissance and observation variants, the Gazelle might not carry weapons but will often be equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and other surveillance equipment. This enables it to provide intelligence and targeting data to other platforms.

Operational history

The SA-340 Gazelle has had an extensive operational history since its introduction in 1973, serving with multiple armed forces around the world and participating in a range of conflicts and missions.

One of its first notable deployments was in the 1982 Falklands War, where British Army Gazelles performed various roles from reconnaissance to medevac. Although they were mainly used for observation and liaison, the helicopters also saw some combat, and a few were lost due to enemy action or accidents.

In the 1990s, Gazelles were used by various sides in the Yugoslav Wars, performing reconnaissance, light attack, and utility roles. During these conflicts, they faced complex combat environments, including anti-aircraft fire and varying weather conditions.

The Gazelle has also seen service in various African conflicts, including the Chad-Libya conflict, where they were used for both reconnaissance and anti-tank missions. They have been used in anti-insurgency operations, notably in Algeria and other parts of the African continent, where their versatility and range were valuable assets.

In the Middle East, the Gazelle has been deployed in conflicts such as the Lebanon War and the Gulf War. French forces used them in Operation Desert Storm for reconnaissance and light attack roles. They were also used during the NATO intervention in Kosovo, where they conducted reconnaissance and target acquisition missions.

More recently, the Gazelle has been used in ongoing anti-terror operations in the Sahel region of Africa, involved in reconnaissance and support roles.

Variants

The Gazelle has several main variants:

• SA 341B Gazelle AH.1: This is the British Army version, modified for operation under British requirements. It's used mainly for observation and reconnaissance but can also carry machine guns and rocket pods.
• SA 342J: This is a civilian version but has often been converted for military use. It has a more powerful engine compared to the original SA 341 model and can be equipped with anti-tank missiles like the HOT (High-Subsonic Optical Remote-Guided, Tube-Launched).
• SA 342L: This variant is optimized for anti-tank missions and is usually equipped with HOT missiles. It's used by various countries and is one of the more widespread versions of the Gazelle.
• SA 342M: A French Army version equipped specifically for anti-tank missions, the SA 342M is usually armed with Euromissile HOT missiles and sometimes fitted with a GIAT M621 20mm cannon.
• SA 341F: A French Army version, this variant is typically employed in reconnaissance and liaison roles but can also be equipped with machine guns and rocket pods for light attack missions.
• SA 341G: This is a general-purpose utility version, often used for training, transport, and medical evacuation missions. It can be armed but is often used in non-combat roles.
• SA 341H: An export version of the Gazelle, the SA 341H has seen use by various countries and is configurable for a variety of roles, from light attack to medevac.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	France	109
	Egypt	89
	Syria	62
	Serbia	29
	Morocco	23
	United Kingdom	17
	Kuwait	13
	Qatar	13
	Lebanon	8
	Burundi	6
	Iraq	6
🇲🇪	Montenegro	6
	Cyprus	4
	Ecuador	4
	Gabon	3
	Libya	3
	Niger	3
	Rwanda	3
	Malawi	2
	Mozambique	2
	Togo	2

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Angola • United Arab Emirates • Burundi • Bosnia and Herzegovina • China • Cameroon • Cyprus • Ecuador • Egypt • France • Gabon • United Kingdom • Guinea • Croatia • Ireland • Iraq • Kuwait • Lebanon • Libya • Morocco • Montenegro • Mozambique • Malawi • Niger • Qatar • Rwanda • Serbia • Syria • Togo

Armament

Missiles payload:

• Anti-Tank HOT

Photo of SA340 Gazelle