Shrieking Gazelles

[Savoia]

60 ALAT SA342's descend upon AAC Netheravon on 6th June 2001 (Photo by Mike Kell)




SA341F2 ZU-HHP (cn.1597) as seen at Tempe Airfield, Bloemfontein on 7th October 2020

If the date for the above photo is correct, then this bird seems to have returned intact from her Mozambique expedition.




SA341B G-CDXE XZ299 (WA1524) as seen at Breighton on 13th March 2010 (Photo by Mike Illien)




The Gaz Squad have announced that former XZ939 will join their display team in 2021.


SA341C G-CLGO XZ939 (WA1750)




Montenegrin Gazelles

[Helipixman]

A little bit of catching up on some movements and news

G-BZDV Gatwick 23.6.20 overshoot (GA aircraft have been allowed to fly down the runway at 400ft on less busy days)
YU-HPZ noted at Dunkeswell 15.7.20

XW865 and ZB677 flew into RAF Brize Norton as airfreight on 21.7.20 and departed by road to Fleetlands 23.7.20

ZB691 noted at Exeter Airport 23.6.20

Now from reports in Air Britain News ( so not sure how up to date this info is ?)

Fleetlands Store
XX405, XZ334, ZA766, ZA772, ZB671, ZB679, ZB690
Notes:-
ZA766 was taken out of storage and noted being maintained
ZB679 arrived from 665 Squadron and was put into storage
ZB690 was last noted flying at Shawbury 23.7.20

AMSU Store, Sahwbury
XX460, XZ294, XZ328, XZ341, XZ343, ZB667
all reported as being in store at Shawbury and for reduction to produce (spares)
Notes:- ZB677 ZB683, ZB689 all due to arrive at Shawbury

Wednesday 7.10.20 from Flight Radar
G-BZYD Ripe > Thruxton > Upavon area > Ripe
G-TSTR Noted operating near RAF Benson, Thruxton and Upavon areas
YU-HES To a private site near Hurn and then to Shoreham

[Savoia]

Nice to see the Gaz Movements and news updates back Elipix, grazie! 👍

[Rotorspot]

The first ALAT SA 342M was in fact cn.1732 (delivered in late 1977) the before-last machine of the initial order for 170 SA 341Fs. This one retained its « original » c/n. Then a first order for 128 SA 342Ms was signed by the ALAT, the first one (3458) being delivered in early 1980.

This remark made me wonder. Cn.1732 was the first ALAT SA342M, after having been converted from an SA341F. This may have been a proof-of-concept machine before ALAT placed the order for the SA342M.

Maybe the manufacturer had faced a cancelled (or sanctioned) order a few years earlier and had stored those fuselages. They may have been upgraded to SA342M configuration, following the ALAT order. This would explain the new numbers and their late delivery (later than one would expect based on their cn). Do we know of any potential order that did fell through?

[Zishelix]

[Helipixman]

With thanks to the owner of 3615 who has shown me the paperwork, please note the following:-

The certificate of Conformity clearly shows the MSN as 3615 and is dated 31.10.80 but shows details of a contract No. which is dated 19.9.78, which is a gap of two years ? So maybe the order was placed for the ALAT Gazelles in 1978 but actually built and stored or produced at a later date ?

[Fabrice]

Rotorspot wrote: "Cn.1732 was the first ALAT SA342M, after having been converted from an SA341F."

I still have to find evidence of cn1732 having been an SA 341F at some point; all the pictures I have seen so far show it in a 342M configuration.

Helipix wrote: "maybe the order was placed for the ALAT Gazelles in 1978 but actually built and stored or produced at a later date ? "

I still don't have the exact date of the ALAT order for the SA 342Ms, but it would definitely make sense.

[Savoia]

SA341G N565F (cn.1182) as seen at Booker in the late 1990's (Photo by Simon Palmer)

[Savoia]

XZ939 Full Statement from the Gaz Squad

We posted a snippet the other day relating to XZ939, here now is the full statement:

After months of hard work by the engineers and management at Falcon Aviation, Gazelle XZ939 has been granted it's Permit to Fly and is now on the UK register as G-CLGO.

Although 2020 has been a non-event for the airshow scene, we are very much looking forward to displaying XZ939, she has served with the Royal Navy, ETPS and QinetiQ and will retain her flight test instrumentation and distinctive blue and white livery.

The engineers have now started on XZ321 (G-CDNS) our Gulf War aircraft and we are optimistic that it too will be available for the 2021 season.

Everyone is aware just how disappointing 2020 has been and not just the airshow season, but with the prospect of 2 new aircraft, both with strong heritages and a flourishing relationship with Team Raven, we are hopeful that we will be very well placed to deliver a unique airshow spectacle in 2021.

