Shrieking Gazelles

[md600driver]

Interesting that this Gazelle is being mentioned as it was being sold on 26th May 2021 by MOD sales (Witham Specialist Vehicles) with a starting price of £5,000

See http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...3851#post13851

Seen in a sand camo scheme but with green camo doors just wonder how much of a mix of parts this Gazelle is ? and wondering if a certain member on here purchased her ?

I am not aware of any battle damage, as Sav mentions after leaving 670 Squadron it went into storage at RAF Cosford and then became a Ground instructional airframe.

It is now registered as G-CMBB 1630.

[Rotorspot]

New Gazelle on the UK Register

G-CMBB SA341B Gazelle AH1, c/n 1630, ex XZ322; registered on 04-Jun-2021 to Steve Atherton.

Congrats, Steve.

[Savoia]

Grazie Jos! 👍

[Savoia]

Zomergem Stable Releases New SA342M

The Zomergem stable, represented by Avia member 'XB', has released a new SA342M for delivery to the United States.

This former ALAT SA342M cn.4123 has received a complete overhaul together with a full refurbishment and repaint. The work completed at Zomergem included removal of the wire strike kit and windshield wipers. The aircraft received a new comms stack and has been fitted with a fenestron driveshaft cover and skid fairings. This aircraft has reportedly been restored to 'factory new' condition and is presented to an overall exceptional standard.

4123 will enter the US register as N342RP and is due to be shipped to the US later this month.


SA342M N342RP (cn.4123) as seen at Zomergem in Belgium in early June 2021






SA341C G-IBNH (WA1033) as seen at Compton Abbas on 5th June 2021




SA341B ZA766 (WA1808) as seen at Manchester Barton on 3rd June 2021 (Photo by Andrew Davies)

Gazelles at Stapleford

[Savoia]

Aviavora is pleased to present Avia Member 'XB' with our 'Outstanding Gazelle Award'

in respect of the work completed in overhauling, refurbishing and repainting SA342M cn.4123

Our congratulations on a job well done!

This is the second Gazelle Award presented to the Zomergem stable,
the first being in respect of N341DT in 2017

[Savoia]

Fantastico XB! 👌 You've done an outstanding job .. again!

Is that a GPS on the lower part of the panel?

[xbdt]

The comm stack shows only a GDU 470 (=G3X), but all other avionics are installed remotely. It has a GSU 25, GEA24, GMU 11, GA 26C, GTR 20 COMM, GMA 245R AUDIO PANEL, GTX 45R TRANSPONDER, GPS 20A, fuel flow transducer .... all installed in the back.

[Savoia]

'𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐆𝐒𝐔 𝟐𝟓, 𝐆𝐄𝐀𝟐𝟒, 𝐆𝐌𝐔 𝟏𝟏, 𝐆𝐀 𝟐𝟔𝐂, 𝐆𝐓𝐑 𝟐𝟎 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌, 𝐆𝐌𝐀 𝟐𝟒𝟓𝐑 𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐋, 𝐆𝐓𝐗 𝟒𝟓𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑, 𝐆𝐏𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝐀, 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐫 .... 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤.' — Fantastico XB! 👍

[Helipixman]

Noted from some recent reports:-

East Hanney, Landmead Farm, Oxfordshire... this seems to be their operational base, noted here in mid April were:-

G-CBSK marked as ZB627
G-CGJZ with boom from XZ936 ?
G-CLGO marked as XZ939
G-ZZLE marked as XX436
XW849 noted as an unconverted frame.

Peasmore, Berkshire.... this is their maintenance base (Falcon Aviation).

This is a small grass strip to the east of Peasmore village and Gazelles are visible on the ground on Google Maps.

Noted here 20.4.21 were:-

G-CBKA reported as acquired from the late John Windmill estate
G-CBSH
G-CDNS marked as XZ321 "N" in desert scheme
G-CGJX
G-CLHO
G-CLXM Noted with boom from XX453
G-CLXP
G-CLXR
N58283
XX450
XZ303
XX389 boom only

[Helipixman]

Noted at Witham Specialist Vehicles, Colsterworth on the 2nd April 2021 were:-

XX378
XX442
XX447
XZ311
XZ322 which has since become G-CMBB
XZ337

and a Lynx XZ218 which has fake US markings !

