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  • Does anyone know the exact RAL colours of ex-French camo scheme please.

    Comment


    • Savoia
      Savoia commented
      Editing a comment
      Fabrice, can you assist with this?

    • Fabrice
      Fabrice commented
      Editing a comment
      Sorry, I can't be of a great help on this one. I just have the reference of the 'army green' used until the mid 90's approximately, which disappeared as the three tone camouflage was progressively introduced. And this reference is not an 'RAL' number ('army green 2420', high infrared reflectance).

      Fabrice

  • Not Gazelles, but continues the SFT story a little ...

    Not only did SFT use the Slingsby T67M Firefly, they also had Norman NDN-1T Firecrackers.

    Wonder if Nosco ever got a trip in one of them and what was it like ... looks like a really fast machine. Don't think they were a great success, most of them went to the USA.

    G-SFTS Seen at Farnborough

    Photo Helipixman Collection

    Comment


    • Savoia
      Savoia commented
      Editing a comment
      Very interesting Elipix, grazie.

      It seems the Firecracker lost out to the Shorts Tucano in the MoD's Jet Provost replacement competition, effectively sealing the aircraft's fate.

    • noscoavia
      noscoavia commented
      Editing a comment
      No, I never flew in one.

      One 'aeroplane only' batch of students trained on the T67M and then progressed onto the NDN-1T.

      Only two PT6 powered 'Firecrackers' ever flew. A third was partially constructed and registered (G-SFTT) but I never saw it, then or since (even in a photo).

      The NDN-1T was not 'Gucci' enough for the RAF, so I was told. The PC-9 was their favourite in that 1984 competition, but the Government selected the Tucano for them. Now retired, the Tucano has been replaced by the Beechcraft T-6 variant of the PC-9!



  • SA342M HA-HSG (cn.3615) as seen at Sherburn-in-Elmet Airfield on 18th January 2020 (Photo by Jez Poller)




    XW845, XW895 and XW907 as seen at RNAS Yeovilton on 6th October 1997


    Gaz Frame to be Auctioned



    The fuselage of XX403 is to be auctioned at midday on 28th January.

    For further details see here.

    Comment


    • Zishelix
      Zishelix commented
      Editing a comment
      Hopefully XX403 will fly again. Seen at Middle Wallop in June 12th, 1998 during commemoration of the 25 years of Gazelle service in the Royal Army.




  • SA341B ZA772 (WA1814) as seen at Middle Wallop on 29th October 2013




    SA341C G-CBGZ (WA1915) as seen at Breighton on 21st September 2014 (Photo by Malcolm Clarke)




    Short Gaz shot at 4:14 taken yesterday over the UK

    Comment




    • New Addition to US Register

      N341CF, SA341G, c/n 1286. Registered 13-Jan-2020 to Qualitair LLC Trustee, Michelstadt (Germany).

      This is the former C-GXQE,which was involved in an accident on 22-Jun-1981 (crashed and caught fire upon landing).
      See https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/152607

      Comment


      • Savoia
        Savoia commented
        Editing a comment
        'C/n 1286 is repaired!?' .. Perhaps it was an RBD repair (reconstruction by dataplate!)

      • Zishelix
        Zishelix commented
        Editing a comment
        Another one 'TB Gaz'? (TB - Trigger's Broom) A TV character called Trigger from legendary Only Fools and Horses TV show who talks about his sweeping brush which he has had for many years but which has had lots of replacement handles and brush ends. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HisD_pqlRHQ

        However, the 'broom' is airworthy again and that's only matter!

      • Helipixman
        Helipixman commented
        Editing a comment
        Reconstruction by Dataplate !!!!

        This seems to be done regularly. There is a chap on ebay presently selling log books and data plates from a Bell 206 and an AB206 ?



    • SA341B G-BZYD (WA1648) as seen at Blackbushe on 21st January 2020 (Photo by Glyn Jones)


      And seeing as we recently discussed SFT ..


