Announcement

**Zishelix** · 28th February 2018, 20:14

Coconut I-LDAV (Photo: Enrico Niccolini)

One more photo of the same machine here

**Savoia** · 1st March 2018, 08:27

Snow Gazelles 2.0

Montenegrin Air Force Gazelle in snow

SA341B '5D' BATUS Gazelle in Canada, February 2018

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**Savoia** · 2nd March 2018, 08:27

SA341C RA-05708 (WA1045) as seen in Abkhazia in February 2018

**Savoia** · 2nd March 2018, 19:35

SA342J(S) F-HGUN (cn.1058) as seen at Courchevel. Now flying as N342ET

**Savoia** · 3rd March 2018, 08:07

NEWS

2nd March 2018

We've been busy!

We've finished our mandatory ground training for 2018 and are now starting to turn our attention towards adding to our list of display qualified pilots and improving our display routine with an added emphasis on pleasing the photographers amongst you.

We've currently got 3 aircraft fully serviceable with the prospect of a 4th on the horizon. Bourne Park is a cold place at the best of times, however the recent extreme conditions has tested even the hardiest of souls and we applaud loudly the endeavours of our fantastic engineers.

This month will see the Easter Bunny delivering eggs (and a cheque) to Naomi House and we move up a gear in our pilot training with a full day of intensive flying activities planned for the end of the month. At the same time the diary is getting added to as the Air show organisers confirm their requirements for 2018.

We're working on supporting an event for Julia's House towards the end of the month and are providing BLESMA, the limbless veterans charity with an air experience day on 31st March. In addition to these we've also been asked to deliver a presentation in the coming months on the Squadron's activities to support the Museum of Army Flying.

After that, it will be downhill into the air display season.

http://www.gazellesquadron.co.uk/node/95

**Savoia** · 3rd March 2018, 08:30

Heli Cap SA341G F-BVUI (cn 1122) as seen on the Tignes glacier in the Rhône-Alpes in 1978 (Photo: Frédéric Rolland)

**Helipixman** · 4th March 2018, 18:35

HA-LFE

Has anyone heard anything of this SA341G (1527) one time owned by the late Mark Weir. It is rumoured to have gone to Spain ?

Helipixman

**Savoia** · 5th March 2018, 08:58

SA341G HB-ZEU (cn.1111) as seen at Kassel airport in Germany on 18th December 2007 (Photo: Jan Pluemer)

Elipix, another bird which is MIA is this one. If you find out what happened to her this would be useful for our Gaz tracking records.

**Savoia** · 6th March 2018, 07:55

Unidentified Gazelle in the Falklands in 1982

I have this shot labelled as being taken in the Falklands in 1982 and can pick out ZA77 .. but I am unsure of the final digit. Elipix, perhaps if you have a list of military codes you may be able to isolate this bird, which as we can see, carries an 'H' on her tail.

It also appears as if the Royal Marines lettering (I think) has been painted over on her boom?

ps: Does anyone know which type of armament this craft was fitted with? We can see some sort of rocket pod mounted on her starboard pylon. Does anyone know the make/calibre?

**Zishelix** · 6th March 2018, 09:20

It's 68mm SNEB rocket pods (SNEB: Societe Nouvelle des Etablissements Edgar Brandt) see more here

The specific machine should be RM’s ZA776/H WA.1818

By the way, does anyone know which exactly UK mil Gazelles were engaged in the Falklands Conflict?

**Helipixman** · 6th March 2018, 16:58

Here is another shot of the mystery Gazelle. The site I saw this on states that it is on Ascension Island and probably an 3CBAS machine. There is a beach called Long Beach near Georgetown.

**Zishelix** · 6th March 2018, 18:33

In virtual world only

**md600driver** · 6th March 2018, 18:38

Originally posted by Zishelix View Post

It's 68mm SNEB rocket pods (SNEB: Societe Nouvelle des Etablissements Edgar Brandt) see more here

The feedback I received from those who flew in the Falklands was that the original armament was the SS11/12 taken from the Scout. This is because the Gazelle didn’t have the rockets at that time and most of the Scouts were at the bottom of the sea!

The Marines apparently jerry-rigged a system to aim and fire the rockets as the stock of rockets/armaments were on another ship, one that was still afloat.

