Announcement

**Savoia** · 25th April 2020, 10:01

SA342J(S) N624EL (cn.1094) as seen at Paris Issy-les-Moulineaux in July 2019 (Photo by André Bour)

Anja with Ivan in a Serbian Air Force Gazelle (Photo by Ivan Sibinović)

Hunting from an ALAT Gazelle

Sergine Descatoire flying the SA342MV

**Savoia** · 27th April 2020, 09:45

SA341C G-ZELE (WA1007) as seen at Breighton on 21st September 2014 (Photo by Malcolm Clarke)

Check out the latest Gaz for sale, on the GazMart

Gazelle slalom course

All electric mini-Gaz for sale

**Savoia** · 28th April 2020, 10:07

SA341B XX456 (WA1465) as seen on 8th June 2006 (Photo by Peter Nicholson)

Flying as 'Army Air 763' and assigned to 3 Flight AAC. I don't yet have a location for this shot. I was thinking SPTA perhaps, but this craft was based at RAF Leuchars around the time of this shot, so perhaps this is Scottie?

SA341G G-LOYD (cn.1289) as seen at Sywell on 18th August 1991 (Photo by Vince Horan)

**xbdt** · 28th April 2020, 19:34

F-BVEI and F-GDFR

**Savoia** · 29th April 2020, 11:31

SA341G G-RIFF (cn.1063) as seen at Silverstone circuit on 16th July 1989 (Photo by Vince Horan)

SA341G G-BKLU (cn.1136) as seen at Silverstone circuit on 16th July 1989 (Photo by Vince Horan)

Togolese Gazelle Update

Togo’s Air Force has taken delivery of two modernised Gazelle helicopters but is reportedly considering cancelling the contract and not taking delivery of another two on contract.

Togo ordered four modernised SA342L1 Gazelle helicopters from France’s SECAMIC in 2016, but the contract was only implemented in 2018 due to delays in securing the export license from the French government – the sale was reconsidered when French President Emmanuel Macron came to power.

One of the two Gazelles delivered to Togo

French magazine Jeune Afrique reported in 2017 that the 20 million euro deal had been approved by France’s Inter-Ministerial Commission on Arms Exports, but was being blocked by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to concerns that the helicopters could be used against political opponents or civilian demonstrators.

Nevertheless, two Gazelles have been delivered, according to African Aerospace magazine. The contract with SECAMIC provides for the provision of the helicopters to be armed with 20 mm cannons and Wescam electro-optical/infrared sensors with laser designators, and three years of support. They are also receiving upgraded cockpits with a Garmin GPS.

According to African Aerospace, the first two SA342s were delivered with second-hand Nexter M621 canons. Delivery of the remaining aircraft is expected by June, with the sensors to be integrated in Togo.

However, the magazine reports that Togo is concerned about further delays and difficulty integrating the sensors. “The future of the contract, of which Lomé has already paid 80%, is now uncertain, with the Togolese authorities reportedly considering cancelling it and requesting full reimbursement”.

Togo had originally expected to take delivery of all four aircraft between July and September 2019.

African Aerospace adds that Togo in 2019 acquired two second-hand Mi-8Ts from a company based in the United Arab Emirates, with the aircraft most likely coming from Ukraine originally.

Togo’s Air Force has few aircraft flyable – its Embraer EMB326GC Xavantes are no longer flying; it’s remaining Alpha Jets are in storage; only on or two TB-30 Epsilons are airworthy; its two DHC-5s were withdrawn and most helicopters grounded. The Air Force has several CM-170 Magisters, a couple of King Air 200s, a Fokker F28, Boeing 707, two Beech Barons, two Cessna 337s and a Do 27 in its inventory as well as several Alouette III and Puma/Super Puma helicopters.

https://defense.info/partners-corner...elle-contract/

**Helipixman** · 29th April 2020, 12:30

F-ZWRA SA340 Gazelle c/n 002 seen during testing

I have often wondered why they did not stick with the T Tail ?

