Shrieking Gazelles

[Savoia]

SA341D XZ936 (WA1743) as seen at RNAS Yeovilton on 11th January 2013 (Photo by Neil Brant)




Cypriot Air Force SA342L as seen at Andreas Papandreou Air Base in September 2019 (Photo by Duncan Monk)




Lebanese Air Force Gazelle as seen in February 2020




SA342L 12943 as seen in Vipava, Slovenia during exercise Exercise Adriatic Stirke on 4th June 2019 (Photo by Stephan de Bruijn)

[Zishelix]

I came across this item, guessing it's about Gazelle helicopters



Looks like the artist didn't pay much attention on the subject when made the badge

[Savoia]

Lucky you Elipix! I would love to have seen them .. but never did. Next thing you're gonna tell me is that you've also seen the Sparrowhawks! Wouldn't mind unearthing some cine camera/video footage from one of their displays though, to see how their routine varied from the Sharks.

The aircraft were 'bog standard' trainers, red main body with white tops and bottoms with an RAF fin flash (tri-colour) on the tail.

I've posted a couple of team shots previously, but will post some more up ahead.

[Helipixman]

I have found a wonderful website which has plenty of information on Gazelle helicopter display teams, including: The Gazelles, Sharks and Sparrowhawks.

Have a look at www.airdisplaymuseum.com Each team is listed down the left side of the page.

[Zishelix]

Sav, thanks for your kind help regarding the badge origin!

Interesting link, much appreciated Helipix

[Savoia]

SA341B XZ333 (WA1662) as seen at North Weald on 14th May 1988 (Photo by Victor)


SA341B (WA1208) NFI

After leaving the army, 1208 became G-BZYC then N341AH and is now registered as RP-C77.

[Savoia]

RA-2520G as seen in Vladivostok on 25th February 2020


Niger Air Force


SA342L 5U-MHG (cn.1547) as seen in Niger NFI




SA341H YU-HDL (cn.031) as seen near Belgrade on 30th May 2004 (Photo by Milan Vladisavljevic)

[Helipixman]

I see we have reached page 143 which in reverse is !!! 341

[Zishelix]

Indeed Hopefully 'upgraded' to 342 in near future!

[Savoia]

Ha ha .. nice one Elipix!

[Zishelix]

Steve having fun at Polish Open Helicopter Cup 2014 (Photo: Maciej Cyl)



They were the highest placed UK team, btw!

[Savoia]

It looks as if Nige is holding a tin can!

[Helipixman]

I guess thats used for the slalom event picking up water !

[Savoia]

Serb Gaz









Gazelle in Kopaonik, Serbia, as seen in January 2020 (Photos by Aleksandar Zubac)

[Savoia]

SA341G C-GOCA (cn.1072) as seen at Courtenay Airpark in British Columbia, Canada on 25th May 2004 (Photo by John Olafson)

[Helipixman]

Note the sign on the building for owners Timberland Helicopters

[Savoia]

As opposed to Timberland shoes, yes!

Do you suppose this bird is still in the Ukraine?

[xbdt]

no it is in France

[xbdt]

Another Flashback for Friday!

F-GHGU on Aug 2nd 1997 in Celliers en Savoie.

[Savoia]

Wow! Another super shot XB, bravo e grazie mille!

Another shot of the same craft before she left Canada here: http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...=3245#post3245

[Zishelix]

Good one, thnx XB!

[Savoia]

SA341G(S) G-EHUP (cn.1407) as seen at Kemble on 12th July 2003 (Photo by Chris Lane)




SA341F2 ZU-RNV (cn.1608) as seen at her home hangar in Centurion, Gauteng on 27th February 2020 (Photo courtesy of Jean-Pierre Lombard)




SA341B as seen at Middle Wallop on 25th February 2020 (Photo by Derek Reedman)

The ravens at Wallop have clearly become accustomed to the Gazelle's shriek!

[Zishelix]

The crew 'grooming' G-MANN at Middle Wallop International Air Show in June 1996 (Photo: Miłosz Rusiecki)

[Savoia]

Very nice Zis!

[Savoia]

SA342J Gazelle HA-LFH (cn.1775) being loaded at Church Fenton Aerodrome on 29th February 2020 in preparation for her trip to Hungary for her C2 inspection. (Photos and videos courtesy of Avia member Adriano)

SA341G N37UP (cn.1224) landing at her home hangar in Viterbo Province, Italia on 28th February 2020
(Video courtesy of Avia member Liberio)






SA342M HA-HSG (cn.3615) as seen at Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry on 29th February 2020
(Photos courtesy of Avia member Stefano)




Lee-Ann out Gazelling with her father in South Africa on 1st March 2020

SA342 simulated deck landing

[Helipixman]

Very nice post, lots to look at and enjoy.

[Savoia]

Grazie Elipix!

We are thankful to our members for their support and for sharing their photos and videos with us.

[xbdt]

F-GCCZ SA342J s/n 1393 at Courchevel in august 1983.

[Savoia]

Grazie Jos, appreciated.

Do you happen to know where that Robin crashed?

[Rotorspot]

All I have found out is that the aircraft wreck was moved to Grenoble-Le Versoud.