      SA341G G-SFTD (cn.1145) as seen at Brand's Hatch in 1984 (Photo by Anton Heumann)

      Comment


      • Helipixman
        Helipixman commented
        Editing a comment
        Another great shot of an SFT Gazelle with a part from another gazelle ?

      • Savoia
        Savoia commented
        Editing a comment
        Keeping up the ancient custom of exchanging wheels and axles between chariots, first practiced in the little known Grecian town of Swapadopolis!

        In all fairness, this does happen within companies operating the same type, only that the parts are usually painted to match the recipient aircraft. However, I will concede that SFT did seem to engage in an unusual amount of part swapping, possibly due to the prangs from some of their training sorties?

    • Anyone able to confirm info about SA.342M 3866/GNI accident in 2018 during Operation Licorne?

      http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...=9530#post9530
      Last edited by Zishelix; 23rd January 2020, 14:14.

      Comment


      • Savoia
        Savoia commented
        Editing a comment
        Fabrice to the rescue!

      • Fabrice
        Fabrice commented
        Editing a comment
        Correct cn and reg, the date was 11 july 2018.

      • Zishelix
        Zishelix commented
        Editing a comment
        Thanks, Fabrice!

        Btw, check the mailbox from time to time



    • G-CTFS Amended Registration Details

      There has been a nominal change to the registration details of G-CTFS with the registered owner having changed to Beverley Polo Club Ltd on 13.1.20.

      This is still the same owner, Andrew Foreman, proprietor of Catfoss Cabin Hire at Catfoss Industrial Estate in Yorkshire, which is one of his many businesses.

      Comment


      • Savoia
        Savoia commented
        Editing a comment
        Grazie Elipix!



    • SA341B G-CHMF (WA1999) as seen at Stapleford in 2012 (Photo by Martin Uzzell)

      Now flying in South Africa as ZU-RNO.

      Comment




      • SA341G(S) F-GBMC (WA1065) as seen in France c.1980 (Photo by Chris McKee)


        Air Zermatt SA342J(S) HB-XMU (cn.1470) as seen in Switzerland c.mid-80's (Photo by Gerold Biner)

        Comment




        • The CAA have issued a Mandatory Permit Directive in relation to the fenestron on ex-military Gazelles.




          Ex-Military Westland Gazelle Helicopters (All Marks and Serial Numbers)

          A new manufacturing process of the tail rotor blade (TRB) was implemented, affecting the structural characteristic of this critical part. Consequently, new P/N 341A335101.01, P/N 341A335130.05 and P/N 341A335130.06/ were allocated and an applicable Service Life Limit (SLL) of 21250 FH was established, which has been identified as mandatory action for continued airworthiness.

          Failure to comply with this requirement could result in an unsafe condition.

          It was also determined that certain new-manufactured TRB were improperly identified with P/N 341A335130.04. Prompted by this finding, Airbus Helicopters (AH) published the ASB. Providing instruction for re-identification of those affected parts.

          In February 2019, EASA published AD 2019-0034 in cooperation with Airbus Helicopters. It is deemed that there is sufficient applicability to the ex-military fleet in the UK operating on a Permit to Fly (PtF) to warrant this MPD.

          For the reasons described above, this MPD requires re-identification of the affected parts and implementation of the applicable SLL to all TRB having P/N 341A335101.01, P/N 341A335101.01, P/N 341A335130.05 and P/N 341A335130.06.

          This MPD has been raised to address this potential unsafe condition.

          Effective Date: 6 February 2020
          http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/MPD2020001.pdf

          Comment


          • Savoia
            Savoia commented
            Editing a comment
            Grazie Elipix!

            XB, would you be able to explain in a little more detail what this is about?

          • xbdt
            xbdt commented
            Editing a comment
            http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/MPD2020001.pdf

            Apparently this only applies to ex-UK MOD birds. t/r blades should be replaced once they reach 21250 flight hours. Not sure if any ex-MOD Gazelles operating under a permit to fly have reached this amount of FH though.

            The AH ASB states that it is only a re-labelling of the p/n due to new manufacturing, without affecting the SLL.

