Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Shrieking Gazelles

Collapse
X
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Gazelle Repaint, Engine Run and Test Flight in Russia



    Comment


    • Zishelix
      Zishelix commented
      Editing a comment
      Excellent video, nice livery as well... only pity there's no ID of the machine.

    • Savoia
      Savoia commented
      Editing a comment
      Yes indeed there's no ID sadly but .. I'm guessing that this could be RA-1158G and for which I think we still don't have a construction number but, as I say, this is just a guess.

    • xbdt
      xbdt commented
      Editing a comment

  • Indeed it seems to be RA-1158G for on the same YouTube channel there is another video clip showing a red and white Gazelle with a paint scheme similar to RA-1158G. Plus we also know that RA-1158G has been for sale.

    I am also aware that RA-1341K had that same colour scheme but, maybe these two are one and the same helicopter.

    Comment


    • Savoia
      Savoia commented
      Editing a comment
      So Soko received an airframe from Aérospatiale and then assigned her a new construction number?

    • Zishelix
      Zishelix commented
      Editing a comment
      Yes, because they had re-built the airframe.

    • Savoia
      Savoia commented
      Editing a comment
      Ah, so perhaps it didn't come directly from the factory but had already been flying in the area, maybe had an incident and was rebuilt?

  • F-GKIB


    SA341G F-GKIB (cn 1008) as seen at Lognes Émerainville Aerodrome, to the east of Paris, on 17th June 1991 (Photo: Don Hewins)

    More F-GKIB here and here.

    Comment




    • An SA342M (perhaps 'GND') fires a missile at simulated targets during a live fire demonstration near the Combat Training Centre at Arta Beach (Centre d'entraînement au combat d'Arta Plage) in Djibouti on 14th January 2017 (Photo: Christian Jadot)


      SA342M Viviane GBH on exercise (NFI)

      Comment


      • SA-342 Gazelle: How to Fix Exhaust Temperature Problem

        Initial symptom is the experience of temperature variation via the exhaust temperature indicator at ranges from 50° to 300°C during flight.

        For everyone who knows this type of engine it should be steady at 450°C. The engine RPM is fixed at 43,500 which is excellent.

        The solution is as follows:
        • Check the RPM indicator. Done, it is accurate.
        • Next is to check the resistance of the wires at thermocouple system. Found to be 18,03 Ohms. Fixed at variable resistor and adjusted it at strictly 16.02 ohms. The serial numbers of thermocouple senders indicated that value.


        When I have approached the connector and disassemble it I have found that the pins are loose and their connection to the wires are bad.

        Read more about this procedure here.

        Would you like help in repairing your Gazelle? Major overhaul, re-build, electrical items? I can travel and have been working on the Gazelle since 1988. You can also send your parts to be fixed, especially any electrical items. Just send me an email: kucnemasine@gmail.com

        And thank you to Aviafora for allowing me to promote my services.

        Best regards to all and remember if you like to ask any technical question about the Gazelle, just make a post here.

        Miki

        Comment


        • Zishelix
          Zishelix commented
          Editing a comment
          Interesting tips, thanks for sharing.

          Is fluctuation of the exhaust temperature a common issue on Gazelles?

        • Savoia
          Savoia commented
          Editing a comment
          Grazie Miki

          Perhaps when you have time you could describe the Alouette/Gazelle starting system. When this came out it was viewed as being similar to an automatic start, although it might possibly have been better better described as semi-automatic. Are the fuel flow and operation of the igniters fully automatic in the Gazelle starting system and, if so, how does this work? Is the starting system in any way linked to the turbine temperature and, if so, what happens if you have a faulty gauge such as you have described? Grazie.

        • Miki
          Miki commented
          Editing a comment
          Zishelix & Savoia thank you for commenting. Exhaust temperature is rock solid parameter when everything is in order.It is also a one of the real points that describes the state of the engine.But after a some period of time it needs to be repaired.I have presented one of the operations.SA 341 and Alouette have the same similar semi-automatic system as you were saying.The system is improved at SA 342 and that one is automatic.At the following days I will describe the both systems.

      • Dakair Gazelle


        Dakair SA.341G F-GDXX s/n 1262 is seen with Dakair Islander F-GFDK

        This helicopter was once G-SFTE (which may be of interest to Nosco) and was last registered as C-GEPX.

        Taken from a French poster from the 1988 Paris-Dakar Rally.



        And the same machine with slightly different colour scheme here.

        Comment


        • Zishelix
          Zishelix commented
          Editing a comment
          Sadly, I'm unable to tell you more about Dakair. Looks like it was a specialized air service for the Rally.

          Re #1262 present status - probably stored somewhere in Canada.