[Savoia]

Grazie mille Jos!

[Helipixman]

Here are some details from a UK magazine regarding British Army Gazelles...

7 Regiment CF (Middle Wallop)
XW846 XX405 XZ340 ZA766

667 Squadron (Middle Wallop)
ZB683

Middle Wallop stored outside hangar 2
XX378 XX403 XX442 XX447 XZ303

Middle Wallop stored in hangar 2
XZ311 XZ337

Standard Aero (Fleetlands)
XW847 XX449 XX453 XZ334 ZA772 ZA775 ZB674 ZB690 ZB691

29 Flight BATUS (Suffield)
XW865 ZA731 ZA736 ZB671 ZB677

AM & SU (Shawbury)
XX460 XZ294 XZ328 XZ341 XZ343 ZB677
All for UK military release and for sale by tender ? Already sold ?

665 Squadron (Aldergrove)
XZ290 XZ320 XZ326 ZB665 ZB669 ZB678 ZB679 ZB689 ZB693

I am sure this will kick off some debate, maybe the list for Middle Wallop stored outside hangar 2 in particular, these could be the examples recently sold and had their Fenestrons cut off ?

Information with thanks to Air Britain News

[Zishelix]

Interesting list, thanks for forwarding!

[Helipixman]

As far as to which BAG Gazelles are active, I would say most of the examples with 7 Regiment CF, 29 Flight Batus at Suffield, 665 Squadron Aldergrove and 667 Squadron Middle Wallop are pretty much active. All of the examples at Standard Aero are there for servicing etc so should all be deemed as partly active.

Having said that the following are also thought to be in temporary storage:-
XZ320 short term storage 665 Sqn
XZ326 short term storage 665 Sqn
ZA772 stored at Standard Aero
ZB677 short term storage BATUS
ZB683 short term storage 667 Sqn

So actually very few Gazelles remain active with the British Army

[Savoia]

Yes, that's fewer than I imagined. I'm guessing around twenty or so in-service airframes based on what you have mentioned.

[Zishelix]

The 'Sharks' RN Display Team at Yeovilton in 1984

[Savoia]

SA341F2 N341RD (former F-MBDC) (cn.1501) at her home base in the US on 1st March 2020
(Photo and video by Alana Ward Hurst)

This article reports that aerial photographer Paul Constantini passed away on 1st March. Evidently Paul bought his own Gazelle which he used for his filming assignments.

Does anyone know anything more about Paul and his career and whether the above aircraft is F-BVEI?

[Zishelix]

Correct, it's F-BVEI on the photo

[Savoia]

Grazie Zis!

[Helipixman]

Togolese Gazelles Sighted at Valence-Chabeuil

Both of their Gazelles MCQ (3858) and MCS (4187) were noted at Valence-Chabeuil on 11.9.19

[Helipixman]

According to various sources on the Web including Janes the Togolese government signed a contract in 2016 for SECAMIC to provide 4 Gazelles. All four were meant to be delivered between July - September 2019. There are ongoing problems ? and it is reported that only two have been delivered so far.

[Savoia]

Grazie. Hopefully we'll hear more as time goes by.

[Fabrice]

Four ALAT SA342Ms have been handed over to the Togolese government. After a complete overhaul and some upgrades (Garmin glass cockpit, IR camera and side-mounted 20mm cannon capability, works having been performed in Valence with SECAMIC), they have been re-branded as SA342L1s, for certification purposes. These Gazelles have eventually been sent to Lome, from where they are operated.

[Savoia]

SA342MV as seen in Gao, Mali in 2018


Togo Gaz

Following on from Elipix's post, we shared this photo of 4187 last year:

SA342M F-MMCS 4187 as seen at Valence-Chabeuil on 21st May 2019

Perhaps these aircraft have been engaged in extensive pre-delivery trials, you know, being a new type 'n all!


Also, remembering the 'Gazelles' display team which came up on the previous page:


The Gazelles in 1974

[Zishelix]

Who said a Tiger and Gazelle can't get along



(Photo: Denis Lazare, 2017)

[xbdt]

F-GESG at unknown location and F-GETS at Heliport de Paris.

[Zishelix]

Nice finding, thanks XB!

Interesting detail on F-GESG - a 'borrowed' cabin door

http://lfmpnews.blogspot.com/2017/05...perateurs.html

[Savoia]

You are treating us with some really nice nostalgic Gaz shots XB, much appreciated e grazie mille!

It looks as if F-GETS ground crew F-ORGET to clean her tail!

[Savoia]

SA341G N341GG (cn.1181) as seen at Kortrijk-Wevelgem in 2019 (Photo courtesy of Avia member Arnaud)

I have renamed this Gaz 'Sabina' in a return to the original name intention for this craft.

Gee-gee is a British colloquial expression (I did my schooling in the UK ) which refers to horses, so this craft ending with 'GG' was originally intended to have a 'horsey' name. Before she was completed there were 'rumours' that she may appear in a black scheme and so we were preparing to give her the somewhat unoriginal name of 'Black Horse', however (and as we know) that did not transpire.

