Shrieking Gazelles

[Savoia]

SA341F F-MCVA (cn.1433) as seen in Baden-Baden, Germany in the 1980's (Photo by Carl Brent)


F-WXFI


SA342M F-WXFI (cn.1515)

No further details on this bird, but I am hoping Zis may be able to help us out. Perhaps she was an Aérospatiale demonstrator or something like that. Nice (though rare) to see a French mil Gaz with skid fairings.


Also, check out the accident report recently released in respect of YU-HMC.

[Savoia]

Grazie Elipix! Its role as a demonstrator would explain the fairings, but I see she also has the 'box' on her underbelly.

[Zishelix]

#1515 was Aerospatiale test & demo machine for SA342L/M variant and various armament systems. Used as Ground Instructional Airframe since late 1980's, presently stored at Marignane (cabin only).

[Fabrice]

Actually, despite its armament, 1515 has never seen service in the French military. The squared box under the aft fuselage is the Doppler radar case (core of the Nadir inertial navigation system), fitted on all the ALAT SA342s.

[Savoia]

The 2019 Tiger Gaz — Photos by Gérald Arnould

Les Félins positioned to Mont-de-Marsan in southwestern France (to the west of Toulouse and just north of the Spanish border) yesterday for the 2019 Tiger Meet which begins today.

[Zishelix]

Messieurs from Les Félins did it again! Bravo!

An eye-catching livery, indeed

[Savoia]

SA341B G-HSDL (WA1227) as seen at Manchester Barton on 12th May 2019 (Photos by the Flight Academy)




SA341G 2-WMAN (cn.1277) as seen in Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland on 11th May 2019 (Photo by Gavin)

[Zishelix]

Helicopter Service of Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) will soon offer for sale five Soko-made Gazelles they operate.

on May 8th news that the Government of the Republic of Srpska has approved the Helicopter Service of Republika Srpska for sale of five helicopters. The government's decision states that the sale of non-financial assets is due to age, worsening, failures and unserviceability of maintenance. It's about SA-341 and SA-342 "Gazelle" ages 31 to 38 years old.

In a statement to Capital Director of the Helicopter Service RS, Boban Kusturic said that such a proposal was sent to the Government because it was about 35 years old helicopters that are expensive for maintenance.

The maintenance of these helicopters was very expensive, spare parts were impossible to obtain and therefore we proposed the sale. The government will form a commission that will be in charge of the sale, and the initial price is likely to determine an authorized house - said Kusturic.

https://tangosix.rs/2019/13/05/helik...optera-gazela/

[Rotorspot]

Interesting. Strange to see that they mention serial 12917 with c/n 131. All databases that I am aware of give serial 12917 as c/n 130.

[Savoia]

SA341G N341ZL (cn.1262) Stateside in 2019


N341ZL cabin shot


SA341F2 N341MG (cn.1482) Stateside in 2019




SA342M F-MGAM 3863 as seen at Etain-Rouvres on 25th June 2011 (Photo by Paul)

A look at some past Tiger Gazelles

[Rotorspot]

Gazelle Cancelled from US Register

N18BC SA341G, c/n 1051, was cancelled from the FAA register on 07-May-2019; fate unknown.

[Zishelix]

Thanks for info, Jos!

Anyone able to shed some light on the subject?
http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...?p=739#post739

[Savoia]

SA342M F-MGAB 3476 as seen in May 2019 (Photo by David Goovaerts)

The 'Roaring Three' takes to the skies!


Members of both the 3 and 5 RHC pay tribute to lost crew at Etain-Rouvres in May 2019

[Savoia]

A new Gaz fuselage arrives at Stapleford on 15th May and which I 'think' may be the third frame this year

A Gazelle on MW's ramp repositions during the arrival of the new Gaz frame

Hoping Zis and/or Elipix can assist in identifying this bird! YU-HWF perhaps?

