Difference between revisions of "SA.342L Gazelle"

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{{About
 +
| about = Chinese utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Gazelle (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=sa_342l_china
 
|code=sa_342l_china
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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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].
+
While the PLAGF was planning to establish an Army Aviation Corps, they had no reliable attack helicopters available from either domestic or import sources. Thus, to introduce some "attack helicopters" for evaluation and persuade officials, Aérospatiale approached the PLAGF for the sale of the Gazelle and its HOT ATGM as the PLA's first armed helicopter (the Z-5 and imported Mi-6 were not planned to be armed). Eight '''SA.342L Gazelles''' reached Mainland China in the late 1980s as armed scout helicopters and testbeds for heliborne ATGMs. They were mostly used as OPFOR attack helicopters during exercises, and are now likely used by PLA aviation academies as training helicopters thanks to their good flight characteristics.
 +
 
 +
The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]]. While the name "Gazelle" might not sound threatening, it can still fight back with its small but effective payload, including ATGMs and a pair of rocket pods, as well as machine gun pods, while evading enemy threats with its swift mobility. However, without any defensive features such as armour, countermeasures, or air-to-air missiles, the Gazelle is entirely reliant on its pilot and flight performance for survival.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 19:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
SA.342L is one of the Gazelle family of light helicopters from France with revised systems for carrying armaments, one of its most distinctive features over other helicopters of its era is the fenestron (covered tail rotor). Since its nature of a light helicopter, players will find the Gazelle agile while keeping sufficient top speed for scouting and assault mission. But do remember that its nature of a light helicopter - the only payload options are only 57 mm or 70 mm rocket pods, 12.7 mm gun pods and 2 pairs of HJ-8A ATGMs with low speed and relatively low range, so make use of its mobility to sneak into battlefield and delivery some blows onto enemy targets.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Line 23: Line 30:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
| 264 || 249 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
Line 33: Line 40:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
Like many utility helicopters, Gazelle does not have any kind of extra protection other than its airframe and windshields, any projectile that flies onto Gazelle will very likely damage parts of the helicopter and even being pilot-sniped with relative ease; the only better news is that Gazelle has self-sealing tanks to at least giving it the chance to save itself from being a fireball in the skies.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 43: Line 50:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="20%" | 1 !! width="20%" | 2
 +
| rowspan="5" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[QJK99-12.7-1 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1]] machine guns (1,000 rpg)
 +
| 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[FS70]] rockets
 +
| 7 || 7
 +
|-
 +
! [[Type 57-1]] rockets
 +
| 18 || 18
 +
|-
 +
! [[HJ-8A]] missiles
 +
| 2 || 2
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
* 36 x Type 57-1 rockets
 +
* 14 x FS70 rockets
 +
* 4 x HJ-8A missiles
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
The weaponry choices of the Chinese Gazelle is rather limited compared to its French cousins. Due to the late introduction of ATGMs in PLAGF service and the small payload capability of the Gazelle, it could only carry 4 HJ-8A ATGMs at most which are the earliest "2nd generation" ATGM of the PLAGF with relatively worse performance; they are sufficient to knock-down tanks without composite armour or ERA packages, but do make sure to choose targets that are not aware of your presence since it takes around 13 seconds to hit targets at its maximum distance. Another downside to the Gazelle is that it doesn't have any form of fixed weapon for self-defense and it can only carry gunpods with other weaponries in custom loadouts at the cost of either side pylon. However, rotorcraft dogfights are rare at the tier, so in most cases, the default options are already sufficient for your use. Do remember that Gazelle has no ballistic computer and it takes some practice to utilize both rockets at maximum efficiency as their trajectory is not as easy to be handled as FFAR or Mighty Mouse.
 +
 