        • Rotorspot
          Rotorspot commented
          Editing a comment
          C-GEPX is offered for sale by her current registered owner, Auto Meilleur Ltee, at
          http://automeilleur.ca/detail_no_4339A.htm
          That web page has some very nice pictures of her.

        • Savoia
          Savoia commented
          Editing a comment
          Well done Jos!

          It would be nice if XB can rescue this, seeing as he 'specialises' in Canadian Gazelles!



      • N341GG Makeover Expected to be Concluded this Weekend

        The latest edition to Benegaz, N341GG, is due to be rolled-out from her makeover this coming weekend.

        This is to advise that we are expecting the first photos of her to be displayed here on Shrieking Gazelles within hours of her roll-out .. courtesy of XB!

        ~ ~ ~

        G-VOIP


        SA341D G-VOIP (cn WA1792) as seen at Lydd Aerodrome on 5th February 2009 (Photo: Graham Wheeler)

        BAG in Kent


        In April 2016 Old Brutonian David Macklin showed CCF Cadets from Wellesley School in Broadstairs, Kent, the British Army Gazelle Helicopter he flies. Several of the cadets were treated to a flight in the craft

        Comment




        • ALAT SA342 Departure

          Comment


          • XX453


            SA341B XX453 (cn WA1454) as seen at Salisbury Plains Training Area on 16th February 2017 (Photo: Philip Stevens)

            Flying with the call sign 'Tester 05'.

            Comment




            • SA341B G-HSDL (WA1227) as seen at the Helicentre, Manchester on 24th February 2017 (Photo: Lewis Coward)

              Seen here for the first time wearing 'Howard Stott Demolition' titles.

              For a previous photo of G-HSDL, see here.

              Comment


              • Zishelix
                Zishelix commented
                Editing a comment
                Well done, Sav! Let's hope we'll see more pics of HSDL soon here (bigger ones and hopefully not cropped, if possible )

                Btw, I like the vintage looking title

            • N341GG

              I am pleased to be able to present the FIRST pictures of N341GG taken earlier today.

              After reassembling the tr/cables, tr drive shaft and fenestron, we flew out from the paint shop.

              She is a very nice aircraft, as it is fully overhauled and 100% in and out!











              Comment


              • Savoia
                Savoia commented
                Editing a comment
                XB, you've outdone yourself with this craft. Fantastico, magnifico, bravo !!!

                Well, well .. she's not all black (lol), I shall have to think of a new name! But what a great scheme, bravo! I like the grey matched tail-rotor driveshaft and the 'Italian' black window-surround-paint. Great stuff XB!

              • Zishelix
                Zishelix commented
                Editing a comment
                Wow! A brand new and freshly painted Gazelle! Something not seen everyday

                Xavier, thanks for these nice photos. A neat job well done!

              • Fene Strong
                Fene Strong commented
                Editing a comment
                Very nice indeed, good to see.

            • XB you should be proud.This is the beauty.Excellent!!

              Comment


              • Thank you Miki,

                Here are some pictures of N341GG at Zomergem earlier today.







                Comment


                • Miki
                  Miki commented
                  Editing a comment
                  XB this is awesome modern paint job, never seen one before with those colours. I must borrow the words from others and say Fantastico XB, well done in deed, in and out.Congrats!
                  Last edited by Miki; 26th February 2017, 21:29.

                • Helipixman
                  Helipixman commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Wow a fantastic scheme. A lot of thought must have gone into it. Love the small stripe around the windows/cab area. Really stunning. You have certainly laid down a very hard challenge for future schemes.

                • xbdt
                  xbdt commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Hello Helipixman, I just delivered the helicopter unpainted. The new owner had it painted like this ;-)



              • Gazelle Down: Kazakhstan

                A Khazak registered Gazelle (UP-LA246) crashed on Saturday 25th February while operating in Eastern Kazakhstan.

                The aircraft was reported to have departed from the Urdzharsky area with two persons on board and to have landed at a village named Akshatau in the Ayagoz district to refuel. From there the aircraft departed after which contact was lost.

                On Sunday an Mi-17 helicopter belonging to the Eastern Regional Airmobile Operational and Rescue Team began searching for the missing Gazelle although separate sources suggest that the wreckage of the helicopter was in fact spotted by a privately operated Mi-2 some 60 km north-west from the town of Ayagoz.

                The pilot, Peter Ustinov, who served with the military in Afghanistan, was tragically killed. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters. His passenger survived the crash although the extent of his injuries are as present uncertain.

                The accident seems to have occurred just days after the helicopter made its first flight after being refurbished or overhauled.

                Poor weather was reported in the area at the time of the crash.


                SA341G UP-LA246 as seen before the crash


                The crash site


                The body of pilot Peter Ustinov is recovered from the crash site

                AF.

                Comment


                • Zishelix
                  Zishelix commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Oh no, such a tragic lost of life.

