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I still haven't flown the Gaz, so I am having to take it on faith that the Gaz will in fact make you happy when you fly it. But, based on everything I've heard, I don't think I'm too far off track!
Le Musée de L’aviation de Warluis in northern France saw the return of its Gazelle, an SA341F cn. 1117 a while back (I think 2015) after having been refurbished.
This was former armée de terre bird flying as 'BGJ' and was prevously kept outside the museum, see here, but is now housed inside.
Le Musée de L’aviation de Warluis is located approx. 80kms north of Paris.
I have been unable to discover anything about this aircraft, no operating history, no details of where she operated from and no indication of what happened to her.
The photo (also with no details) appears to show a US Army Huey in the background, so I am thinking this could be Germany, probably in the 70's or 80's given 304's dark green/black camo finish.
Note the cargo hook and ground handling wheels bolted onto the rear skid vertical tubes as we have seen previously on some army Gazelles.
As far as I know, XZ304 was withdrawn from military service (spent most of the service time with 664 Sqdn & 6 Flight (V) during 2009, then sold to MW Helicopters Ltd. in 2012. No info since then, probably dismantled for spare parts.
Stefano, XB, Fene Strong .. we need your assistance as adjudicators to give us some feedback regarding these designs. Any favourites, any ideas, any slogans, any improvements you can suggest?
Since we are speaking of Gazelles and Ferraris, could you please say something about the difference in performance between flying the 341 and the 342. Is the availability of additional power slightly noticeable, fairly noticeable or very noticeable?
Advantage of 342 compared to 341 (in my opinion):
- it has some standard things that can also be integrated onto a 341 of course: upgraded fenestron and better main servos with accumulators, better instrument panel with all warning lights in one location.
- T4 temp runs lower as the engine is 870 HP and you are torque limited to 600 HP.
- Faster cruise speed (I think this is due to MRRPM is 387 RPM instead of the 378 RPM on the 341).
At sea level (or up to 2000 ft AMSL) there is no need for a 342 as it burns more fuel for the same result.
The 342 has been designed for hot, humid and high environments.
As far as I know, XZ304 was withdrawn from military service (spent most of the service time with 664 Sqdn & 6 Flight (V) during 2009, then sold to MW Helicopters Ltd. in 2012. No info since then, probably dismantled for spare parts.
I don't think that this is so. 304 was part of the batch of 30 Gazelles sold by the UK MoD to a South African company, not MW.
Gama Aviation Signs Parts Supply Contract for British Army Gazelle Fleet
Fairoaks, July 17, 2017. Gama Aviation is pleased to announce the agreement of an avionics parts supply contract for the British Army’s AH-1 Gazelle fleet.
The new contract award, won after a competitive tender process, comes after the successful completion of a previous contract to design and certify significant avionics upgrades for the helicopter.
On installation, the upgrade is designed to enhance safety and improve aircraft capability for the British Army, with the new cockpit being fully NVG compatible. The use of the Garmin GTS800 TAS system within the cockpit was a first for a UK military platform; having been approved after an extensive test program.
Scott Mc Vicar, Managing Director, MD Ground, UK, commented: “We are delighted to announce this new contract win. The win extends our relationship with the Ministry of Defence as well as completing a further phase of this important upgrade project.”
SA341B ZA771 (WA1813) as seen at RAF Cosford on 5th October 2012 (Photo: Graham Tiller)
This seems to be a slightly confused Gazelle, in that she is an army bird wearing an RAF sticker!
FS, are all Army helicopter engineers trained at Cosford, or are there other sites also? I read somewhere that staff were going to be trained in Wales?
Gazelles Being Tabled as Possible Solution for Afghan Air Force
Former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince has submitted a proposal to the Afghan government offering to establish a 'composite air wing' to support Afghanistan's fledgling air force.
Prince's proposal comes as the US considers plans to draw down their involvement in Afghanistan and most likely be replaced with private contractors.
The proposed air wing would make use of types including the A4 Skyhawk, Lasa T-Bird and Aérospatiale Gazelle.
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