Difference between revisions of "SA.341F Gazelle"

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−
{{Specs-Card|code=sa_341f}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other version
+
| usage = other versions
−
| link = SA.342M Gazelle
+
| link = Gazelle (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=sa_341f
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
Development began in 1966 by Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale) on order from the French Army for a replacement for the [[SA 313B Alouette II|Alouette II]]. Just a year later, the helicopter, designated SA.340, successfully completed its maiden flight in April 1967. The company continued development of the helicopter and, after some time, presented a new, improved model - the SA.341. One improvement was the replacement of the standard tail rotor with a closed "fenestron" tail rotor, integrated into the tail section of the helicopter.
−
{{break}}
 
  
−
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. This helicopter was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
+
SA.341 helicopters were adopted by the French Army in 1973. Specifically for this purpose, an armed modification, the '''SA.341F''', was manufactured: the helicopter received an upgraded engine, as well as the ability to carry various weaponry, including a 20 mm cannon, HOT-2 ATGMs, and Mistral AAMs. A total of approximately 150 SA.341F helicopters were produced before the end of serial production in 1996, which were actively used by France in various military conflicts.
  
−
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.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]], the '''SA.341F Gazelle''' is a versatile helicopter that can perform different roles depending on the loadout. It can destroy tanks with ATGMs or rockets, or shoot down aircraft or helicopters with AAMs and cannon. It is light, fast, manoeuvrable, and small, allowing it to carry out swift and rapid attacks, as well as quickly evade ground fire. However, it relies on stealth and cover to avoid detection and enemy fire, as it has no radar warning receiver and limited armour.
  
−
The Turbomeca Astazou turbine engine powers the 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 Fenstron 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 Fenstron tail, the Gazelle was the world’s fastest helicopter in its class during its early years.
+
== General info ==
 +
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
  
−
In the service of the French, the Gazelle SA 341F was utilised as a light support helicopter equipped with a 20 mm GLAT M.261 cannon and various rockets, anti-tank missiles and air-to-air missiles. Over the years, the Gazelle was removed from anti-tank duty and reconfigured for operations as an Air Observation Post directing artillery fire, airborne forward air controller directing ground-attack troops, troop casualty evacuations and communication relay operations.
+
{| 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
 +
| 285 || 268 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 330 || 306
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
== General info ==
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
Has no armour plating present on the vehicle, this helicopter is incredibly vulnerable to all types of fire. The exposed engine is also vulnerable to being damaged or set alight, dooming the helicopter if hit.
  
−
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, how many engines the vehicle has. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 32 x countermeasures
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any type of bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is extremely important and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|HOT-1|HOT-2 TOW|Mistral|FFAR Mighty Mouse|GIAT M.621 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (240 rpg) + 7 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon + 2 x HOT-1 missiles
 +
* 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon + 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
 +
* 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon + 2 x Mistral missiles
  
−
==Usage in battles==
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the helicopter, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).'' -->
 +
This helicopter has three main playstyles, centred around the selected loadout.
  
−
===Modules===
+
* 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.
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
!colspan = "1"| Tier
+
* Rocketeer: Using unguided rockets, fly low over the battlefield and assault a single tank with a precise salvo, and then retreat behind cover.
−
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
 
−
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
* 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.
−
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
+
 
−
|-
+
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.
−
| I
+
 
−
| Compressor
+
In Helicopter Battles [PvE] 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. However, due to the limited armament (2 missiles), the Gazelle is limited to strafing ground targets and trying to lock onto enemy planes.
−
|
+
 
−
| Flak Jacket
+
'''Notable Enemies:'''
−
| Offensive 20 mm
+
 
−
|
+
* [[Mi-28N]], [[Mi-24P]], [[Mi-24V]]: Due to the gazelle's lack of a MAW system, it is still possible to shoot it down with the AAMs these helicopters carry. Their Armor also means that it is harder for you to shoot them down in return.
−
|-
+
* [[Ka-50]], [[Ka-52]]: Both can outrange you, meaning that killing one is the result of their mistakes
−
| II
+
* [[EC-665 Tiger UHT]]: Similar to the [[Ka-50]], the Tiger has access to IR-guided ATGMS with long range.
−
|
+
* [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]]: Highly manoeuvrable with a high volume of fire, the Cobra family of helicopters is incredibly good at dogfighting. Engage from long range, or use superior speed to flee.
−
|
 