              • I've been told that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, although I will readily admit that this wasn't the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw the photos of N341GG, for I think even the casual observer will notice that her similarity to HA-LFH is, well, almost identical except for the colours. But, I wish the new owner many happy hours of flying and am glad to have helped inspire the look of his new aircraft.

                Regarding LFH, she is off to Hungary for her annual inspection and a bit of pampering, and here are some videos showing her preparation and loading for departure.





                Comment


                • Savoia
                  Savoia commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Ah, you're a good sport Adrian, well done.

                  We wish LFH (we have yet to come up with her Aviafora name) a safe trip to Hungary and hope you will have her back home before you know it!

                  ps: I like the sound of the cellophane as they are wrapping her, lol!

              • G-SIVJ


                SA341C G-SIVJ (cn WA2012) NFI

                Comment


                • Originally posted by Helipixman

                  Now only need two:- G-BRGS owned by Marquis of Milford Haven and G-IBME owned by George Ingliss Begg (this one I think may not have had the registration painted on before going Stateside).
                  Helipixman

                  When I packed this heli to go to her new owner Walton Lynn in the USA, she still had her 'F' registration letters attached. The 'G' reg was never taken-up and, as you rightly say, was never fixed to the heli. So you can't miss what wasn't there !!!

                  Comment


                • UP-LA246


                  Kazak SA341G UP-LA246 which sadly crashed this past Saturday (see Gaz News item further up the page)

                  Comment


                  • Savoia
                    Savoia commented
                    Editing a comment
                    Zis, note the red seats and roof antenna as per RA-1185G. However, they have added seat frame coverings and an instrument panel covering.

                    Notice too the aluminium chequer pate (anti-slip strips) atop the skid.

                    Link to 1185G > http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...=3706#post3706

                  • Zishelix
                    Zishelix commented
                    Editing a comment
                    Well pointed, it could be the same helicopter.



                • G-BXTH Accident Report

                  The Air Accident Investigation Unit of Ireland has today released their final report on the accident involving G-BXTH which occurred on 15th July 2015.

                  No surprises in the findings.

                  If the helicopter was positioned with the left hand skid just touching the inside edge of the bollard mounting plate, the maximum clearance available, between the main rotor blades and the timber-clad section of the wall of the building, would have been just 0.81 m (810 mm), excluding the overhang of the eave and gutter. (Page 13)
                  Final report G-BXTH.

                  G-BXTH initial accident news.

                  Comment









                  • SA341G (or maybe even an 'H' model) RA-1347G as seen in Russia in February 2017

                    Comment


                    • Looks like RF-00383



                      According a small plate on the instrument panel, I'd say it's a Soko bird.

                      Ah, it's so frustrating to have no info about RA/RF Gazelles register!

                      Comment


                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        My feeling is that 47G is a Soko bird. They tend to have that 'simpler' square-looking panel, but I'd be interested to know the plate which might help to identify this.

                        Was it Jos that once said there were several Gazelles painted with this scheme in Russia and could it be that there are two wearing the green livery? (The same scheme btw as the late G-BXTH whose accident report is linked above).

                        Regarding the mystery of Russian Gazelles, there are a small group of Aviaforans considering a combined vacation/fact-gathering trip to Russia, with cameras at the ready, with the intention of capturing whatever data plate info is available from a number of known Gazelle locations. Will let you know how this progresses.

                    • Yes, it was me. I have the folowing ones, all the same pattern, but different colours:

                      RA-1341K (c/n 1079) is red/white; https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/full_si...5332-large.jpg
                      RF-1158G (c/n ....) is red/white; https://92.img.avito.st/640x480/1717025392.jpg
                      RA-3341K (c/n ....) is blue/white; http://www.airliners.net/photo/Aeros...lle/1149604/L/
                      RF-20446 (c/n ....) is blue/white; http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=659655
                      RA-1347G (c/n ....) is green/white; http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...=7177#post7177
                      RF-00383 (c/n ....) is green/white; http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=620410

                      Comment


                      • Zishelix
                        Zishelix commented
                        Editing a comment
                        To me these mostly look as if they are the same aircraft, just that they have been transferred from 'RF' to 'RA' register.


                    • Heli-Steve wrote: It's a Garmin G300x single touchscreen display. Their website says that most of the ones they're refurbishing are SA-341F2's. It says they chose that model for the higher engine power and longer engine TBO. Anyone know how much they sell for?
                      Heli-Steve, welcome to Aviafora!

                      If you're referring to the SA34X's then I imagine it would be dependent on the condition of each aircraft plus however much work is invested in them, including these EFIS units. You can see some indicative Gazelle prices on our Gazelles for sale page.