[Savoia]

A Lynx with US markings .. 😆

[Helipixman]

Noted at Fleetlands (for maintenance) are:

XW846
XZ290
XZ340 Arrived from BATUS as airfreight to Brize Norton on 3.3.21, to Fleetlands by road
ZA731 Arrived from BATUS as airfreight to Brize Norton on 3.3.21, to Fleetlands by road
ZA736 Arrived from BATUS as airfreight to Brize Norton, 1.3.21 and delivered by road to Fleetlands 4.3.21
ZA766
ZB671 Noted test flying 24.3.21 and due to go to Middle Wallop then Brize Norton for return to BATUS
ZB669 Arrived from AAC 665 Squadron
ZB679

XW865 Stored
XZ326 Stored

Other BAG News

XW847 currently with 7 Training regiment
ZB674 currently with 5 Regiment and noted at Exeter Airport 25.2.21

[Savoia]

Fantastic updates Elipix, grazie mille! 👍

[Savoia]

SA341B G-BZYD (WA1648) XZ329 as seen at Sandown Airfield on the Isle of Wight on 30th May 2021 (Photo by Malcolm Toll)




SA342M F-MAXH (cn.3896) as seen at Le Luc-Le Cannet on 4th June 2005 (Photo by Mike Kell)




Digital EC-DUR


Digital G-CBKD




Elipix, some Gaz parts for your collection: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/gary_kuk/...1&_ipg=&_from=

Also, a Gazelle FLIR ball: https://gijoearmystores.com/product/...rret-gimbal-2/

Ariana, daughter of Avia member Liberio
flying N37UP in the area of the
Tuscan–Emilian Apennines
on 7th June 2021
(Video by AryMusic https://arymusic.it/)

[Helipixman]

Thanks I have seen the sudden influx of Gazelle parts on ebay, looks like they are mostly for bidding, I prefer them when they have a fixed price and normally negotiable. Looks like lots of them are new and possibly aimed at Gazelle owners. Wonder who the seller is and where he got all of his items from ?

[Savoia]

I suppose it is possible that these may be 'bits and pieces' from WSV/Witham.

[Helipixman]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head ex Witham. I have just been informed that aswell as XZ322 being sold, there were another five gazelle frames sold :- XX378, XZ377, XX442, XZ311 and XX447 which pretty much clears out the Gazelles there. These I think had the Fenestrons cut off and according to reports pretty rough ? In addition to the airframes there were 36 lots of Gazelle spares.

[md600driver]

I suppose it is possible that these may be 'bits and pieces' from WSV/Witham.

I suspect these were items were either thrown out from Aborfield Garrison or obtained from Aborfield when disposing of their airframes. As the address is Aborfield.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head ex Witham. I have just been informed that aswell as XZ322 being sold, there were another five gazelle frames sold :- XX378, XZ377, XX442, XZ311 and XX447 which pretty much clears out the Gazelles there. These I think had the Fenestrons cut off and according to reports pretty rough ? In addition to the airframes there were 36 lots of Gazelle spares.

Yes, the other 5 stripped airframes had their fenestrons cut-off, some with a Stihl saw.

[Savoia]

'𝙔𝙚𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 5 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙩-𝙤𝙛𝙛, 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙎𝙩𝙞𝙝𝙡 𝙨𝙖𝙬.' — As of course one does!

[Savoia]

RA-1347G Reregistered as TL-WAS

SA341H cn.087, formerly RA-1347G, which was the subject of a recent Avia post reporting that this aircraft had been mobilised as part of a Russian mercenary force in Africa, has been entered onto the Central African Republic register as TL-WAS.


SA341H TL-WAS (cn.087) as seen in the Central African Republic in May 2021

Video detailing the Russian involvement in the Central African Republic.
Some Gazelle footage may be found at 7 mins.




SA341B G-BZYD (WA1648) XZ329 as seen at Sandown Airfield on the Isle of Wight on 30th May 2021 (Photo by Ian Grove)



SA342MV F-MGAL (cn.3862) as seen on 13th September 2016 (Photo by Alex van Noye)




A recent photo (so I am told) of some of the Gaz Squad drivers

Can anyone put some names to these faces? They all seem to be wearing name patches, but too small to zoom in on.

[Helipixman]

Rwandan Gazelles

In post #5025 it was asked if anyone had any details as to the number of and identities of Gazelles operated in Rwanda:-

they had 5 SA342L's....

10-K08 c/n 1871
10-K09 c/n 1872
10-K10 c/n 2004
10-K11 c/n 2005
10-K12 c/n 2163 this became 9XR-AF which was written off on 1.1.99

also of interest ?

Gazelles in the Central African Republic

I wonder if all four of the recently de-registered Russian Gazelles have all gone there, so far we know...

TL-WAS c/n 087
TL-WJU c/n 055 (seems this is one of the crashed Gazelles) - see: http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...3686#post13686 / https://www.scramble.nl/military-new...-gazelle-crash

The other two were... RA-05703 c/n 1524 and RA-1314G c/n unknown. Have these also gone to Africa ?