This maybe a war tale, but the guys telling me were there and I am inclined to believe them, especially as the Gazelles featured here don’t have the large upper window for the laser aiming guide that would be required.

Later in the conflict the Gazelle used the 68 mm SNEB rocket pods (see photo below).

**Savoia** · 7th March 2018, 07:32

Originally posted by Savoia View Post

Request to Gaz Owners

Seeing as much of Europe is being blessed with snow, this request goes out to those who are able to wheel-out their Gaz and capture a shot of their craft amidst the snow, for we are keen to top up our much-treasured 'Snow Gazelles' collection. Any contributions will be greatly appreciated.

SA341G RA-05706 (WA1802) near St. Petersburg in March 2018

= A happy Sav, for this is exactly the kind of photo I was hoping for!

And below a snippet of '706' in flight:

**Savoia** · 8th March 2018, 07:04

More Rus Gaz ..

RA-1739G as seen at Moscow's Zhukovsky Airport in July 2017

The last time we saw this bird was during the Christmas of 2016, when (still seated on her trailer) she had been parked (somewhat unceremoniously) outside an apartment block in Moscow, see here.

Btw, it seems as if '39G' has suffered a dent on her port passenger door. Looks like a job for La Ventosa, except I don't think they have any branches in Russia!

**xbdt** · 8th March 2018, 08:46

G-HSDL

I managed to record a couple of minutes from the series 'Scrap Kings' which was shown yesterday on Discovery.

It is taken from series one, episode two, and shows Howard Stott's G-HSDL:

**Helipixman** · 8th March 2018, 13:32

Falkland Gazelles with 3CBAS

Nine Gazelles from 3CBAS went to the Falklands on three different ships.....

Embarked on RFA Sir Percivale at Marchwood 5.4.82

XX376(K) returned to UK and eventually suffered an accident at Hagen, 29.9.83
XX380(M) returned to UK and went to AAC Wttisham for gate duties
XX413(CZ returned to UK and believed broken up at Fleetlands 4.97 with cab going to Rob Lamplough

Embarked on RFA Sir Galahad at Devonport 5.4.82

XX402(G) Crashed into a hill a Clam Creek 21.5.82 (2K) during investigation sortie for XX411
XX411(CX) Hit by small arms fire off Port San Carlos and ditched in harbour 21.5.82... returned to UK and last known at Aeroventure, Doncaster
XX412(Y) returned to UK and last known with DSAE, Cosford

Embarked on RFA Sir Geraint at Devonport 5.4.82

XZ326(W) Incident on Long Beach, Ascension Island, returend to UK and Current with AAC 667 Squadron, Middle Wallop
ZA730(F) returned to UK and currently stored with Falcon Aviation Ltd as G-FUKM
ZA776(H) returned to UK and sold in DSA tender sales 15.1.10 at Shawbury going to Witham Specialist Vehicles. Possibly stored at Stapleford Tawney

A further six Gazelles went to the Falklands with AAC 656 Squadron. So far have tracked down three XX377, XZ321 and ZA728. Help needed with the other three would be appreciated

Helipixman

**Savoia** · 9th March 2018, 07:31

Sav wrote: Also ZB672, which I have in a pending folder waiting to be posted, she was also there with 656. Will post the photo anon.

SA341B ZB672 (WA1959) as seen at Murray Heights in the Falklands on 12th April 1984

**Savoia** · 9th March 2018, 10:24

SA341H HA-LFX (cn 090) start and depart from Budaörs Airfield in Hungary

**md600driver** · 9th March 2018, 22:19

Originally posted by Savoia View Post

SA341H HA-LFX (cn 090) start and depart from Budaörs Airfield in Hungary

I completed my LPC in LFX last week .. in the snow!

**Savoia** · 10th March 2018, 07:06

Vector Aerospace Awarded UK Gaz Support Contract

Vector Aerospace has received a maintenance support contract from the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the British Army Gazelle AH1 helicopter fleet.

The firm will provide maintenance for the Army Air Corps (AAC) Gazelles at its Fleetlands facility in Gosport, Hampshire. Work under the contract is expected to commence in April and – with contract extension options – will continue until June 2022.

