Difference between revisions of "SA.342M Gazelle"
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{{About | {{About | ||
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| − | | usage = other | + | | usage = other versions |
| − | | link = | + | | link = Gazelle (Family) |
}} | }} | ||
{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
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== Description == | == Description == | ||
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | ||
| − | The ''' | + | The '''SA.342M Gazelle''' was a modification of the [[SA.341F Gazelle|SA.341]] designed specifically for the French Army. Entering service in 1984, key improvements included a more powerful engine, improved optics and avionics, and the addition of extra pylons for ordnance, which doubled the aircraft's payload capacity. These helicopters were used by France in the Gulf War as well as a number of other conflicts. SA.342Ms are still in service with France, but are gradually being phased out. |
| − | + | Introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]], the SA.342M differs from the preceding [[SA.341F Gazelle|SA.341F]] primarily by the absence of a 20 mm autocannon, but gained the ability to use two ordnance pylons instead of one. The SA.342M also received a thermal imager for improved target detection. Otherwise, it remains the same fast and agile Gazelle, capable of delivering swift attacks, though lacking in survivability. | |
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== General info == | == General info == | ||
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{{Specs-Heli-Flight}} | {{Specs-Heli-Flight}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
| − | The Gazelle is a fast and agile helicopter which can do tight turns and barrel rolls at a relative altitude. It has similar flight performance as the EC-665 Tiger helicopters but with a more sluggish flight. The weight and small size make the Gazelle one of the fastest accelerating helicopters in the game even with full payload. | + | The Gazelle is a fast and agile helicopter which can do tight turns and barrel rolls at a relative altitude. It has similar flight performance as the EC-665 Tiger helicopters, but with a more sluggish flight. The weight and small size make the Gazelle one of the fastest accelerating helicopters in the game, even with full payload. |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
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{{Specs-Heli-Armour}} | {{Specs-Heli-Armour}} | ||
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' --> | <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' --> | ||
| − | The Gazelle has low survivability even against flak, not only because the cabin has low thickness but also because the cabin glass takes a lot of the cabin surface. Thus, even low-calibre machine gun fire is able to take the Gazelle down with no issues at all. | + | The Gazelle has low survivability even against flak, not only because the cabin has low thickness, but also because the cabin glass takes a lot of the cabin surface. Thus, even low-calibre machine gun fire is able to take the Gazelle down with no issues at all. |
=== Modifications and economy === | === Modifications and economy === | ||
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* Air defence: Using AAMs, sneak behind enemy lines, and land in an obscured area, or behind cover, and wait for aircraft or helicopters to get near your allies. Then surprise attack them with your missiles and cannon fire. This will make short work of any helicopter, and most slow-flying aircraft. | * Air defence: Using AAMs, sneak behind enemy lines, and land in an obscured area, or behind cover, and wait for aircraft or helicopters to get near your allies. Then surprise attack them with your missiles and cannon fire. This will make short work of any helicopter, and most slow-flying aircraft. | ||
| − | Overall you want to avoid direct line-of-sight to your enemies, as they likely can spot you faster than you can spot them, and engage you at longer range. Surface-to-air missiles are a serious threat, as they can take you by surprise, and you have no radar detector to warn you of their presence. The same applies to radar-guided anti-aircraft guns. | + | Overall, you want to avoid direct line-of-sight to your enemies, as they likely can spot you faster than you can spot them, and engage you at longer range. Surface-to-air missiles are a serious threat, as they can take you by surprise, and you have no radar detector to warn you of their presence. The same applies to radar-guided anti-aircraft guns. |
In Helicopter Battles (Heli EC) the Gazelle is notably better than either of the two preceding helicopters, finally unlocking AAMs with a greater range (5.5km) than 3/4km ATGMs. | In Helicopter Battles (Heli EC) the Gazelle is notably better than either of the two preceding helicopters, finally unlocking AAMs with a greater range (5.5km) than 3/4km ATGMs. | ||
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* Has access to flares and thermal optics | * Has access to flares and thermal optics | ||
* Can be equipped with HOT-1 and HOT-2 AGMs | * Can be equipped with HOT-1 and HOT-2 AGMs | ||
| − | |||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| − | * Surprisingly hard to | + | * Surprisingly hard to manoeuvre at speed, and has a tendency to over-roll |
* No armour, easy to damage critical components and eliminate crew | * No armour, easy to damage critical components and eliminate crew | ||
* Starts off with one of the weakest stock loadouts for helicopters | * Starts off with one of the weakest stock loadouts for helicopters | ||
* No gun armaments | * No gun armaments | ||
| − | * Very low unguided rocket count | + | * Very low unguided rocket count |
== History == | == History == | ||
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> | ||
| − | The SA.342M Gazelle was the anti-tank version of the SA.342F Gazelle, the Gazelle | + | The SA.342M Gazelle was the anti-tank version of the SA.342F Gazelle, the Gazelle utilised by the French army. It was fitted with the Astazou XIV engine, as well as with the Euromissile HOT-2 TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile. In order to increase the anti-tank capabilities, it was fitted with SFIM APX M397 stabilized sight. |
== Media == | == Media == | ||
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Skins | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sa_342m Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
;Images | ;Images | ||
| − | <gallery mode="packed" heights=" | + | <gallery mode="packed" heights="150"> |
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 001.jpg | File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 001.jpg | ||
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 002.jpg | File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 002.jpg | ||
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| − | |||
* ''other literature.'' --> | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
Latest revision as of 17:38, 4 August 2024
| This page is about the French utility helicopter SA.342M Gazelle. For other versions, see Gazelle (Family). |
Contents
Description
The SA.342M Gazelle was a modification of the SA.341 designed specifically for the French Army. Entering service in 1984, key improvements included a more powerful engine, improved optics and avionics, and the addition of extra pylons for ordnance, which doubled the aircraft's payload capacity. These helicopters were used by France in the Gulf War as well as a number of other conflicts. SA.342Ms are still in service with France, but are gradually being phased out.
Introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On", the SA.342M differs from the preceding SA.341F primarily by the absence of a 20 mm autocannon, but gained the ability to use two ordnance pylons instead of one. The SA.342M also received a thermal imager for improved target detection. Otherwise, it remains the same fast and agile Gazelle, capable of delivering swift attacks, though lacking in survivability.
General info
Flight performance
Max speed
at 0 m288 km/h
Max altitude5 000 m
EngineTurbomeca Astazou XIV
Power580 hp
Take-off weight2 t
The Gazelle is a fast and agile helicopter which can do tight turns and barrel rolls at a relative altitude. It has similar flight performance as the EC-665 Tiger helicopters, but with a more sluggish flight. The weight and small size make the Gazelle one of the fastest accelerating helicopters in the game, even with full payload.
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - at sea level) |
Max altitude (metres) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | ||
| Stock | 265 | 249 | 5000 |
| Upgraded | 301 | 285 | |
Survivability and armour
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural310 km/h
Gear320 km/h
The Gazelle has low survivability even against flak, not only because the cabin has low thickness, but also because the cabin glass takes a lot of the cabin surface. Thus, even low-calibre machine gun fire is able to take the Gazelle down with no issues at all.
Modifications and economy
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB10 225 → 13 711 
RB3 433 → 4 603
SB5 849 → 7 843
Total cost of modifications297 000 
436 000
Talisman cost2 600 
Crew training290 000
Experts1 000 000
Aces2 400
Research Aces950 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 430 %
220 / 220 / 220 %
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night
Suspended armament
The SA.342M Gazelle can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 4 x HOT-1 missiles
- 4 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
- 4 x Mistral missiles
- 2 x Mistral missiles + 7 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-1 missiles
- 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
This version of the Gazelle removes the 20 mm autocannon and replaces it with two additional pylons which can be used to carry double the ordnance. It has a really low ordnance capacity compared to other helicopters at the tier but compensates it with the agility and speed, specially when compared with Mi-24's. Both HOT-1 and HOT-2 do not have really long ranges, meaning the Gazelle has to enter within the SPAA range. However, SPAA can be countered by flying low and staying behind cover, specially trees and mountains. It carries a really low amount of rockets but can be deadly if aimed correctly. It also has access to air-to-air missiles, the Mistral missile.
Usage in battles
This helicopter has three main playstyles, centred around the selected loadout.
- Anti-Tank: Using ATGMs, get within 4 km of a target, while remaining hidden by trees or buildings, and guide your missile to the target. Focus on tanks without reactive armour, as they may render your missiles ineffective, and waste your time. After expending your missiles, it is best to return to the helipad and resupply.
- Rocketeer: Using unguided rockets, fly low over the battlefield and assault a single tank with a precise salvo, and then retreat behind cover.
- Air defence: Using AAMs, sneak behind enemy lines, and land in an obscured area, or behind cover, and wait for aircraft or helicopters to get near your allies. Then surprise attack them with your missiles and cannon fire. This will make short work of any helicopter, and most slow-flying aircraft.
Overall, you want to avoid direct line-of-sight to your enemies, as they likely can spot you faster than you can spot them, and engage you at longer range. Surface-to-air missiles are a serious threat, as they can take you by surprise, and you have no radar detector to warn you of their presence. The same applies to radar-guided anti-aircraft guns.
In Helicopter Battles (Heli EC) the Gazelle is notably better than either of the two preceding helicopters, finally unlocking AAMs with a greater range (5.5km) than 3/4km ATGMs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- One of the smallest helicopters, easier to hide, and harder to hit at high speed
- Mistral air-to-air missiles
- Has access to flares and thermal optics
- Can be equipped with HOT-1 and HOT-2 AGMs
Cons:
- Surprisingly hard to manoeuvre at speed, and has a tendency to over-roll
- No armour, easy to damage critical components and eliminate crew
- Starts off with one of the weakest stock loadouts for helicopters
- No gun armaments
- Very low unguided rocket count
History
The SA.342M Gazelle was the anti-tank version of the SA.342F Gazelle, the Gazelle utilised by the French army. It was fitted with the Astazou XIV engine, as well as with the Euromissile HOT-2 TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile. In order to increase the anti-tank capabilities, it was fitted with SFIM APX M397 stabilized sight.
Media
- Skins
- Images
See also
Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
- reference to the series of the helicopter;
- links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.
External links
| Aérospatiale | |
|---|---|
| Utility | SA 313B Alouette II · SA 316B Alouette III · SA.341F Gazelle · SA.342M Gazelle |
| Export | ◄SA 313B Alouette II · HKP2 · SA.342L Gazelle |
| France helicopters | |
|---|---|
| Attack | ▄H-34 · EC-665 Tiger HAD · Tiger HAD Block 2 · EC-665 Tiger HAP |
| Utility | IAR 316B · SA 313B Alouette II · SA 316B Alouette III · SA.341F Gazelle · SA.342M Gazelle |