                      Comment




                      • France Set to Replace Dozens of Gazelles

                        French Defense Minister Jean-Yves le Drian announced today that 160 to 190 helicopters will be ordered from Airbus Helicopters. "I came here to tell you that we have decided to make the H160 the basis of the future joint light helicopter" the minister said during his visit to the factory in Southern France.

                        The HIL (for Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger or Light Joint Helicopter) program will replace six helicopter types with the French military: Panther, Dauphin & Alouette III in French Navy (Marine Nationale) service, Fennec in French Air Force and Army service, and Gazelle in French Army service.

                        The choice for the H160 has surprised some, given that Airbus only recently announced this helicopter which remains in development.
                        http://www.navyrecognition.com/index...licopters.html

                        http://airheadsfly.com/2017/03/03/fr...rvice-chopper/

                        They are talking in terms of the timing for this procurement (which some reports claim could involve up to 400 helicopters) of 2024 and which falls just a year ahead of UK MoD plans to replace their Gazelles. These two disposals, some 7-8 years from now, will thus be the last ever 'great sale' of Gazelles.

                        Comment









                        • SA342L1 RA-0608G (cn 123) as seen in a hangar in Russia NFI

                          Comment


                          • Rotorspot
                            Rotorspot commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Hi Enrico, if this RA-0608G is c/n 123, was it registered as RA-0608G before becoming YU-HFD or after having been 4O-HFD?

                          • Savoia
                            Savoia commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Ciao Jos!

                            AFAIK these shots were taken in 2011 and were after she had flown as YU-HFD; whether she then went on to become 4O-HFD I do not know. If so, one wonders where she is now?

                          • Rotorspot
                            Rotorspot commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Details about both YU-HFD and 4O-HFD were already available by mid-2010. In fact 4O-HFD was registered on 05-Oct-2009. 4O-HFD no longer showed up in the official registry in late 2012, but cancellation date is unknown. So, my guess is that RA-0608G was used after 4O-HFD.



                        • South African Gazelle Population Explosion

                          We have been reporting on the steady stream of Gazelles which have been making their way to South Africa in recent years whereby a population of just a handful of Gazelles about five years ago has grown to almost 20 aircraft (perhaps Jos can give us the latest figures).

                          The mainstay of South Africa's Gazelle imports are made up of ex-ALAT SA341F1's which continue to roll in with at least four new aircraft arriving within the past week. Perhaps even more astonishing is that up to another nine F1's may be on their way south. This may transform South Africa into the world's second largest civilian Gazelle population, second only to Britain, and may knock the US into third place in the Gaz population stakes.

                          Aside from the ex-ALAT birds a number of ex-Ecuadorian Army Gazelles have also contributed to South Africa's growing Gazelle numbers.

                          If we have anyone reading from South Africa who would be interested in assisting Shrieking Gazelles as a volunteer correspondent, sending news updates and occasional photos, please send me a message at: aviafora1@gmail.com as your support would be much appreciated.

                          Comment




                        • SA341B G-HSDL (WA1227) being towed from her landing pad with the aid of a Caterpillar mover


                          SA341B G-HSDL (WA1227) in her new hangar

                          Comment


                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Some nice trophies there, a deer head on the wall and 'live' Gazelle parked!

                          • Savoia
                            Savoia commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Yes, I also noticed the 'white deer', perhaps it is a species indigenous to Lancashire!




                        • Montenegrin Air Force SA342L1 12943 (cn 163) as seen in the Morača Canyon, Montenegro

                          This was perhaps the last Gaz to be built by Soko.

                          The Morača Canyon is situated to the north of Podgorica and was created by the Morača River which flows from Mount Rzača to Lake Skadar via Podgorica and is probably one of the longest rivers in Montenegro if not the longest.

                          The river is also home to the Morača Monastery.

                          Comment


                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Montenegro is indeed gifted by some beautiful landscapes!

                          • Savoia
                            Savoia commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Yes she is.



                        • Delivery of the 300th Gazelle (SA342M s/n 4171) to French ALAT.

                          Photo taken in front of Aerospatiale's factory in Marignane on June 19th, 1986.

                          Comment


                          • Savoia
                            Savoia commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Those were the days, taking deliveries of new Gazelles!

                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Oh, in these days we also have a Gazelle producer(s) - remember a brand new N341GG which rolled out the workshop of our fellow Aviaforan XB several days ago!

                          • Savoia
                            Savoia commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Yes yes, and for which we are most grateful.

                        • Zishelix wrote: Let's hope we'll see more pics of HSDL soon here (bigger ones and hopefully not cropped, if possible).
                          Okay.

                          More HSDL ..





                          SA341B G-HSDL (cn WA1227) as seen at Blackpool's Squires Gate Airport on 4th March 2017 (Photos: Steve Hall)

                          Comment

                        Working...
                        X