[Savoia]

Grazie per le informazioni sulle gazzelle ruandesi (Thank you for the information on the Rwandan Gazelles).

In the Avia link in your post (some days before the Scramble article) RA-05702 (058) is identified as the Gaz which crashed in the CAR.

Regarding RA-1314G, we recently reported (see post #5016 http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...3915#post13915) that this too had been deployed to the CAR. Regarding the ex-Crabtree cab 1524, I am not sure, but have a feeling this is currently for sale in Russia.

[Savoia]

SA342M F-MGEL as seen in the Ivory Coast NFI




SA341B XX460 (WA1484) as seen at SPTA on 21st May 2008

Visit by various Belgaz to the Dynali helicopter
plant in Nivelles, Belgium on 19th March 2021

Read about the Belgaz visit to Dynali in post #4933

Gazelle and Puma arrivals and departures at
Valencia Airport in Spain on 7th June 2021




Check out the latest Gazelle for sale on the GazMart

[Savoia]

SA342J F-GPFP (cn.1708) as seen in France in March 2007 (Robert Jeantrelle)

Became N342J which was sadly written-off on 21st June 2020 at Minden-Tahoe Airport in Nevada.


SA341H RF-20446 as seen in Kubina, Russia on 4th August 2007 (Alexander Mishin)

[Savoia]

SA342L AEE-373 (cn.5013) as seen in Pasochoa, Ecuador on 3rd June 2021 (Photo by Antonio Espinel)

The last operational Gazelle serving with the Ecuadorian Army.

SAF Gaz flying over Niš in Serbia.
Pilot: Mihajlo Petrović

[Savoia]

SA342L1 12943 (cn.163) +1 over the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro in November 2019 (Photo by Sven van Roij)




SA341B ZB688 (WA1999) as seen on 30th January 2008 (Photo by Peter Nicholson)

Location not identified, but perhaps SPTA. Operating as 'Army Air 764'.




SA341G YU-HHS (WA1067) as seen at Lisičji Jarak Airport in Serbia on 13th June 2021 (Photo by Vlada Trifunovic)

[Savoia]

SA342M N342RP (cn.4123) as seen at Zomergem in June 2021 (Photo by Tom Buysse)




SA341D ZB627 (WA1914) as seen at RAF Fairford in July 1993




SA341F2 ZU-RNE (cn.1467) as seen in South Africa NFI (Photo by Dave Madden)

[Helipixman]

Never really noticed before until seeing the photo of N342RP from above, the exhaust is slightly offset to the port side !

What is the reason for this ? Maybe to keep the hot exahust away from the fenestron ?

[Savoia]

I noticed this several years back but am unsure as to the reason.

XB .. can you assist?

[Savoia]

SA341G(S) G-OGAZ (cn.1274) as seen at Perth Scone on 5th June 2009 (Photo by Wallace Shackleton)




SA341B ZB672 (WA1959) as seen at Middle Wallop on 15th May 1994 (Photo by Roger Richards)

[Helipixman]

G-OGAZ oh to see Gazelles in Scotland again ! I dont think there are any preserved up here either.

At least G-OGAZ is enjoying warmer weather !

[Savoia]

'𝙤𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙩𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣!' — It may yet happen Elipix, let us wait and see.

[md600driver]

Never really noticed before until seeing the photo of N342RP from above, the exhaust is slightly offset to the port side !

What is the reason for this ? Maybe to keep the hot exhaust away from the fenestron ?

I was told many years ago that it was offset to assist with anti-torque.

[Helipixman]

Thanks md600

[Savoia]

'𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞-𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙦𝙪𝙚.' — This was my initial thought, but then I started to ask myself, what exactly would be the thrust coefficient of the exhaust, given that with turboprops the exhaust velocity from the turbine core is fairly low and contributes little (thrust wise) as most of the energy is used to drive the shaft leading to the props.

[xbdt]

I don't think this has something to do with the gained thrust (otherwise the tail should have been oriented the other way). Maybe the heat creates a low pressure on the left side of the fin and so helps that way?