[Savoia]

The Story Behind this Year's Tiger Gaz


The 2019 'Tiger Gazelle' as drawn by Gaëtan Marie

The designer of this year's Tiger Gaz, Régis Rocca, has explained that his inspiration came from the movie 'The Fantastic Four' from which the title of this year's Gazelle 'The Roaring Three' was derived. The 'Roaring Three' refers to 3/3 Squadron 'Les Félins' who are part of France's 3rd Helicopter Regiment.

Aircraft painter Sebastien Bault added that in in order to convey the 'Fantastic Four' theme, an electric blue scheme was chosen and which was combined with an overall honeycomb pattern to reflect the apparel worn by the movie's super heroes.


This year's Tiger Gazelle drew inspiration from the 'Fantastic Four'


Régis Rocca developing the theme for this year's Tiger Gaz


Sebastien 'Harry' Bault applies the design to 'The Roaring Three'

[Savoia]

Michael Hsing's SA341F2 N981MH (cn.1419) as seen in California in May 2019

Gaz 'n Alo ops from Mistral class assault ship

A mini-Gaz catches grass alight at the Helicopter Scale Masters event last weekend in California

For model enthusiasts: Check out this neat Bell 430.

[9Aplus]

A question please on behalf of a young A & H pilot with fenestron experience on Cabri G2... with EASA papers.

Is it "smart" and feasible, to build some turbine time on Gazelle, instead on some B206 or similar?

If yes, where and what block h price can be expected?

ps. Yes, we know it is EASA Annex 2 (now Annex 1) regulation, regarding operations & maintenance.

[Savoia]

'Anything' is feasible .. but is usually subject to limiting factors, and cost is a fairly universal one. You can hour-build on just about any type, but the Gaz is going to be more expensive than a 206 and the 206/505 is going to be more expensive than the R66.

For 'low cost' Gaz hours (and this is 'relative') you want to look at exchange rates in the destination country vs. your 'normal' currency, as well as domestic fuel prices in the destination country. If those two come into alignment, then its a question of tracking down a well-priced aircraft which would be available for a low time (I assume) pilot with limited turbine experience. Some owners may well want a more experienced driver on board.

The countries with the largest civilian Gazelle populations are the UK, America, South Africa and Russia, but you may also potentially find a Gazelle at a fair price in Hungary, the Ukraine or elsewhere.

If the pilot simply wants to build 'turbine time' then there is a company in Italy which produces 'something' like a turbine version of the Cabri and which will be more cost effective. You can read about it here: https://zefhir.eu/design/

If the pilot really wants to fly the Gazelle, why not begin by contacting Hidroplan Nord in Hungary and ask them for a quote: https://www.hidroplannord.hu/

[9Aplus]

Thank You Sav for prompt answer.

R66 is out of consideration, 505 maybe / but no fenestron.

Perhaps than EC120 may be a better choice?

[9Aplus]

Yes, my son. Thank You.
He have already nice experience on engineering&flying side,
now just to finish 'paperwork'.
Target is C(AT)PL A & H and Part 66 B1 & B2 with major focus on Part 21

[Savoia]

That sounds great, we really wish him well.

Aviafora's co-founder 'Filippo' (Phil Croucher) has written several pilot training books which your son may find useful, you may read about them here: http://www.electrocution.com/aviation/

[9Aplus]

Sav
Thank you for recommendation, good books are always of good use...

[md600driver]

A question please on behalf of a young A & H pilot with fenestron experience on Cabri G2... with EASA papers.

Is it "smart" and feasible, to build some turbine time on Gazelle, instead on some B206 or similar?

If yes, where and what block h price can be expected?

ps. Yes, we know it is EASA Annex 2 (now Annex 1) regulation, regarding operations & maintenance.

9Aplus: ps. Yes, we know it is EASA Annex 2 (now Annex 1) regulation, regarding operations & maintenance.

I don’t understand this what aircraft is annex 2 ?

[9Aplus]

EASA today Annex 1 was before Annex 2 in this case: majority of Gazelle airframes still flying - mean, under national regulations, usually historic, ex mil or experimental, flying on restricted rules or permit to fly. Some CAA are not ready to accept that block time of non certified aircraft in way to allow/relase full ATPL H. My note was in regard to that...