 +
Since its armaments have quite short range compared to other helicopters of the tier, be sure to utilize the excellent mobility of the Gazelle to enter the battlefield and leave in one piece - any vehicles with guns that can aim high enough to hit Gazelle are like predators of the Savanna, any hits could mean a quick and sometimes miserable end to Gazelle. Alternatively for a safer approach, take cover behind terrain or stay barely above tree level to conceal yourself from any "predators", only peek out and take out enemies that are in heat of battle and didn't expect your existence.
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
''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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Small and agile
 +
* Sufficient camera magnification for co-pilot
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Lacks of any form of extra protection
 +
* Very limited weapon options
 +
* Lacks fixed weapons for last ditch self-defense/unprotected targets
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
SA.340/341/342 Gazelle has been a very successful helicopter from France and already been export to multiple customers; while the new PLAGF Aviation Corps (陆军航空兵) established in October of 1986 with only Harbin Z-5 and earlier SA.311 at their disposal, they have already proposed for new helicopters to meet their urge demand for helicopters. The deal for SA.341L was set in late-1980s for 8 helicopters at $800k USD per unit where they were first seen as a part of the scouting operations of the 1989 Crackdown; while they were later served as a converted attack helicopter of PLAGF during military exercises for OPFOR, especially during the heat of 2nd Taiwan Strait Crisis as the only "dedicated" attack helicopter for PLAGF with 4 missiles onboard.
 +
 
 +
As newer Z-9 and later helicopters with better payload and performance came into service, the Gazelles are very likely been withdrawn from frontline service and serve as trainer for new pilots of PLAGF Aviation Corps.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sa_342l_china Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 71: Line 117:
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Gazelle (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 80: Line 127:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''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 18:26, 7 August 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Chinese utility helicopter SA.342L Gazelle. For other versions, see Gazelle (Family).
SA.342L Gazelle
sa_342l_china.png
GarageImage SA.342L Gazelle.jpg
SA.342L Gazelle
China flag.png China
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.7 8.7 8.7
Class:
Research:150 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:490 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

While the PLAGF was planning to establish an Army Aviation Corps, they had no reliable attack helicopters available from either domestic or import sources. Thus, to introduce some "attack helicopters" for evaluation and persuade officials, Aérospatiale approached the PLAGF for the sale of the Gazelle and its HOT ATGM as the PLA's first armed helicopter (the Z-5 and imported Mi-6 were not planned to be armed). Eight SA.342L Gazelles reached Mainland China in the late 1980s as armed scout helicopters and testbeds for heliborne ATGMs. They were mostly used as OPFOR attack helicopters during exercises, and are now likely used by PLA aviation academies as training helicopters thanks to their good flight characteristics.

The SA.342L Gazelle was introduced in Update "Drone Age". While the name "Gazelle" might not sound threatening, it can still fight back with its small but effective payload, including ATGMs and a pair of rocket pods, as well as machine gun pods, while evading enemy threats with its swift mobility. However, without any defensive features such as armour, countermeasures, or air-to-air missiles, the Gazelle is entirely reliant on its pilot and flight performance for survival.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 0 m288 km/h
Max altitude5 000 m
EngineTurbomeca Astazou XIV
Power580 hp
Take-off weight2 t

SA.342L is one of the Gazelle family of light helicopters from France with revised systems for carrying armaments, one of its most distinctive features over other helicopters of its era is the fenestron (covered tail rotor). Since its nature of a light helicopter, players will find the Gazelle agile while keeping sufficient top speed for scouting and assault mission. But do remember that its nature of a light helicopter - the only payload options are only 57 mm or 70 mm rocket pods, 12.7 mm gun pods and 2 pairs of HJ-8A ATGMs with low speed and relatively low range, so make use of its mobility to sneak into battlefield and delivery some blows onto enemy targets.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - at sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 264 249 5000
Upgraded ___ ___