Simon Jones, Managing Director for Vector Aerospace UK, said: “Vector has a long history of supporting the UK MoD’s helicopter fleet, and we are delighted to secure this significant programme. We are very proud of the service provided by our skilled associates here at Fleetlands. This Gazelle maintenance support award compliments our current support to the Chinook Through Life Customer Support (TLCS) programme led by Boeing Defence UK, and we look forward to the new opportunities this contract presents for our workforce.”

http://www.airforcesmonthly.com/2018...port-contract/

**Savoia** · 10th March 2018, 07:50

Did Someone Mention Snow?

SA341G RA-05706 take off near St. Petersburg in March 2018

706 flying over the Fortress of St. Peter and St. Paul

**md600driver** · 10th March 2018, 09:19

Originally posted by Savoia View Post

Fantastico Stefano — I am sure you passed with flying colours!

Flying over snow-covered terrain can be lovely, especially if the weather clears and there is pleasant scenery.

Btw, on the previous page Elipix was making enquiry about HA-LFE which used to fly in Hungary but which he thinks may now have gone to Spain, do you happen to know anything about this craft?

Unfortunately I didn’t get much chance to look at the scenery as I was flying to the numbers. The ATO was also having an authority audit at the same time.

Re: LFE, I was led to believe that she went to Spanish purchasers.

**Savoia** · 12th March 2018, 09:23

SA341B XZ340 (cn WA1691) BATUS Gazelle

We are looking forward to seeing a BATUS Gaz gracing the skies of the UK in the not-too-distant future, courtesy of an Avia member!

Montenegrin Air Force SA342L1 12943 (cn.163)

SA341G(S) G-CDJT (cn. 1509) as seen at Southend Airport on 26th May 2007 (Photo: John Coleman)

**Helipixman** · 12th March 2018, 14:50

ZU-RED c/n 1285

First shot I have seen of this side on... found on owner Glen Mukheibir 's facebook site

**Savoia** · 12th March 2018, 19:42

Andy wrote:

656Sqn Gazelles: XX377, XZ290, XZ321, XX409, XZ314 and ZA728 all flown from Netheravon to Southampton on 8 May 82 for loading onboard Baltic Ferry and Nordic Ferry.

The original plan was for 3CBAS to depart with 12 cabs but due to the time constraints of loading the cabs in 30mins on each ship there was insufficient room for the others which should have been XX392, XZ338 and ZA728.

XW893 and XX444 both arrived in Port William aboard Contender Bezant on 23 June 82 for 3CBAS but were handed over to 656Sqn as 3CBAS were pulling out imminently.

17 Gazelle AH.1s were deployed in total.

Grazie Andy!

**Savoia** · 13th March 2018, 09:17

France Pledges Anti-Tank Missiles for Lebanon's Gazelle Fleet

The French government has pledged 'military aid' to the tune of €14m for Lebanon. The aid is to include long-awaited anti-tank missiles for Lebanon's Gazelle helicopters.

The announcement was made by Lebanese Defense Minister Yaacoub Sarraf following a meeting with his counterpart Florence Parly as part of the preparatory meetings for the ROME II conference being held next week in Italy.

Lebanon's Gazelle fleet have been awaiting a supply of anti-tank missiles for several years

https://libnanews.com/la-france-four...uros-au-liban/

SA34X Offers Gazelle Air Conditioning System

South Africa's SA34X has developed an air conditioning system for the Gazelle. The electrically operated system draws just 51 amperes and weighs a total of 26kgs.

https://www.mygazellehelicopter.com/air-conditioner

**Savoia** · 13th March 2018, 10:24

More Falklands Gaz ..

A Marines (?) Gazelle over Port Pleasant in the Falkland Islands on 8th June 1982 following a strike by three Argentinian A4 Skyhawks on the RFA Sir Galahad

**Savoia** · 14th March 2018, 09:26

SA341G ZU-RLU (cn.1097) as seen at Simola Country Club, Knysna, South Africa in March 2018

ZU-RLU in flight March 2018

SA341B XZ348 (WA1719) at RNAS Culdrose (date unknown) Whirlwind HAR10 XP403 behind

**Zishelix** · 15th March 2018, 08:44

'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

At F-GESG Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in December 1988

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