Photo Helipixman collection

**Savoia** · 30th April 2020, 10:50

SA342L1 12870 (cn.101) as seen at Čenej Airport in Serbia on 30th May 2009 (Photo by Igor Salinger)

YU-HOT

SA341G(S) YU-HOT (cn.1390) as seen in Belgrade, Serbia in April 2020 (Photos and video by Aleksandar Zubac)

**xbdt** · 30th April 2020, 17:50

F-GFDG and F-GEHE

Taken at Annecy—Haute-Savoie—Mont Blanc Airport

**Savoia** · 1st May 2020, 10:46

SA341G N505HA (cn.1022) as seen at Breighton on 19th April 2009 (Photo by Malcolm Clarke)

**xbdt** · 1st May 2020, 19:32

SA341G c/n 1310 N47300

Probably just after 'stretching' process, picture taken at Marignane. You can still see std vertical stabs fitted.

**Savoia** · 2nd May 2020, 12:35

SA341G(S) G-OCJR (cn.1274) as seen at Silverstone on 14th July 1991 (Photo by Vince Horan)

I 'think' this may be the first appearance of G-OCJR on the thread. Registered at the time to Christopher J. Reed of Reeds Motor Co. This craft went on to become the better known G-OGAZ.

SA342M F-MCYH as seen at Base aérienne Nancy-Ochey in June 1990 (Photo by Paul Schaller)

SA341F2 ZU-HHP (cn.1597) as seen in South Africa in 2019 prior to her Mozambique adventure (Photo by Simon McDonnell)

**Savoia** · 4th May 2020, 11:05

SA341G G-SFTD (cn.1145) as seen at Goodwood c.1990 (Photo by David Moth)

SA341B XZ323 (WA1631) as seen at Eisenach in Germany on 14th August 2008 (Photo by Johannes Herrmann)

SA342L 241 (cn.1854) as seen at Casement Baldonnel on 26th August 2004 (Photo by Frank Grealish)

ALAT Gaz desert fly-by

**Savoia** · 5th May 2020, 10:22

SA341G) G-GAZI (cn.1136) as seen at Silverstone on 14th July 1991 (Photo by Vince Horan)

Gazelles from 3 Regiment Army Air Corps fly low over soldiers from 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment
to the north west of Basra in southern Iraq on 6th April 2003 (Photo by Chris Ison)

Royal Navy Sharks at Koksijde Air Base and Sanicole Airfield in Belgium in 1996

Check out the delightful hammerhead at 2:33 followed by what might be referred to as an oblique or 'soft' hammerhead at 2:44!

**Helipixman** · 5th May 2020, 18:38

UK Gazelles — Personalised Registrations

I have always been interested in what the personalised registrations mean on UK helicopters. I have found the reasons for most of the UK registrations and am posting here those relevant to UK Gazelles.

Any thoughts, additions or comments are welcome.

**Savoia** · 6th May 2020, 10:56

British Army Gazelles from 2 Flight AAC Netheravon in 1987

Note that the Gaz in the 'top shot' is wearing snow skis!

Blue Eagles Display Team

**Zishelix** · 7th May 2020, 08:56

Another Army Gazelle ..

SA341B XZ334 c/n WA1673 from 657 Squadron at RAF Wyton in July 1985

**Savoia** · 7th May 2020, 12:42

Memories of G-BAGJ

We are pleased to share the following reflections by Avia reader Clive Wilson relating to G-BAGJ and his time at Westlands:

My memory tells me that the original upholstery in G-BAGJ was blue and white leather. The interior had a blue carpet with white piping and the flimsy fibre-glass instrument cowling was also covered in blue leather. In fact, the interior was very plush with non-military leather low back seats. The upholstery work was carried out by a company based in the Bournemouth area; it may have been Jecco, or the fore runner of Jecco. I believe they did the upholstery on all 12 civil Gazelles that Westland manufactured. The thirteenth civil build was never sold and was eventually converted into a training aid for the RAF.

Westland Gazelle SA341G G-BAGJ cn. WA1039 in 1978

Originally the tail cone had one antenna underneath and a small white aerial poking out of the fibre-glass ‘Top Hat’ fairing. It had a ‘Towel Rail’ antenna either side of the tail cone and both skids were enclosed in fibreglass fairings. Also, the lower Perspex section of both pilots and co-pilot’s door were painted.

G-BAGJ was manufactured in 1973 I think for a customer called ‘Point to Point Helicopters Ltd’ and this was the second or third civil Gazelle to be manufactured by Westland. The first civil Gazelle manufactured was G-BAGL, again with full leather upholstery and painted in blue and white and easily confused with G-BAGJ. G-BAGL was manufactured in 1972 and was owned and used by Westland Helicopters for Corporate transportation, eventually replacing the ageing Westland Widgeon.