While on the matter of former Boscombe Down Gazelles ..




SA341D G-TSTR/ZB625 (WA1905) as seen at Thruxton on 7th October 2020 (Photo by Sean McRandle)

The photographer mentions that Thruxton will be ZB625's 'new home'. Elipix, have you heard anything about this?




SA341F2 ZU-RRW (cn.1369) as seen in South Africa NFI (Photo by Andre Venter)

[Helipixman]

G-TSTR is showing on CAA website as a potential change of ownership and will probably be re-registered to Nova Systems Ltd and afaik involved with the purchase of the Qinetiq Gazelles from Boscombe Down. Whilst on the subject of Gazelles from the Gazelle Squadron it has been noted through some photos that they seem to be operating from an airstrip in East Hanney !

[Savoia]

Grazie mille Elipix much appreciated. 👍

So does anyone know what is happening at East Hanney airstrip?

[Savoia]

Anja and parachutists with SA342L (cn.134) as seen at Pešter plateau in Sjenica, Serbia in October 2020
(Photo courtesy of Avia member Anja)




SA341G(S) G-EHUP (cn.1407) at seen at Kemble airfield on 11th July 2003 (Photo by Mike Kell)

Now flying as YU-HWF.


SA341G(S) YU-HEY (cn.1320) as seen at Sywell (date uncertain)

Previously F-GEHF.

[Helipixman]

Saturday 10th October 2020

YU-HEV Pvt site near Stoke on Trent > Home base.

Sunday 11th October 2020

G-BZYD Home base > Pvt site near Portsmouth and back to home base.
G-HSDL Home base > site east of Blackpool and back to home base.

[Savoia]

'.. 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙜!' — There is a town in England called 'Wing'?

Anyway, I shouldn't be surprised, I mean this is the same country which has places called .. Upton Snodsbury, Pucklechurch, Barton in the Beans, Curry Mallet, Droop, Throop and Plumpton! 😊

[Helipixman]

Yes Wing is in Buckinghamshire and did have an airfield RAF Wing.

You forgot to mention a few places near to where I used to live, near Elstree was Dancers Lane and Trotters Bottom and over in East Hertfordshire were two village next to each other Much Hadham and Cold Christmas Lane

[Savoia]

Lovely! 👍 😊

[Zishelix]

SA341G(S) c/n 1280 G-ZELL at Redhill in 1993 (Photo: Graeme Lovell)

[Savoia]

That's a nice shot Zis! 👍

[Savoia]

SA341B G-BZYD/XZ329 (WA1648) as seen at Lee on Solent on 11th October 2020 (Photo by Phillip Wilmshurst)




SA341B ZU-RMT (WA1510) at Polokwane Airport on 12th October 2020

Paramount Aviation Academy in South Africa is currently training a number of pilots from a West African police force.

Making it an 'all army' post today ..




SA341B departing a British Army camp in Belize in the 1980's

[Zishelix]

Anybody able to help about ID of the Gazelle which took place at the Le Bourget Salon 1979?

[Zishelix]

'- Of course!'

You probably mean 'Of course they made a mistake'?

[Fabrice]

Cn1515 was never taken on charge by the ALAT, and never became « 3515 » ; its cabin was still existing, wearing a grey livery, in 2016.

[Helipixman]

Thanks for the info Fabrice, I will have to update my database then, as will Rotorspot and I am sure many others, we all have this as possibly becoming 3515 ?

[Helipixman]

Here is a shot of F-WXFI

[Savoia]

SA341H HA-LFW (cn.096) as seen at Cheb Airport in the Czech Republic on 22nd August 2020 (Photo by Michal Maňák)




SA341B G-BZYD/XZ329 (WA1648) as seen at Lee on Solent on 11th October 2020 (Photo by Mark Cox)




SA341G(S) N340SM (cn.1509) as seen at Denham Airfield on 17th September 2020 (Photo by David Stevens)




SA342J YU-HES (cn.1057) as seen at Dunkeswell Aerodrome on 7th October 2020 (Photo by Ian Simpson)

[Zishelix]

A wind vane looking for suitable hangar roof



https://www.girouette.fr/girouettes/...tere&results=2

[md600driver]

Can anyone help I want to buy one of these but is it possible to get one in English there is a 0 where east should be

[Zishelix]

There is a contact address at the bottom of the linked website, I'm sure the producer can make such adjustment.

[Savoia]

SA341B XZ334 (WA1673) as seen at Exeter Airport 14th October 2020




SA342M F-MGCD 4161 as seen at Aérodrome Grenoble-Le Versoud on 23rd September 2020 (Photo by Thibault Lambert)

Seen here during 'Exercise Baccarat 2020'.




