- Yes
- No
Royal Marine AH.1 landing near Goose Green, Falkland Islands
History:
For our intents and purposes and given the fact that several Gazelles are already present in War Thunder, we will focus on its use by the UK in the Falklands War and keep the history brief.
The Gazelle AH.1 entered service in 1974 and 1975 with the British Army and Royal Navy respectively. In 1982 the Falklands War kicked off between the United Kingdom and Argentina. The UK’s helicopter fleet outside of the larger Lynx helicopters was rather dated, consisting of older platforms, such as the Scout and Wasp. As the UK’s task force had set off on the long journey down to the Falklands, military planners realized they needed supplemental firepower to complement their rather small and aging naval helicopter fleet.
A number of Gazelles were sent to France to be fitted with 68mm SNEB rocket pods in preparation for the impending war. Other modifications to the helicopters included improved armor plating, flotation gear, and folding blade mechanisms for carrier use. These changes were done in France by Aérospatiale as the Brits were actively en route to the Falklands, with the upgraded Gazelles arriving via airlift only hours before the conflict would officially begin. The now armed Gazelles would perform escorts of other helicopters as well as close air support sorties throughout the conflict.
As of 2025, the Gazelle is the oldest and longest serving helicopter in UK service today, being active for over 50 years.
Royale Marine AH.1 XX415 being delivered via Sea King airlift
Royal Marine AH.1 XX413 being, “hot-refueled”
Royal Marine AH.1 touching down near Bluff Cove, Falkland Islands
Specifications:
- Rotor diameter - 10.5 m
- Length - 9.5 m
- Height - 2.9 m
- Weight (Empty) - 850 kg,
- Weight (Max. load) - 1,800 kg.
- Crew 1-3
- Engine - Astazou IIIN2
- Max. Speed - 310 kph / 193 mph
- Service Ceiling - 5,000 m / 16,405 ft.
- Max. Range - 669 km / 416 mi
Armament:
- 2x 68mm SNEB rocket pods (12 SNEB type 23 rockets total)
- Potentially a mounted FN Mag
- Potentially single or double TOW missile tubes
Please note that the possible armament is subject to change as there is active research underway on whether or not the British fielded/tested other weaponry on their Gazelles such as ATGMs, 20 mils, etc. If you have any hard evidence proving they did, please leave it below!
Seen above is Royal Marine AH.1 XX412 on display post-war
British Army AH.1 XW276 equipped for previous testing with a TOW missile launch tube
Proposed implementation and BR:
The Gazelle AH.1 would best be added to War Thunder as the new, “reserve” helicopter for the UK between 7.0-7.7 or as a premium/event vehicle. With its limited armament, a lower BR than other preexisting Gazelles and or premium/event status would be appropriate for balancing.
Once again just as with the proposed weaponry, the proposed BR is completely subject to change, depending on what the community can dig up on the Gazelle AH.1’s capabilities and armaments. The proposed BR range of 7.0–7.7 is in regards to what we know for fact about the Gazelle AH.1 currently.
Why the Gazelle?
Currently the UK’s base/starting helicopter is the Scout AH.Mk.1 which sits at BR 8.3. The Gazelle AH.1 although having a, “lesser” armament is unmatched in speed and maneuverability compared to any other helicopter at its proposed BR range between 7.0-7.7 or its counterpart at 8.3. And realistically speaking SNEBs are not to be scoffed at with 400mm of penetration. Many ground vehicles at the 7.0-7.7 range will be dispatched with ease even with such a light weapons load.
The AH.1 Gazelle has the potential to be a great boom and zoomer while also allowing for an incredibly agile eye in the sky to support your team in ground battles. The Gazelle also stands as one of the most iconic helicopters of the Cold War that is still in service today with the UK’s armed forces and others around the world. It would make a unique and eye-catching addition to the UK’s existing pool of helicopters.
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