The memory is fading a bit, but I was one of a small team of fitters at Westland who assembled this helicopter way back in the ‘Seventies’. It was also the very first helicopter I flew in, so I do have a soft spot for this particular helicopter.

G-BAGJ at the North East Land Sea and Air Museums in Sunderland

This helicopter may have the original certification for G-BAGJ, but has had so many military parts fitted to it that it no longer resembles the civil Gazelle it once was. This is a great shame as the helicopter in its original livery of blue and white was very pretty. I do hope it is returned to its original livery sometime soon, but I’m acutely aware money is tight for everyone these days.

Gazelle at the North East Land Sea and Air Museum

However, studying the photo above (now in a military trim) if the canopy section is original, I note there appear to be no IFF antenna in the centre of the roof section. This would indicate a civil version. None of the civil Gazelles had canopy IFF antennas fitted.

It all Began Long Ago

I had all my own teeth and hair and was a year out of my apprenticeship when I was first assigned to the Gazelle assembly line. I began working on the two Gazelles that were supplied to Westland in kit-form from Aérospatiale and continued to work on over 200 Gazelles until the assembly line was transferred to Weston-super-Mare. I have to say it is one of the best helicopters I ever worked on.

— Clive Wilson

**md600driver** · 7th May 2020, 14:54

Hi!

I recently watched a repeat of a UK TV programme called 'Soldier Soldier'. It featured a Gazelle crash through loss of tail rotor, it was supposed to be a UK mil Gazelle but it was an ex-USA civilian Gazelle and was fitted with skid fairings, civilian seats, tail driveshaft cover and a different instrument panel.

Looked like G-GAZI written on the instrument panel.

**Helipixman** · 7th May 2020, 16:33

Hi MD600

Thats very interesting because I have just been chatting to Zishelix about this very helicopter and to its real identity. I have a photograph attached which shows it at Long Stratton with the markings XX372, so it could well be G-GAZI, well done for your eagle eyed observation and solving a mystery.

Photo from helipixman collection (via Stratton Motor Company)

**md600driver** · 7th May 2020, 17:01

Originally posted by Zishelix View Post

What a coincidence, indeed! MD, thanks for help me remove this one from the 'Unknown Gazelles' file

I didn’t know there was a unknown Gazelle file. Which ones are in there ?

**Zishelix** · 8th May 2020, 10:08

I came across this old image of 3CBAS Gazelle at Blackpool and wondering what was the reason for such parking the helicopter.

**Savoia** · 8th May 2020, 10:59

SA341G G-BBHW (WA1098) as seen at McAlpines Hayes Heliport in Middlesex in the early 1980's (Photo by Graeme Lovell)

Avia Reader Contributions

We've received another snippet from Clive Wilson as follows:

Memories from the Gazelle Assembly Line

The Gazelle would arrive in kit form from the Sud Aviation/Aérospatiale factory in France. On one occasion a colleague and I were unpacking a ‘Tail Cone’ from its sturdy wooden crate. This was not normally our job, but the tail cone was required on the assembly line and we had been tasked with the job of getting it there.

After unpacking the tail cone, we checked the inside of the crate for any other items (as one usually did) and while doing so discovered an unusual cardboard box. On opening it, we found several cartons of French cigarettes! Contraband I guess?

It was never reported and we never handed it in, and no one made ever asked if we had found anything unusual. As we were all smokers at the time, well .. you can guess the rest.

— Clive Wilson

**Savoia** · 9th May 2020, 11:09

SA341G(S) G-BKLV (cn.1307) as seen at Silversstone in the early 1980's (Photo by Graeme Lovell)

SA341G(S) G-GAZZ (cn.1271) as seen at Silverstone on 14th July 1991 (Photo by Vince Horan)

Unidentified Gaz on the Move

- Photos currently removed -

Unknown Gazelle photographed in early May 2020 (Note the blades lying on cushions beneath the craft)

While these photos have come to us from an Avia member, he is unable to share any further details at present.

However, can any Avia members identify this bird? I am thinking it may be a Soko Gaz.