But I am returning to original concept of naming her after the type of horse she represents, and if you know anything about horses, then you will also know that her pattern reflects that of a sabino horse. However, and as any person of understanding knows all ships and aircraft are designated as female and thus she became Sabina!


Un cavallo sabino / A sabino horse

[Savoia]

Following on from Zis' photo of a Tiger and Gaz .. here we have a Gaz racing with a Puma!


SA342MV F-MGAL with Puma F-MDAR (Photo by Jimmy van Drunen)


SA341B as seen near Loch Lomond in 1999

[Savoia]

SA342MV F-MGCJ as seen in southern France during training exercises in 2018 (Photo by Loïc Lauze)

SA342M F-MCEX performing a 'standard ALAT departure' from Albi Le Sequestre in 2015

[Savoia]

Remembering Mark


SA341G HA-LFB (cn.1074) as seen at Breighton on 22nd August 2010 (Photo by Malcolm Clarke)

[Zishelix]

Tom Buysse's nice photo of N341DT

[Helipixman]

Nice photo...

Is anyone else having the same problem, anytime I open a photo, like the one above (small image) hosted by postimage (who I also use) I get a notification from Norton that it has blocked a malicious attempt ???

[Savoia]

Same issue, only that I do not use any AV on my laptop so am 'kindly' taken directly to an Amazon site!

[Savoia]

SA342MV F-MGBE as seen at RAF Fairford on 18th July 2019




SA341GC I-PNIC as seen at Aeroporto di Verona-Boscomantico in 2019




SA341G G-GAZI (cn.1136) as seen at Silverstone on 20th July 2003 (Photo by Chris Lane)

Fabrice wrote: Four ALAT SA342Ms have been handed over to the Togolese government. After a complete overhaul and some upgrades (Garmin glass cockpit, IR camera and side-mounted 20mm cannon capability, works having been performed in Valence with SECAMIC), they have been re-branded as SA342L1s, for certification purposes. These Gazelles have eventually been sent to Lome, from where they are operated.

[Zishelix]

ALAT SA.342M during a-a Mistral missile test shooting

[xbdt]

I think they left the c/n unchanged for the 341F's and added 2000 to the c/n for the 342M's.

[Zishelix]

Thanks, Fabrice!

[Fabrice]

Yes, this is the basic priciple with ALAT Gazelles: 341s retain their original c/ns, and the 342s bear a number adding 2000 to the original Aerospatiale c/n... with one exception (it wouldn't be funny otherwise): SA342M c/n 1732 is numbered...1732! Don't ask me why!

[Savoia]

SA341C as seen at Liverpool Pier on 1st March 2020 (Photo by Barnsley Victor)




Egyptian Air Force on board an Egyptian Mistral Carrier in 2018

Simulated Gazelle flight with aerobatics

[Helipixman]

The RN Gazelle above is XX431 probably from Gosport, used as a travelling exhibit, it was also in Liverpool for Armed forces day in 2017 and seen at the Sunderland Seafront Air Show in 2018

[Savoia]

Grazie Elipix, much appreciated!

We are blessed to have a great team of supporters to help us identify most of the craft which come across our path.

[Helipixman]

Kuwait Gazelle KAF506

Found this photo today of KAF506 which also shows its test registration F-WIPD on the wonderful website www.dstorm.eu



Photo with thanks to WWW.dstorm.eu

[Zishelix]

Great finding, thanks Helipix!

Btw, answer on the question http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...1445#post11445 - first c/s Kuwaiti machines had

[Fabrice]

Photo taken in Marseille-Marignane, the Gazelle cradle!

[Savoia]

Grazie mille Fabrice!

This of course also explains the test registration.

[Savoia]

SA341B XZ341 (WA1692) as seen at Newcastle Airport on 26th April 2001 (Photo by Ian Howat)

Is this the only BAG with the numbers '341' in the registration?

Montenegrin Gazelle departure

[Helipixman]

Yes it is the only one with 341 in the registration and around that time it was RAF Leuchars based hence the Saltire on the side. There was another Gazelle cab, ZB686 at The Helicopter Museum Weston Super Mare, which did have the ficticious marks XZ341 while being used as a travelling exhibit.

[Savoia]

Grazie Elipix, a font of Gaz knowledge as always!

[Helipixman]

United Nations Gazelle

Anyone know the real identity of this Gazelle marked UN1

[Zishelix]

One more reason to visit Croatia again, Helipix

Divulje base is military part of Split-Kastela airport, still active but no Gazelles
For the French ones which were based there during 1990's see https://www.alat.fr/forpronu1.html

[Helipixman]

Should be flying overhead Croatia again in late June to Rhodes, Greece... Thats assuming the whole world is not in lockdown by then ? And yes another visit to Croatia is long overdue.

[Fabrice]

Hard to determine the exact identity of this SA341, as all the ALAT Gazelles operating for the FORPRONU out of Divulje were wearing exactly the same overall white UN livery. So only the c/n would tell the truth, but unfortunately it is not visible on this fine shot. But regarding the very clean paint, I assume that this Gazelle had not been for a long time in Croatia when the picture has been taken. Also noteworthy are the chaffs dispensers mountings on the fuselage.