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  • Warty, if you're still around please re-post this image of XX376: http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...=6388#post6388

    Thanks in advance!

    Comment




    • Morocco Considering Gazelle Replacement

      At the Marrakech Air Show last fall--Bell's second annual appearance--the company displayed an AH-1Z attack helicopter and an H-1 cockpit demonstrator. Morocco has been examining a recapitalization of its fleet of Gazelle utility and attack helicopters.
      https://www.rotorandwing.com/2019/02...h-1zs-bahrain/

      Depending on the source, the Royal Moroccan Air Force operates anywhere between 16-25 Gazelles.

      Comment


      • Zishelix
        Zishelix commented
        Editing a comment
        Hard to guess about condition of their Gazelle fleet but the fact is they have few quite rare examples of 'stretched' 342s. Let's hope we'll see some of them demobbed soon!

        I think Morocco obtained over 25 Gazelles between 1976 and '83.

      • Helipixman
        Helipixman commented
        Editing a comment
        Morocco military had 24 x 342L and 6 x 342K. Whats not known is how many are still airworthy ? Aerotec have overhauled some.



    • SA341G G-SFTD (cn.1145) as seen Bournemouth Hurn Airport on 4th June 1988 (Photo by Alex Christie)

      One for Nosco! Seen here while in the service of Blades Helicopters, having previously served with SFT from 1982 to 1987.

      Comment


      • Helipixman
        Helipixman commented
        Editing a comment
        Wonder what the sticker is covering the Blades Helicopters logo on TD

    • SA341G 1278 N47315 was on the FAA as being cert expired 14 October 2014 with the last owner being shown as Horizon Helicopters of Texas. Now however it has sold from Luigia Bertolino to International Air Services (Trustee) on 8 January this year.

      Has anyone seen anything of this aircraft in recent years?

      Comment


      • Savoia
        Savoia commented
        Editing a comment
        As it happens, signore Elipix mention this aircraft a couple of pages back when we were investigating which Gazelle had been in single ownership the longest. However, I don't think we have any further information on this craft at present.

        http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...0254#post10254



    • SA341C VH-OIW (WA1007) in Krondorf, Australia in April 2017 (Photo by Ryan Hothersall)

      Comment


      • Originally posted by wiltshirespotter View Post
        SA341G 1278 N47315 was on the FAA as being cert expired 14 October 2014 with the last owner being shown as Horizon Helicopters of Texas. Now however it has sold from Luigia Bertolino to International Air Services (Trustee) on 8 January this year.

        Has anyone seen anything of this aircraft in recent years?

        International Air Services won’t be the actual owner, they are simply a trust company. The aircraft could even have the same owner.

        When I changed my trust company from Southern to International, it showed the aircraft as being registered to a new to trust, but it was still the same owner in the UK.

        Comment


        • HA-PPY as seen at Budapest Prestige Airport in August 24th, 2015

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        • SA341C RA-05708 (WA1045) as seen in Abkhazia. Top photo taken on the Bzyb Range in February 2019

          With our thanks to Maxim for these photos and video!

          Comment


          • Zishelix
            Zishelix commented
            Editing a comment
            A top supplier of attractive Gaz images Well done Maxim, keep 'em coming!

        • An interesting desktop model from Altaya Diecast Models

          Comment




          • SA341B ZB666 (WA1933) as seen at AAC Middle Wallop on 11th May 1992 (Photo by Simon Bullimore)

            The somewhat unfortunately registered 'ZB666' seen here at Wallop. Eight years later, on 24th February 2000 and while serving with 664 Squadron, she would be written-off on Mount Kenya after hitting a tree with her main rotor at night.

            However, behind this regrettably registered Gazelle, can be seen a delightful Antonov Aи-2 'Annushka'. Click here to see a Hungarian Annushka starting up.

            Comment


            • Helipixman
              Helipixman commented
              Editing a comment
              I heard that the remains of ZB666 went to the North East Aircraft Museum for spares use.

            • Savoia
              Savoia commented
              Editing a comment
              I wonder what the museum will do with those spares?



          • SA342 'BQV' seen refuelling in Côte d'Ivoire in 2003 (Photo by Benjamin Dhouailly)

            Comment


            • Originally posted by Savoia View Post
              I wonder what the museum will do with those spares?

              I believe to put in G-BAGJ?