[md600driver]

Why when I try to post a picture /photo does it say invalid entry is there anyone who uses iPhone to post photos

[Savoia]

Stefano, I've sent you a message.

[Savoia]

SA342M F-MGAB 3476 during the NATO Tiger Meet in May 2019 (Photos by Anthony Pecchi)

The 2019 Tiger Meet is underway and The Roaring Three now in action!






SA341B G-HSDL (WA1227) as seen at Oban Airport on 16th May 2019

I am 'thinking' (but haven't quite decided) of naming this bird 'Helga' incorporating the letters 'H' and 'G' for Howie's Girl!

[Savoia]

SA341D ZB625 (WA1905) as seen at Bourne Park recently

Can anyone identity of the dark Gaz to the right of 625?

SAF Gaz 'Highway Patrol' along the E75 in Serbia

Note, the above video is a recent 'Highway Patrol', distinct from the 'patrol' which took place over the highway in Niš near Belgrade in the clip below:

SAF Gaz conducts a 'Highway Patrol' in Niš near Belgrade

[Savoia]

Airbus Awarded MoD Gazelle Support Contract

Gazelle Platform Support / Reference number: P2G/0483

Contract value: £ 6,079,145

Description of the procurement: Provision of support to the MOD Gazelle AH Mk1 Helicopter fleet from 1.4.2019 until 31.3.2022. The service is to include the provision of capital and consumable spares items, the provision of a technical support service, a component repair and overhaul service, an additional tasking service and gazelle platform support management.

Name of contractor: Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd, Langford Lane, Oxford Airport, Kidlington, Oxfordshire

https://ted.europa.eu/TED/notice/udl...19&WT.rss_ev=a





The Latest Shots of this Years' Tiger Gaz









SA342M F-MGAB 3476 as seen at Base Aérienne in Mont-de-Marsan and surronding area during the NATO Tiger Meet in May 2019

[Rotorspot]

New Gazelles in the USA

N46ZZ SA341G, c/n 1035, ex TG-ASM (and N112VT, N41183 before that);
registered 15-May-2019 to SKY WEST AVIATION INC TRUSTEE, ALBUQUERQUE (NM)

N544GZ SA341F2, c/n 1544, ex ALAT 1544;
registered 15-May-2019 to HELIPLATFORMS INC, CHINO (CA)

[Savoia]

Grazie Jos, much appreciated.

[Savoia]

SA342M F-MGEC 4207 (cn.2207) as seen in Mont-de-Marsan on 15th May 2019 (Photo by Aldo Bidini)

Taken during the 2019 Tiger Meet.

Serbian Air Force Gazelle conducting a crop-inspection flight!

[Savoia]

Simon Murray's SA341G(S) N340SM (cn.1509) as seen at Héliport de Paris, Issy-les-Moulineaux on 14th July 2018 (Photos by Julien)

With our thanks to Avia member Julien for these lovely shots!

[Savoia]

The Haelo family at Church Fenton Aerodrome


A mini-Haelo in front of the Haelocraft


Avia member 'Adriano' with the 'Haelo fam' at Church Fenton Aerodrome


Preparing for flight


Halo's are associated with angels, not so? Therefore .. angels in flight!








The Haelo Gaz at the Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire

SA342J HA-LFH (cn.1775) aka the 'Haelo Gaz' is seen in the above photos during a recent outing to Swinton Estate in Yorkshire in May 2019.
With our thanks to Avia member Adriano for these super shots!

[Savoia]

SA341G C-GOCA (cn.1072) as seen at Fort Simpson in the Northwest Territories in 1983

SA341B ZB678 (WA1979) as seen at Manchester Barton on 15th May 2019

Just a reminder that seeing actively serving British Army Gazelles will soon be a thing of the past, so enjoy them while you can!

[Savoia]

More from the Haelo Gaz ..

