Difference between revisions of "SA.342M Gazelle"
(Updated format) |
|||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
{{About | {{About | ||
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| usage = other version | | usage = other version | ||
| link = SA.341F Gazelle | | link = SA.341F Gazelle | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Specs-Card | ||
+ | |code=sa_342m | ||
+ | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | <!--''In the description, the first part | + | <!-- ''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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]]. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | The '''{{ | ||
Initially designed by Sud Aviation in 1966, the Gazelle helicopter project (SA 340, SA 341 and SA 342) was continued by Aérospatiale as a French five-seat transport, scout and light attack helicopter manufactured in both France and the United Kingdom. Manufacturing licenses were granted allowing a Yugoslavian company SOKO and the Arab British Helicopter Company in Egypt to also produce these aircraft. | Initially designed by Sud Aviation in 1966, the Gazelle helicopter project (SA 340, SA 341 and SA 342) was continued by Aérospatiale as a French five-seat transport, scout and light attack helicopter manufactured in both France and the United Kingdom. Manufacturing licenses were granted allowing a Yugoslavian company SOKO and the Arab British Helicopter Company in Egypt to also produce these aircraft. | ||
− | The Turbomeca Artouste Astazou XIV turbine engine powers the SA.342M Gazelle. Initial testing of this helicopter utilised a standard tail-rotor taken from the Alouette, however, design changes switched to a Fenestron-style tail, the first helicopter to do so. The Fenestron tail or | + | The Turbomeca Artouste Astazou XIV turbine engine powers the SA.342M Gazelle. Initial testing of this helicopter utilised a standard tail-rotor taken from the Alouette, however, design changes switched to a Fenestron-style tail, the first helicopter to do so. The Fenestron tail or "fantail" differs from a conventional tail rotor as it contains eight to eighteen blades housed within the tail unit of the helicopter. Advantages of the Fenestron include substantial noise reduction, protection of tail rotor damage from contact with other objects and protection of ground personnel working around the tail section. With the aid of the Fenestron tail, the Gazelle was the world's fastest helicopter in its class during its early years. |
In the service of the French, the Gazelle SA.342M was utilised as a light support helicopter equipped with various rockets, anti-tank missiles and air-to-air missiles. Seven different suspended armament configurations allow the SA.342M to fulfil a versatile role in the fighting zone whether sniping armoured vehicles or hunting other aircraft loitering around the battlefield. Fast and agile with a punch, the Gazelle is a formidable foe with many surprises. | In the service of the French, the Gazelle SA.342M was utilised as a light support helicopter equipped with various rockets, anti-tank missiles and air-to-air missiles. Seven different suspended armament configurations allow the SA.342M to fulfil a versatile role in the fighting zone whether sniping armoured vehicles or hunting other aircraft loitering around the battlefield. Fast and agile with a punch, the Gazelle is a formidable foe with many surprises. | ||
Line 26: | Line 22: | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}} | {{Specs-Heli-Flight}} | ||
− | ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. | + | ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' |
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - at sea level) | ||
+ | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! AB !! RB | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Stock | ||
+ | | ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Upgraded | ||
+ | | ___ || ___ | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}} | {{Specs-Heli-Armour}} | ||
− | ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, | + | ''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.'' |
=== Modifications and economy === | === Modifications and economy === | ||
Line 37: | Line 49: | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}} | {{Specs-Heli-Armaments}} | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}} | {{Specs-Heli-Suspended}} | ||
− | ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any | + | <!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> |
+ | {{main|HOT-1|HOT-2 TOW|Mistral|FFAR Mighty Mouse}} | ||
− | + | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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 | |
− | + | ||
− | + | == Usage in battles == | |
− | + | ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | ===Pros and cons=== | + | === Pros and cons === |
− | '' | + | ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
Line 95: | Line 77: | ||
== 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 | + | ''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).'' |
== 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.'' --> | ||
;Images | ;Images | ||
− | < | + | <gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
− | + | File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 001.jpg | |
− | + | File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 002.jpg | |
− | + | File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 003.jpg | |
− | + | File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 004.jpg | |
− | + | File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 005.jpg | |
− | </ | + | </gallery> |
− | == See also == | + | == See also == |
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | ''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 | + | * ''reference to the series of the helicopter;'' |
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
− | <!--''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;'' | ||
− | * ''encyclopedia page on helicopter;'' | + | * ''encyclopedia page on the helicopter;'' |
− | * ''other literature.''--> | + | * ''other literature.'' --> |
− | * [ | + | |
+ | * [[wt:en/news/6057-development-sa-341f-sa-342m-gazelle-light-hunter-en|[Devblog] SA.341F & SA.342M Gazelle: Light Hunter]] | ||
{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}} | {{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}} | ||
{{France helicopters}} | {{France helicopters}} |
Revision as of 14:25, 25 December 2020
This page is about the French utility helicopter SA.342M Gazelle. For other version, see SA.341F Gazelle. |
Contents
Description
The SA.342M Gazelle is a rank VI French utility helicopter with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB) and 9.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On".
Initially designed by Sud Aviation in 1966, the Gazelle helicopter project (SA 340, SA 341 and SA 342) was continued by Aérospatiale as a French five-seat transport, scout and light attack helicopter manufactured in both France and the United Kingdom. Manufacturing licenses were granted allowing a Yugoslavian company SOKO and the Arab British Helicopter Company in Egypt to also produce these aircraft.
The Turbomeca Artouste Astazou XIV turbine engine powers the SA.342M Gazelle. Initial testing of this helicopter utilised a standard tail-rotor taken from the Alouette, however, design changes switched to a Fenestron-style tail, the first helicopter to do so. The Fenestron tail or "fantail" differs from a conventional tail rotor as it contains eight to eighteen blades housed within the tail unit of the helicopter. Advantages of the Fenestron include substantial noise reduction, protection of tail rotor damage from contact with other objects and protection of ground personnel working around the tail section. With the aid of the Fenestron tail, the Gazelle was the world's fastest helicopter in its class during its early years.
In the service of the French, the Gazelle SA.342M was utilised as a light support helicopter equipped with various rockets, anti-tank missiles and air-to-air missiles. Seven different suspended armament configurations allow the SA.342M to fulfil a versatile role in the fighting zone whether sniping armoured vehicles or hunting other aircraft loitering around the battlefield. Fast and agile with a punch, the Gazelle is a formidable foe with many surprises.
General info
Flight performance
Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.
Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - at sea level) |
Max altitude (metres) | |
---|---|---|---|
AB | RB | ||
Stock | ___ | ___ | 5000 |
Upgraded | ___ | ___ |
Survivability and 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.
Modifications and economy
Armaments
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
Usage in battles
Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).
Pros and cons
Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".
Pros:
Cons:
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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main
template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>
, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />
. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===
, also if applicable).
Media
- 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 |