              And yes, HA-PPY is safely back in her hangar in the UK.

              Comment


              • Savoia
                Savoia commented
                Editing a comment
                Grazie Stefano!

            • Can anyone identify the pre-production Gazelle pictured on page 3 of this report? Very little to go on but some of the experts here might know this machine. Thanks.

              https://ia800304.us.archive.org/34/i...9740010575.pdf

              500 Fan.

              Comment


              • Savoia
                Savoia commented
                Editing a comment
                500 Fan .. you're alive!!! Lovely to hear from you.

            • Originally posted by 500 Fan View Post
              Can anyone identify the pre-production Gazelle pictured on page 3 of this report?
              Sure, here's a better photo of the same Gazelle:



              Btw, thanks for the article!

              Comment




              • SA341G 2-GAZL (WA1073) departing Rochester Airport in Kent on 24th June 2018




                Latest shot of the unidentified black Gaz at Stapleford, 13th February 2019

                Comment


                • xbdt
                  xbdt commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Looks like a Westland 341B, C, D or E.

                • Zishelix
                  Zishelix commented
                  Editing a comment
                  An demobbed UK Gaz indeed.


                • Helipixman
                  Helipixman commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Could this be G-KEMH its showing on g-info as CAA permit application dated 28.1.19 with an expected processing date of 15.2.19. She is a 341B...


              • ..........

                Comment


                • Originally posted by xbdt View Post
                  Looks like a Westland 341B, C, D or E.

                  341B for sure.

                  Comment


                  • I have been in contact with the chairman of NELSAM (North East Land, Sea and Air Museum, Usworth) who informs me that ZB666 was donated to the museum circa 2008 to be stripped for spares to rebuild XX380 for display at Wattisham. What was left of ZB666 was disposed of.

                    Also to report is that G-BAGJ is going to return to civilian markings in the future. Can't wait to see that, this is the first helicopter and only Gazelle I have flown in.

                    Information with thanks to NELSAM

                    Helipixman

                    Comment


                    • Savoia
                      Savoia commented
                      Editing a comment
                      Grazie .. for the update Elipix.

                      Very interesting about BAGJ, especially given your connection with the bird. Will this be the first civilian static display Gaz in the UK?



                  • L'Armée de terre SA342 Gazelle Vivianes, January 2019



                    Serbian Air Force Gazelle by Salinger Igor


                    Elsewhere on Avia ..

                    Check-out the Chilean heli-dog in the land of llamas on Heli-Dogs

                    See Heliand's Bell 429 in action in Andorra on Movements

                    Also, don't forget to like and follow Avia's FB page.



                    Comment




                    • Serbian Air Force Gazelles in action


                      Gaz Clock

                      Zis, you like Gazelle home decorations, so here's another Gaz clock for you!



                      https://www.vinterior.co/listings/ga...rbomeca-engine

                      Comment


                      • Zishelix
                        Zishelix commented
                        Editing a comment
                        I more prefer this one but thanks


                    • N342ET at Courchevel 16.02.2019

                      Comment


                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        Bellissima XB, just lovely — and how enjoyable to receive these shots on the same day they were taken, fantastico e grazie mille!

                      • Zishelix
                        Zishelix commented
                        Editing a comment
                        Nice one, thanks!

                    • N341DT at LFAD Compiègne 16.02.2019

                      Comment


                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        'DT' looking spotless and in perfect condition, you really put together a nice bird there XB!

                      • Zishelix
                        Zishelix commented
                        Editing a comment
                        What a candy those N341DT

                    • Originally posted by Savoia View Post
                      Grazie .. for the update Elipix.

                      Very interesting about BAGJ, especially given your connection with the bird. Will this be the first civilian static display Gaz in the UK?

                      I don’t think this will be the first civvie Gaz to be displayed in the UK.

                      The Duke of Westminster had an ex-German civilian Gazelle at his museum at Eaton Hall in Cheshire, although the same as BAGJ, ie. dressed-up in military colours.

                      Also, from memory, didn’t BAGJ have a military registration before she became civilian?

                      Comment


                      • Helipixman
                        Helipixman commented
                        Editing a comment
                        Correct MD600driver ......G-BAGJ was issued military markings XW858 prior to becoming civilian but never went into military service, so never wore the markings. She was with Westland Helicopters 26.10.72 - 14.2.74 and then United Marine (1939) Ltd 14.2.74 - 11.4.79 (operated by Point to Point Helicopters).