            If someone needs the AH ASB GAZ-01.36, pm me and I'll send it to you (it lists all affected t/r blade s/n).
            Last edited by xbdt; 25th January 2020, 10:53.

          • Savoia
            Savoia commented
            Editing a comment
            Grazie mille XB!






        • Avia member Anja with Serbian Air Force Gazelle in Serbia in January 2020 (Photos courtesy of Anja)

          Comment


          • Zishelix
            Zishelix commented
            Editing a comment
            Always pleasure to see Anja and her Gazelle

        • Sunny photo for a rainy day

          Comment


          • Back to the HSL theme - G-BAGL at Westlands Open Day in May 12th, 1984 (Photo: Robert Nichols)

            Comment


            • Savoia
              Savoia commented
              Editing a comment
              Nice one.

              It sure would be nice to learn a little more about HSL's operations.



          • SA342M HA-HSG (cn.3615) as seen at North Coates Airfield on 12th January 2020 (Photo by Paul Harvey)




            SA341B G-HSDL (WA1227) as seen at her home hangar in Burnley, Lancashire on 6th January 2020 (Photo by Ben Sadler)

            Question: Are we looking at what is essentially a forklift truck albeit with super-long forks beneath 'Helga'?




            SA34MV as seen in Djibouti in January 2020 crewed by 3/3 Squadron




            SA342MV 'Night Operations' (Drawing by Julien Lepelletier)

            Comment




            • The patch of the 3rd Combat Helicopter Regiment (3e Régiment d'Hélicoptères de Combat – RHC) stationed in Étain at Base Lieutenant Étienne Mantoux. Nicknamed "Night Regiment", 3rd RHC became the specialist in night fighting by using the VIVIANE viewfinder on Gazelle from the beginning of its deployment.

              Comment


              • Savoia
                Savoia commented
                Editing a comment
                We are very pleased to have some members of 3e RHC as regular readers of this forum and extend to them our best wishes!

            • Good looking N341GG (cn.1181) at Isle of Man in June 2019 (Photo: IOM Aviation Photography)

              Comment




              • SA342MV F-MGAO with SA342M F-MGCI as seen at Besançon La Vèze Aerodrome in France on 27th January 2020


                SA342MV F-MGAP with SA342M F-MGEV as seen at Phalsbourg-Bourscheid in France on 2nd July 2017 operated by 1 RHC




                SA341F2 ZU-RED (cn.1285) as seen in Transkei, South Africa in November 2017


                ZU-RED approaching waterfall in Transkei in November 2017

                Comment




                • SA341B ZA772 (WA1814) as seen at Middle Wallop in 2009




                  SA342L 237 (cn.1854) as seen at Baldonnel Casement Aerodrome on 23rd July 1996 (Photo by Fred Willemsen)

                  Comment


                  • Zishelix
                    Zishelix commented
                    Editing a comment
                    What's those yellow light on the ZA772's right skid?
                    Last edited by Zishelix; 29th January 2020, 13:07.

                  • Savoia
                    Savoia commented
                    Editing a comment
                    Hopefully Fene Strong can help!

                • C/n 1001 F-WIEP used as a test registration and first flew on 6.8.71 It became F-WTNA another test registration and eventually became EC-DUR with a new c/n 1185

                  Anyone know exactly when the c/n changed and why ?

                  Photo Helipixman collection

                  Comment


                  • Zishelix
                    Zishelix commented
                    Editing a comment
                    1001 was the first serially produced Gazelle, equipped w/ AIIIA turbo shaft, regd F-WIEP 8/71 to SNIAS (Aerospatiale). After flying for a while as an test-bed and demo machine, rebuilt in 1975 and become SA.342 demo w/ Astazou XIV and got new reg F-WTNA & c/n 1185. Later sold to Spain (EC-DUR), destroyed in 1992 at Malaga.

                    Nice photo finding, btw!

                  • Helipixman
                    Helipixman commented
                    Editing a comment
                    Thanks Zis
                    I have more photos of c/n 1001 flying without any reg visible !