SA341G YU-HHS (cn.1067) as seen at Stapleford on 5th March 2013 (Photo by David Reeves)

[Zishelix]

'A visitor' SA342M1 at the Musee del' Air et de l'Espace Le Bourget in March 12th, 2011.

[Savoia]

SA341G F-GESG (cn.1032) as seen at Southampton's Eastleigh Airport in September 1989 (Photo by Richard Hunt)


Gaz Reflections


Audi R8

[Zishelix]

Is this damage on main rotor blade something the pilot should be worried about?

[Helipixman]

Thats one for the experts to answer but I am not sure I would want to take a chance ?

[xbdt]

It looks like the transparent blade tape has come loose, but it is not the black polyurethane strip below so nothing to worry about. Just replace the last section and it will be good. It just makes a funny noise (heard from the ground).

I once lost a complete polyurethane strip in flight (total weight about 280 grams), it shakes A LOT but I still could made it to my destination. The polyurethane strip was badly glued by the previous owner.

[Zishelix]

Thanks for your kind explanation, XB.

[Savoia]

Was the blade painted 'after' the application of blade tape?

[Savoia]

Seeing as Zis brought up ZU-RED ..




SA341F2 ZU-RED (cn.1285) as seen at Wonderboom Airport in October 2020 (Photo by Andre Venter)




SA341B G-BZYD/XZ329 (WA1648) as seen at Redhill on 13th August 2019 (Photo by Mark Stevens)

[Rotorspot]

Another one moving to South Africa

N685ZB Westland SA341B Gazelle AH1, c/n 1994; cancelled 08-Oct-2020 to South Africa.

[Savoia]

Grazie Jos! 👍

Hopefully her move to warmer climes may mean that she is finally given the chance to fly again.

[Helipixman]

In 1986 XZ318 dropped into The BBC Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham to mark the last broadcast of Pebble Mill at One ! It dropped off presenter Paul Coia.







Helipixman

[Savoia]

Super shots Elipix, bravo! 👍

[Zishelix]

Nice images, thanks Helipix!

Remains of XZ318 at Tong Paintball, Shropshire in May 20th, 2010 (Photo: Peter Clarke)



Suffered Cat.4 damage in January 1997 during SFOR operation in Bosnia. Following a severe ice rain storm overnight which covered the helicopter by ice, the ground crew intended to remove a build up of ice on the airframe by tapping lightly with a nylon mallet. Unfortunately they created numerous slight indentations to the side panel near the tank and, as this is a critical stress area with very little tolerance for damage, the aircraft had to be scrapped as it would have been too costly to repair. Airlifted back to UK in February '97. Cabin section at Tong Paintball Site, Shropshire since 2007.

[Savoia]

SA341H 12631 (cn.1202) as seen at Ćemovsko Polje Airport, Montenegro in October 2020


SA341H 12657 (cn.025) as seen at Ćemovsko Polje Airport, Montenegro in October 2020

N341ZL at Whiteman Airport, California in October 2020

[Rotorspot]

New North American Gazelle

N98ZH, SA341F2, c/n 1518, ex ALAT; registered 14-Oct-2020 to SOUTHERN CROSS AVIATION INC, WILMINGTON (DE)

[Savoia]

Grazie mille Jos! 👍

[Helipixman]

Change of Ownership for G-TSTR Confirmed

As predicted G-TSTR changed ownership to Nova Aerospace Ltd on 13.10.20

[Savoia]

Grazie signore Elipix! 👍

[Zishelix]

The Gazelle, a truly multi-functional machine!

[Savoia]

The two watches doubtless to help him keep track of just how much time is spent snoozing in the Gaz!

[Savoia]

SA341B ZA773 (WA1815) as seen at Bessbrook Mill, County Armagh in 1988 (Photo by Karl Tearney)




SA341G(S) G-OLDH (cn.1307) NFI




SA341G HA-LFM (cn.1301) as seen at Epsom Downs on 4th June 2005 (Photo by Andrew Scott)

[Zishelix]

SA.341-02 F-ZWRL with Arriel turbine on the cover of the Air & Cosmos Magazine from December 1974.



http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...=2838#post2838

[Savoia]

SA342MV F-MGAG as seen at Aérodrome de Grenoble-Le Versoud in October 2020 (Photo by Pierrick Gallotti)




SA342J YU-HES (cn.1057) as seen at Dunkeswell Airfield on 7th October 2020 (Photo by Brian Richards)




SA341D G-CBSK/ZB627 (WA1914) as seen at Oaksey Park Airfield on 1st August 2020 (Photo by Charles Cunliffe)




SA342M HA-HSG (cn.3615) NFI (Photo by Lionel Reyes)