The Haelo Gaz refuelling at Church Fenton

On board the Haelo Gaz

[Savoia]

SA341G(S) YU-HEY (cn.1320) with SA341G(S) YU-HHH (cn.1307) at Stapleford on 22nd May 2019




SA341G(S) N340SM (cn.1509) as seen at Denham Airfield on 21st May 2019 (Photo by Brian Nichols)




SA342MV as seen at Northolt on 6th October 2016 (Photo by Chris Wood)

SA342M F-MGAL and F-MGBF at RAF Northolt in October 2016

[Savoia]

SA342MV F-MGBE 4053 as seen on board the PHA Dixmude on 23rd May 2019 (Photos by Julien)

With our thanks to Avia member Julien for these lovely shots!


Tunisian Air Force


TAF Gaz L61 111

Low-level Bosni Gaz

[Savoia]

SA342M F-MGAB 3476 as seen at the Les Félins base at Etain-Rouvres on 27th May 2019

This year's Tiger Gaz is seen above resting at the 'Tiger Base' at Etain-Rouvres having concluded her two-week participation in the 2019 Tiger Meet.

On display is an award won by 3/3 Squadron for their role in a 'Skit Night' competition. Les Félins also won awards for the Tiger Gaz paint job as well as third place in the 'Silver Tiger' award for the best overall performance during the exercise.

[Savoia]

A Detachment of forty-five personnel and two helicopters from the French 5th Combat Helicopter Regiment (5e régiment d’hélicoptères de combat — 5e RHC) was deployed from 13th to 17th May 2019 on the amphibious helicopter carrier PHA Mistral. This deployment was part of 5e RHC's staff training in cooperation with the French navy.

Qualifying sessions on board the PHA Mistral were carried-out during both day and night operations involving the Gazelle and NH90 Caïman. In addition to these qualifying flights, this exercise allowed for the development of greater interoperability between L'armée de Terre and Marine Nationale.

5e RHC were pleased to report that the exercises were successfully concluded with high levels of professionalism and cooperation having been displayed by those involved.

















Photos gracieuseté 5e régiment d'hélicoptères de combat

[Savoia]

The Gazelle Squadron recently deployed XX436 (SA341C G-ZZLE WA1402) alongside Westland Wasp XT787 for a photo shoot with the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in the background.











Photos by Val Phillips, taken from a Chipmunk flown by Pete Richie

[Savoia]

SAF Gaz SA341H 12719 (cn.098) overflies a gathering of sail boats from the 'River Fleet' on the Danube who met together in memory of the late Major Zoran Radosavljevic, a pilot with the 127th Hunting Aviation Squadron "Vitezovi" of the Yugoslav Army, who died in combat on 27th March 1999

[Savoia]

Gazelle Replacement to be Named 'Guépard/Cheetah' and will be Delivered Ahead of Schedule

France's Joint Light Helicopter programme (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger, HIL) has been brought forward so that deliveries of the first H160M's are expected to commence in 2026, stated Defence Minister Florence Parly on Monday during a visit to Airbus Helicopters headquarters in Marignane, France.

The aircraft has also been named Guépard (Cheetah) by the Armed Forces.

The Joint Light Helicopter programme will provide the French Armed Forces with a single-type medium/light fleet to replace the five in operation at present some of which date back to the 1970's. The types being replaced are the army's iconic Gazelle, the navy's historic Alouette III's as well as their Dauphins and Panthers, and the 'Ecureuil Fennecs' of the air force. Some of the benefits envisaged with a single-type fleet are shared development costs as well as a reduction in support costs through the bulk purchase of spares.

The H160M is a militarised version of the civilian H160 and will be used by the army for reconnaissance, fire support, special forces support and medical evacuation. The navy will use the type for anti-ship missions, fleet protection and sea rescues, while the air force will use it for protecting airspace, search and rescue, intelligence missions and for operations deep behind enemy lines.

The military procurement agency (DGA) is currently defining the performance requirements for the Guépard/Cheetah, as well as identifying avionics, radar and additional equipment specifications.

The H160M will be equipped with the Arrano engine made by Safran. A full-scale mockup of the helicopter will be exhibited on the Ministry of the Armed Forces stand at the Paris Air Show next month.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/e...opter-program/

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/pres...r-forward.html













Photos/graphics by Airbus