[Savoia]

SA342M F-MAXG (cn.4018) as seen in 1990 NFI




SA341G(S) YU-HHH (cn.1307) as seen at Felix Restaurant in Warley, Essex on 16th June 2021 (Photo by Leigh Dawney)




SA341B XZ326 (WA1644) as seen at Middle Wallop on 9th June 2006 (Photo by Stefan Szrama)

[Savoia]

Gabonese Army SA342L TR-KCU (cn.5019) as seen in Gabon NFI (Photo by Maxim Novikovski)




SA341B G-HSDL (WA1227) as seen at Manchester Barton on 17th June 2021 (Photo by Craig Duffy)

G-HSDL engine start at ManBart on 17th June 2021

[Savoia]

SA341B RA-05709 (WA1184) as seen at Bratsk Airport on 1st May 2021 (Photo courtesy of Avia member Kirill)

709 seen above with Heli-Dog 'Baikal'.




SA341D XZ935 (WA1742) as seen at Boscombe Down in June 1990

[Zishelix]

I contact public library in Grand Prairie, TX in attempt to find some more photos of the event, no luck so far



I'll appreciate any help in this matter!

[Savoia]

It looks like they made a model Gazelle for the float Zis.

[Zishelix]

I'd say so but need confirmation. Let's hope somebody would be able to help us in this regard.

[Savoia]

SA342M HA-HSG (cn.3615) as seen at Turweston Aerodrome on 19th June 2021 (Photos by James Ronayne and David R.)

Attending the Air Britain fly-in on Saturday.




RN Sharks XW860 & XW890 as seen in the 1970's

[Savoia]

SA341D G-VOIP (WA1792) as seen at Fishburn Airfield on 12th June 2021




SA341B XZ294 (WA1506)as seen at Plymouth Hoe (Photo by Rick Ingham)




The Shooting Down of a Yugoslav Gazelle on 27th June 1991



An article by Anja Vladisavljevic

Armée de Terre Gazelle landing at Lycée Polyvalent Jean Taris, Peyrehorade
(Jean Taris High School in Polyvalent, France)




~ Exceptional Gazelle For Sale ~

Today, one of Aviafora's members is placing his Gazelle on the GazMart.

This aircraft is one of the most exceptional Gazelles to come to market in recent years and represents an extraordinary opportunity for the discerning buyer.

We extend great and good wishes to Avia member Adriano for the sale of his aircraft and in the development of his ongoing aviation projects.

Check out the details on the GazMart

[Savoia]

SA341B N341AH (WA1208) as seen at Minden-Tahoe on 4th June 2005 (Photo by Mike Evans)




SA341H 12658 (cn.026) NFI




SA342M Gazelle art

[Helipixman]

XZ325/WA1635

XZ325 sale by MOD Lyneham. It seems to have been sold and transported by road to a possible new location of Riverside a retail park in Northampton.

Details can be found here:- https://agilitystoke.com/product/aer...z325-for-sale/

[Savoia]

Grazie Elipix! 👍

[Rotorspot]

Armée de Terre Gazelle landing at Lycée Polyvalent Jean Taris, Peyrehorade
(Jean Taris High School in Polyvalent, France)

Haha, I notice a slight mistake in the translation. Lycée Polyvalent is some kind of Polytechnical School (or Comprehensive School). Its location is in Peyrehorade (South of Dax).

[Savoia]

Yes, I think as you say it is something like a comprehensive school, Fabrizio if you read this do you know the correct English for Lycée Polyvalent?

[Fabrice]

The Lycée Polyvalent stands for a high school providing professionnal as well as general academic teaching. In this case, the professionnal teaching is orientated on the aeronautical maintenance skills.

[Savoia]

Grazie Fabrizio, so much appreciated! 👍

[Savoia]

SA341B XW843 (WA1004) as seen at Groningen Airport in Eelde, Netherlands in 1989 (Photo by Jack Poelstra)




SA342M maintenance in West Africa NFI

[Zishelix]

SA341H 12658 (cn.026) NFI

12658 last moments after the rope used for commando assault demo hooked obstacle, broke and hit the main rotor

[Savoia]

So sad. 🙁

Btw, the article in post #5063 to do with the shooting down of a Yugoslav Gazelle on 27th June 1991, did you read about this before?

[Zishelix]

Of course, tragic story

[Savoia]

SA341G G-WDEV (WA1098) as seen at Silverstone c.2000's (Photo by Graeme Lovell)




F-MAMM as seen in Bangui-M'Poko in the Central African Republic in 1985 (Photo by Robert Jeantrelle)

Fabrizio, do you have any record of F-MAAM, was this a 341F2?

[Savoia]

Grazie Zis e Jos, a great team! 👌

[Fabrice]

As a thumb rule, if you see an ALAT Gazelle without the doppler fairing (the square-shaped box underneath the aft fuselage), it is a 341. And if you see an ALAT Gazelle with a side-mounted gun, it is a 341 as well.

[Savoia]

Grazie mille Fabrizio! 👍