                • SA341B XZ338 (WA1682) as seen near Middle Wallop in July 2007 (Photo by Philip Stevens)




                  N341ZL Stateside in January 2020

                  Comment


                  • F-WTNA c/n 1185 as demo machine for SA.342M variant.



                    An interesting concept of upgrading Gazelle for the next millennium… regd F-WTNA, of course





                    http://modelstories.free.fr/analyses...ton/index.html

                    Comment


                    • Helipixman
                      Helipixman commented
                      Editing a comment
                      Well well we have seen it all now, Gazelle converted into a Car, Truck, Sculpture and now at least something it will be used to fly !

                      Maybe if somebody from Airbus Helicopters looks at this - well who knows ?

                      More photos of F-WIEP will be posted this evening for Zis

                    • Savoia
                      Savoia commented
                      Editing a comment
                      It's enough to make you wiep!

                      When I was young, my father taught me how to make a host of different paper planes including a paper cone (see link) and I was surprised to see just how effectively a cylinder can fly! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw7YnjEnLaE

                  • More photographs of C/n 1001, presumably still while it was F-WIEP but does not seem to carry the registration on the airframe ?





                    All photos from Helipixman Collection

                    Comment


                  • 'GEY'

                    SA342M F-MGEY being handled on deck.

                    Comment




                    • Given Elipix's lovely historic shots of F-WIEP/WTNA .. I have been compelled to trawl my own (much smaller) collection of cn.1001


                      F-WTNA as seen at Battersea in the 1970's (Westland Archives)


                      Battersea Heliport in the 1970's (Westland Archives)

                      I recall seeing this display at Battersea in the mid-70's when I would regularly visit the heliport aboard one of Ferranti's JetRangers.

                      While the registration in the photo above depicts F-WIEP, I am fairly sure that in the top photo she is wearing F-WTNA.

                      Comment


                      • Helipixman
                        Helipixman commented
                        Editing a comment
                        I remember seeing this and various other displays from my regular visits in the mid to late 70s. Happy memories.



                    • SA341F2 N341MG (cn.1482) as seen Stateside in January 2020

                      This bird was offered for sale, with the Maserati included, at this year's Heli-Expo.

                      Comment




                      • New Gazelle on South African Register

                        ZU-ROJ SA341B AH.1 (WA1987) Registered to Aviator at Work Party Ltd 3.12.19

                        This is ex G-CIEX a former Crabtree Gaz. So my question is.. did this go to Hungary before travelling to South Africa ?

                        Comment


                        • md600driver
                          md600driver commented
                          Editing a comment
                          Yes 1987 went to Hungary for overhaul, then back to the UK, then containered to South Africa.

                        • Savoia
                          Savoia commented
                          Editing a comment
                          Grazie Elipix e Stefano!



                      • SA341G G-HTPS (cn.1301) as seen at Cranfield on 7th July 1990 (Photo by Keith Wilson)




                        SA341B ZA772 (WA1814) belonging to 665 Squadron as seen at RAF Fairford on 15th July 2018 (Photo by Paul Brockdorff)

                        Comment




                        • Gazelles Cancelled from US Register

                          Aerospatiale SA34X Inc have cancelled two Gazelles on 31-Jan-2020:

                          N171GZ SA341F2, c/n 1171
                          N312GZ SA341F2, c/n 1312

                          Does anyone know their fate?

                          Comment


                          • Helipixman
                            Helipixman commented
                            Editing a comment
                            So far all of the Aerospatiale SA34X US de-registered Gazelles have gone to South Africa so that's my guess.

                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Thanks for info, Jos!

                            Both machines probably shipped to RSA, as Helipix said.



                        • I wonder if any of the people in the photograph below are hopefully still with us or if any have any current connections within Airbus Helicopters. I think some of them are from ALAT.


                          Photo Helipixman Collection

                          Comment


                          • Zishelix
                            Zishelix commented
                            Editing a comment
                            What a blast from the past!

                            The photo taken in May 1976 on delivery of the 100th Gazelle. Thanks Helipix!

                          • Savoia
                            Savoia commented
                            Editing a comment
                            Bravo Elipix, veramente bello!
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