Serbian Gazelle flight in 2018 (Video courtesy of Anja)

**Savoia** · 9th May 2020, 14:49

Clive wrote

Dear Helipixman,

At the very start of the build, when bath tub & centre structure were joined, the A/C end customer would be identified on the centre structure and also in the Build Schedule; registration number for military or the customer’s name, if destined to be a civil. As soon as join up was completed the skids & canopy were attached; some of the first operations were to cut an aperture in the roof for fitment of the IFF aerial, the two welded brackets holding the twin aerials below the landing lamp were removed and repositioned, this was for Military A/C only; The Civil A/C’s did not have aerials in this panel. Also for Military A/C, there was a lot of paint stripping on the canopy retaining covers, for fitment of the Ground Plain. These changes, although minor would not have been required for a Civil Gazelle, and were never carried out on this specific build.

Working on G-BAGJ from join-up to completion, it was always known as the ‘Point To Point’ Gazelle. I do not recall it ever being destined to be a Military A/C, certainly from the time it came out of the join up jig.

I’m not certain if this answer your question, but it might help.

Best regards

Clive

New Avia member 'Reggie W' (Clive) has now joined us and I have copied above his reply to Elipix which you can also read a few posts further up.

I want to take this opportunity of 'officially' welcoming Clive to the forum. He spent many years at Westland, where among other things, he worked on the Gazelle assembly line.

Sav wrote Yes, I can see it now Clive, a bunch of fitters who usually smoked Pall Mall, JPS, Rothmans or maybe even B&H, sitting on orange plastic 'Robin Day' chairs in their coveralls the smell of Swarfega permeating the air, coughing and spluttering with cups of tea in hand at the Yeovil canteen (or corner of the hangar for more 'regular' tea breaks) as you dish out samples of unfiltered Gauloises from Marseille!

**Zishelix** · 10th May 2020, 20:57

Part of ALAT Gazelles deployed in Somalia during ONUSOM Operation. First in row, SA342L1 4225/BOF. Photo taken in May 1993 by T. Laurent.

**Jakub Cikhart** · 11th May 2020, 08:51

Hi gents,

During my daily hunt for various interesting pictures (mostly for my main hobby - Gulf war) I found these two Gazelle pics:

F-BUFB 1973

JA9153

Enjoy !!

**Savoia** · 11th May 2020, 08:54

SA342M at sea NFI

SA341D's awaiting disposal at RAF Shawbury on 12th April 1997 (Photo by Mark Harris)

SA341G(S) G-UTZY (cn.1307) as seen at North Weald on 17th May 2003 (Photo by Chris Lane)

SA341C G-CBKD (WA1130) as seen at Stapleford on 17th June 2017 (Photo by Vince Horan)

SA342L HA-LFQ (cn.1854) as seen at Breighton on 21st September 2014 (Photo by Malcolm Clarke)

**Helipixman** · 11th May 2020, 14:59

Personalised Registrations

Referring back to post no. 4361 there were two Gazelles requiring confirmation as to the meaning of their registrations and which were G-OAFY and G-PYOB. I actually do know what they are supposed to mean, having said that they are of a dubious nature and I would like anyone else to let me know if they have an ideas ? So to jog your memories I have added a photo of each one....

Both photos from the Helipixman collection

**Rotorspot** · 11th May 2020, 16:38

Picture of Qatar Police Gazelle QP1 here.

**Helipixman** · 11th May 2020, 17:14

QP1 a truly rare shot, with thanks to its finder Jos, you deserve a medal for this one !! You have made my lockdown !

I am copying below a comment Avia member 'Reggie W' shared:

Reggie W wrote: A little anecdote you may find of interest regarding the two Qatar Police Gazelles: On completion and dispatch, the two A/C were flown from Yeovil to Hurn Airport for onward transportation to Qatar by transport plane. Prior to loading, it was noted the canopy / door rubber seals on both A/C were damaged, and I was subsequently detailed go and to replace the seals. MEK solvent was used to remove the old adhesive from the canopy, and Toluene to clean the new one piece rubber seals prior to fitting. Back in the 70’s,Toluene, MEK & Trichloroethylene were the accepted cleaning agents on the shop floor. It was used very liberally, with no mask, safety glasses or rubber gloves. Back then, we were all so blissfully unaware how very dangerous these chemicals are.

Announcement

Shrieking Gazelles

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