Difference between revisions of "SA.341F Gazelle"

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== 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]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
  
−
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}.  This helicopter 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.
  
−
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 IIB 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 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.
−
 
 
−
The Turbomeca Artouste Astazou IIB 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 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.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.
 
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.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed 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.''
 +
 
 +
{| 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" | 5,000 <!-- {{Specs|ceiling}} -->
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| ___ || ___
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''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.''
+
''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.''
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== 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.''
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
{{main|GIAT M.621 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* A choice between two presets:
 +
** Without offensive armament
 +
** 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg) + 32 x Flares
  
 
=== 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.''
+
<!-- ''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|Mistral|HOT-1|HOT-2 TOW|FFAR Mighty Mouse|GIAT M.621 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* 7 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg)
 +
* 2 x HOT-1 missiles + 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg)
 +
* 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles + 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg)
 +
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg)
  
−
==Usage in battles==
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''This helicopter has three main playstyles, centered around the selected loadout.''
+
<!-- ''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.
  
−
Anti-Tank: Using AGMs, get within 4km of a target, while remaining hidden by trees or buildings, and guide your missile to the target. Focus on tanks without Reactive armor, 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.
+
* Anti-Tank: Using AGMs, 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.
+
* Rocketeer: Using unguided rockets, fly low over the battlefield and assault a single tank with a precise salvo, and then retreat behind cover.
  
−
Air Defense: 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.
  
−
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
−
|  
+
|
−
| Flak Jacket
+
| Flak jacket
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
| Offensive 20 mm
−
|  
+
| Flares
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
−
|  
+
|
−
| Helicopter Frame
+
| Helicopter frame
−
|  
+
|
 
| HOT
 
| HOT
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
−
| Replacing Helicopter Blades
+
| Replacing helicopter blades
−
|  
+
| NVD
−
| New 20 mm Cannons
+
| New 20 mm cannons
 
| HOT-2
 
| HOT-2
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
−
|  
+
|
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
−
|  
+
|
 
| ATAM
 
| 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.
+
* One of the smallest helicopters, easier to hide, and harder to hit at high speed
−
* 20mm Autocannon for engaging aircraft and lightly-armored vehicles.
+
* 20 mm autocannon for engaging aircraft and lightly-armoured vehicles
−
* Respectable ammo count for the cannon.
+
* Respectable ammo count for the cannon
−
* Mistral air-to-air missiles.
+
* Mistral air-to-air missiles
−
* Flares and thermal optics.
+
* Has access to flares and thermal optics
−
* HOT 1 and HOT 2 AGMs.
+
* Can be equipped with HOT-1 and HOT-2 AGMs
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Surprisingly hard to maneuver at speed, and has a tendency to over-roll.
+
* Surprisingly hard to manoeuvre at speed, and has a tendency to over-roll
−
* No armor, 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
−
* Fixed-forward cannon is hard to get on target.
+
* Fixed forward cannon is hard to get on target
−
* Very low unguided rocket count.
+
* Very low unguided rocket count
−
* Can only equip one type of missile at a time; AGM or AAM.
+
* Can only equip one type of missile at a time; AGM or AAM
−
* Carries only two of each missile.
+
* 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).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 115: Line 142:
 
;Images
 
;Images
 
<div><ul>
 
<div><ul>
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 341F WTWallpaper 001.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
<li style="display: inline-block;">[[File:SA 341F WTWallpaper 001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]]</li>
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 341F WTWallpaper 002.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
<li style="display: inline-block;">[[File:SA 341F WTWallpaper 002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]]</li>
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 341F WTWallpaper 003.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
<li style="display: inline-block;">[[File:SA 341F WTWallpaper 003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]]</li>
 
</ul></div>
 
</ul></div>
  
 
== 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 helicopter;''
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''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|[Development] SA.341F & SA.342M Gazelle: Light Hunter]]
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6057-development-sa-341f-sa-342m-gazelle-light-hunter-en SA.341F & SA.342M Gazelle: Light Hunter]
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
 
{{France helicopters}}
 
{{France helicopters}}

Revision as of 10:29, 10 June 2020

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
SA.341F Gazelle
sa_341f.png
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
This page is about the French utility helicopter SA.341F Gazelle. For other version, see SA.342M Gazelle.

Description

GarageImage SA.341F Gazelle.jpg


The SA.341F Gazelle is a rank VI French utility helicopter with a battle rating of 9.0 (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 IIB 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 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.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.

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 285 268 5,000
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.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: GIAT M.621 (20 mm)

The SA.341F Gazelle is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • Without offensive armament
    • 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg) + 32 x Flares

Suspended armament

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

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

  • 7 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg)
  • 2 x HOT-1 missiles + 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg)
  • 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles + 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg)
  • 2 x Mistral missiles + 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (1,000 rpg)

Usage in battles

This helicopter has three main playstyles, centred around the selected loadout.

  • Anti-Tank: Using AGMs, 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.

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Compressor Flak jacket Offensive 20 mm Flares
II Helicopter frame HOT
III Engine Replacing helicopter blades NVD New 20 mm cannons HOT-2
IV Cover ATAM

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 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
  • Fixed forward cannon is hard to get on target
  • Very low unguided rocket count
  • Can only equip one type of missile at a time; AGM or AAM
  • Carries only two of each missile

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

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

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