−
| Helicopter Frame
 
−
|
 
−
| HOT
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Engine
 
−
| Replacing Helicopter Blades
 
−
|
 
−
| New 20 mm Cannons
 
−
| HOT-2
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
| ATAM
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
===Pros and cons===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize 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 - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* One of the smallest helicopters, easier to hide, and harder to hit at high speed
 +
* 20 mm autocannon for engaging aircraft and lightly-armoured vehicles
 +
* Respectable ammo count for the cannon
 +
* Mistral air-to-air missiles
 +
* Has access to flares and night vision optics
 +
* Can be equipped with HOT-1 and HOT-2 AGMs
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Surprisingly hard to manoeuvre at speed, and has a tendency to over-roll
 +
* No armour, easy to damage critical components and eliminate crew
 +
* No thermal sights
 +
* Starts off with one of the weakest stock loadouts for helicopters
 +
* Fixed forward cannon is hard to get on target
 +
* Very low unguided rocket count
 +
* High aim angle for rockets, the crosshair get out of screen when zoomed
 +
* Can only equip one type of missile at a time; AGM or AAM
 +
* Carries only two of each missile
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''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 Aerospatiale SA.341 was developed to meet a French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) requirement for a new observation helicopter to replace the Alouette II. Aerospatiale designated the project as X 300, but the prototype's designation was SA.340.
 +
 
 +
The prototype first flew in 1967, and it seemed outwardly similar to the Alouette II. It did use the Astazou II powerplant and transmission system, but there were a number of differences. For one thing, it introduced a fully enclosed fuselage and a cockpit with seating and controls for two pilots rather than one (although it could be flown by only one). Also introduced on the SA.340 were the fenestron - a shrouded tail rotor - and the Bolkow-type main rotor.
 +
 
 +
The British became interested in the project as the SA.340 was nearing completion, so a joint development and production sharing agreement was signed on 22 February 1967; it was officially confirmed in 1968. The first prototype (SA.340.001) flew for the first time on 7 April 1967, and the second prototype first flew in April 1968.
 +
 
 +
Four pre-production aircraft, redesignated as the SA.341, were built next. The third pre-production SA.341 was built to British Army requirements and was then shipped to Britain for testing as the AH.Mk.1. Notably, the first pre-production SA.341 established three new speed records for helicopters of its class on 14 May 1970.
 +
 
 +
On 6 August 1971, the first French production SA.341 (SA.341.1001) was cleared for test flights. The production version had a longer fuselage, a larger tail, and a more powerful Astazou IIIA engine.
 +
 
 +
The SA.341F Gazelle was a French Military light support version of the SA.341 Gazelle, which had the improved Astazou IIIC engine. 166 were produced, and many were armed with a GIAT 20 mm M.621 cannon in a nose turret. They could be armed with rocket pods, Euromissile HOT anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), or Mistral air-to-air missiles (AAMs). A number of SA.341F Gazelles remain in service with the ALAT.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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_341f Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
 +
File:SA 341F WTWallpaper 001.jpg
 +
File:SA 341F WTWallpaper 002.jpg
 +
File:SA 341F WTWallpaper 003.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 aircraft;''
+
* ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[SA 342M Gazelle]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
 +
* [[BO 105 (Family)]]
  
 
== 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;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/6057-development-sa-341f-sa-342m-gazelle-light-hunter-en|[Development] SA.341F & SA.342M Gazelle: Light Hunter]]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
 
{{France helicopters}}
 
{{France helicopters}}

Latest revision as of 17:27, 4 August 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the French utility helicopter SA.341F Gazelle. For other versions, see Gazelle (Family).
SA.341F Gazelle
sa_341f.png
GarageImage SA.341F Gazelle.jpg
SA.341F Gazelle
France flag.png France
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 9.0 9.7
Class:
Research:370 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:990 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Development began in 1966 by Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale) on order from the French Army for a replacement for the Alouette II. Just a year later, the helicopter, designated SA.340, successfully completed its maiden flight in April 1967. The company continued development of the helicopter and, after some time, presented a new, improved model - the SA.341. One improvement was the replacement of the standard tail rotor with a closed "fenestron" tail rotor, integrated into the tail section of the helicopter.

SA.341 helicopters were adopted by the French Army in 1973. Specifically for this purpose, an armed modification, the SA.341F, was manufactured: the helicopter received an upgraded engine, as well as the ability to carry various weaponry, including a 20 mm cannon, HOT-2 ATGMs, and Mistral AAMs. A total of approximately 150 SA.341F helicopters were produced before the end of serial production in 1996, which were actively used by France in various military conflicts.

Introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On", the SA.341F Gazelle is a versatile helicopter that can perform different roles depending on the loadout. It can destroy tanks with ATGMs or rockets, or shoot down aircraft or helicopters with AAMs and cannon. It is light, fast, manoeuvrable, and small, allowing it to carry out swift and rapid attacks, as well as quickly evade ground fire. However, it relies on stealth and cover to avoid detection and enemy fire, as it has no radar warning receiver and limited armour.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 0 m306 km/h
Max altitude5 000 m
EngineTurbomeca Astazou IIIB
Power530 hp
Take-off weight2 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - at sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 285 268 5000
Upgraded 330 306

Survivability and armour

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

Has no armour plating present on the vehicle, this helicopter is incredibly vulnerable to all types of fire. The exposed engine is also vulnerable to being damaged or set alight, dooming the helicopter if hit.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB10 682 → 13 555 Sl icon.png
RB3 271 → 4 150 Sl icon.png
SB6 178 → 7 839 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications288 000 Rp icon.png
431 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training280 000 Sl icon.png
Experts990 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
36 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
54 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
47 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
70 000 Sl icon.png
700 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
t_160_belt_pack
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
HOT-2
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
t_160_new_gun
Research:
36 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
54 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
ATAM
Research:
47 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
70 000 Sl icon.png
700 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

The SA.341F Gazelle is armed with:

  • 32 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

Main articles: HOT-1, HOT-2 TOW, Mistral, FFAR Mighty Mouse, GIAT M.621 (20 mm)

The SA.341F Gazelle can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (240 rpg) + 7 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon + 2 x HOT-1 missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon + 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon + 2 x Mistral missiles

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 [PvE] 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. However, due to the limited armament (2 missiles), the Gazelle is limited to strafing ground targets and trying to lock onto enemy planes.

Notable Enemies:

  • Mi-28N, Mi-24P, Mi-24V: Due to the gazelle's lack of a MAW system, it is still possible to shoot it down with the AAMs these helicopters carry. Their Armor also means that it is harder for you to shoot them down in return.
  • Ka-50, Ka-52: Both can outrange you, meaning that killing one is the result of their mistakes
  • EC-665 Tiger UHT: Similar to the Ka-50, the Tiger has access to IR-guided ATGMS with long range.
  • AH-1: Highly manoeuvrable with a high volume of fire, the Cobra family of helicopters is incredibly good at dogfighting. Engage from long range, or use superior speed to flee.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • One of the smallest helicopters, easier to hide, and harder to hit at high speed
  • 20 mm autocannon for engaging aircraft and lightly-armoured vehicles
  • Respectable ammo count for the cannon
  • Mistral air-to-air missiles
  • Has access to flares and night vision 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
  • No thermal sights
  • Starts off with one of the weakest stock loadouts for helicopters
  • Fixed forward cannon is hard to get on target
  • Very low unguided rocket count
  • High aim angle for rockets, the crosshair get out of screen when zoomed
  • Can only equip one type of missile at a time; AGM or AAM
  • Carries only two of each missile

History

The Aerospatiale SA.341 was developed to meet a French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) requirement for a new observation helicopter to replace the Alouette II. Aerospatiale designated the project as X 300, but the prototype's designation was SA.340.

The prototype first flew in 1967, and it seemed outwardly similar to the Alouette II. It did use the Astazou II powerplant and transmission system, but there were a number of differences. For one thing, it introduced a fully enclosed fuselage and a cockpit with seating and controls for two pilots rather than one (although it could be flown by only one). Also introduced on the SA.340 were the fenestron - a shrouded tail rotor - and the Bolkow-type main rotor.

The British became interested in the project as the SA.340 was nearing completion, so a joint development and production sharing agreement was signed on 22 February 1967; it was officially confirmed in 1968. The first prototype (SA.340.001) flew for the first time on 7 April 1967, and the second prototype first flew in April 1968.

Four pre-production aircraft, redesignated as the SA.341, were built next. The third pre-production SA.341 was built to British Army requirements and was then shipped to Britain for testing as the AH.Mk.1. Notably, the first pre-production SA.341 established three new speed records for helicopters of its class on 14 May 1970.

On 6 August 1971, the first French production SA.341 (SA.341.1001) was cleared for test flights. The production version had a longer fuselage, a larger tail, and a more powerful Astazou IIIA engine.

The SA.341F Gazelle was a French Military light support version of the SA.341 Gazelle, which had the improved Astazou IIIC engine. 166 were produced, and many were armed with a GIAT 20 mm M.621 cannon in a nose turret. They could be armed with rocket pods, Euromissile HOT anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), or Mistral air-to-air missiles (AAMs). A number of SA.341F Gazelles remain in service with the ALAT.

Media

Skins
Images
  • SA 341F WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • SA 341F WTWallpaper 002.jpg
  • SA 341F WTWallpaper 003.jpg

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

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

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