                        Helipixman

                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        I think you may be confirming that there has never been a museum Gaz in the UK painted-up in civvie colours.



                    • SA342J HA-LFH (cn.1775) at Church Fenton on 16th or 17th February 2019




                      SA341B in the Falkland Islands in 1982

                      I am unable to pick out the registration of this craft, but I 'think' there may be a 'double 7' in the number.

                      The area where it would normally be written 'Army' or 'Royal Marines' seems to be covered over, not quite sure why though.




                      SA342 'GEO' undergoing maintenance with 3RHC (3ème régiment d'hélicoptères de combat) on 12th February 2019

                      Comment


                      • Originally posted by Savoia View Post
                        I am unable to pick out the registration of this craft
                        It's ZA776/H http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...=8977#post8977

                        Comment


                        • Savoia
                          Savoia commented
                          Editing a comment
                          Well done Zis, you are very good at remembering these things!



                      • Montenegrin Air Force SA341H '12634' + 1 as seen of the coast of Montenegro

                        Comment


                        • 2019: A Year for Gaz Books

                          'The Gazelle' by David Oliver is due to be released on 15th April:



                          The Aerospatiale/Westland Gazelle is one of the longest serving and most successful reconnaissance and light attack helicopters.

                          The Gazelle soon made an impression with its high speed, smooth looks and design innovations such as the Fenestron-ducted tail rotor and composite main rotor blades.

                          In this readable book, aviation expert David Oliver tells the full story of the development of the Gazelle as well as its various air force, military and naval roles and deployments.

                          Once Westland joined the French helicopter project, the Gazelle was adopted as a trainer by the RAF, as a battlefield reconnaissance and attack helicopter by the Army Air Corps and Royal Marines and as a training helicopter by the Royal Navy. It carried out similar roles in the French armed forces and those of other nations.

                          As this book shows, armed variants of the Gazelle have taken part in conflicts in the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Lebanon, the Gulf War, former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Mali and Syria. It has also been adapted for civilian roles.

                          As a testament to its success, Gazelle helicopters will continue in service with the British and French armed forces beyond 2020. Illustrated with lavish colour photographs, this book is an essential guide to one of the world's most successful military and civilian helicopters.
                          To pre-order this book, click here.

                          And to order Guy Warner's book 'Flying Above the Prairie', published last week, click here.

                          Comment


                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Finally! A bit discouraging is postage for Intl shipping (almost the price of the book itself) but need to ensure my copy anyway

                          • Savoia
                            Savoia commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Well, it looks as if 'Wiltshire' has been able you save you a least a pound (below)!

                        • Cheaper direct from the publisher? https://www.amberley-books.com/the-gazelle.html

                          Comment


                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Thanks for the hint, WS. One of fellow Aviaforans has kindly offered assistance in this matter



                        • SA341D G-ONNE (WA1089) as seen at Duxford Aerodrome on 17th February 2019

                          Registered to Andrew Parkes of Haverhill, Suffolk .. or is that Hoverhill?

                          Comment


                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Interesting livery.



                        • Can anyone supply a link to a set of accurate scale drawings of the Gazelle (standard length cabin)? A scale model manufacturer is working on a new 1/48 scale kit of the Gazelle and any scale plans and component drawings will assist in ensuring the kit will be as accurate as possible. Thanks.

                          500 Fan.

                          Comment


                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            IMHO both Fujimi and Heller scale kits need significant scratch building if want to have accurate Gazelle model, fenestron detail especially.

                            Aviation 72 produce die-cast models with poor 'upgrading' possibility. A little better than Majorette.

                            Attempt to convert Hitech's Blue Thunder into a regular Gazelle require serious modelling skills, with questionable result http://kfbmilitaryinscale.blogspot.c...onversion.html

                          • Savoia
                            Savoia commented
                            Editing a comment
                            LOL! I can't believe someone tried doing that! 10/10 for effort, lol!

                            So which in your opinion is the most accurate Gazelle model which has been made?

                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            I don't think any the existent Gazelle scale kits on the market deserve mark A. Fujimi's product is the closest when looking overall but they quite missed fenestron shape.

                            Let's hope the announced one will avoid mistakes of predecessors
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