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural310 km/h
Gear320 km/h

Like many utility helicopters, Gazelle does not have any kind of extra protection other than its airframe and windshields, any projectile that flies onto Gazelle will very likely damage parts of the helicopter and even being pilot-sniped with relative ease; the only better news is that Gazelle has self-sealing tanks to at least giving it the chance to save itself from being a fireball in the skies.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB10 112 → 12 832 Sl icon.png
RB2 938 → 3 728 Sl icon.png
SB4 927 → 6 252 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications264 000 Rp icon.png
414 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training140 000 Sl icon.png
Experts490 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces780 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
202 / 202 / 202 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
30 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
47 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
52 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
30 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
47 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
43 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
68 000 Sl icon.png
560 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
qjk_99_belt_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
HF-7D
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 2.png
Mods weapon.png
qjk_99_new_gun
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
52 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
HJ-8A
Research:
43 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
68 000 Sl icon.png
560 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

The SA.342L Gazelle can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2
Hardpoints SA.342L Gazelle.png
12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg) 1 1
FS70 rockets 7 7
Type 57-1 rockets 18 18
HJ-8A missiles 2 2
Default weapon presets
  • 36 x Type 57-1 rockets
  • 14 x FS70 rockets
  • 4 x HJ-8A missiles
  • 2 x 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

Usage in battles

The weaponry choices of the Chinese Gazelle is rather limited compared to its French cousins. Due to the late introduction of ATGMs in PLAGF service and the small payload capability of the Gazelle, it could only carry 4 HJ-8A ATGMs at most which are the earliest "2nd generation" ATGM of the PLAGF with relatively worse performance; they are sufficient to knock-down tanks without composite armour or ERA packages, but do make sure to choose targets that are not aware of your presence since it takes around 13 seconds to hit targets at its maximum distance. Another downside to the Gazelle is that it doesn't have any form of fixed weapon for self-defense and it can only carry gunpods with other weaponries in custom loadouts at the cost of either side pylon. However, rotorcraft dogfights are rare at the tier, so in most cases, the default options are already sufficient for your use. Do remember that Gazelle has no ballistic computer and it takes some practice to utilize both rockets at maximum efficiency as their trajectory is not as easy to be handled as FFAR or Mighty Mouse.

Since its armaments have quite short range compared to other helicopters of the tier, be sure to utilize the excellent mobility of the Gazelle to enter the battlefield and leave in one piece - any vehicles with guns that can aim high enough to hit Gazelle are like predators of the Savanna, any hits could mean a quick and sometimes miserable end to Gazelle. Alternatively for a safer approach, take cover behind terrain or stay barely above tree level to conceal yourself from any "predators", only peek out and take out enemies that are in heat of battle and didn't expect your existence.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Small and agile
  • Sufficient camera magnification for co-pilot

Cons:

  • Lacks of any form of extra protection
  • Very limited weapon options
  • Lacks fixed weapons for last ditch self-defense/unprotected targets

History

SA.340/341/342 Gazelle has been a very successful helicopter from France and already been export to multiple customers; while the new PLAGF Aviation Corps (陆军航空兵) established in October of 1986 with only Harbin Z-5 and earlier SA.311 at their disposal, they have already proposed for new helicopters to meet their urge demand for helicopters. The deal for SA.341L was set in late-1980s for 8 helicopters at $800k USD per unit where they were first seen as a part of the scouting operations of the 1989 Crackdown; while they were later served as a converted attack helicopter of PLAGF during military exercises for OPFOR, especially during the heat of 2nd Taiwan Strait Crisis as the only "dedicated" attack helicopter for PLAGF with 4 missiles onboard.

As newer Z-9 and later helicopters with better payload and performance came into service, the Gazelles are very likely been withdrawn from frontline service and serve as trainer for new pilots of PLAGF Aviation Corps.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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

China helicopters
Attack/Utility  Z-9W · Z-9WA · Z-10 · Z-11WA · Z-19 · Z-19E
  ␗OH-58D (USA)
Attack  ␗AH-1W (USA)
Utility  SA.342L Gazelle (France)
Pakistan  ▄Mi-35M

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