SA.342 L1 Gazelle Mistral

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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.

Today, I’m introducing you to a variant of a helicopter we’re already familiar with in-game, a version designed solely for air-to-air combat: the Gazelle Mistral.

The Gazelle Mistral is a variant of the Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle light helicopter, developed in the 1980s to meet the needs of close-quarters air defense. Based on the proven Gazelle airframe, this version was equipped with launchers capable of carrying up to four Mistral surface-to-air missiles, a short-range infrared-guided missile designed to neutralize enemy aircraft or helicopters. The idea was to have a light, maneuverable helicopter capable of rapid deployment to protect ground forces or sensitive points against low-altitude air threats. The Gazelle Mistral differed only slightly from other versions of the Gazelle in terms of its engine and flight performance, but its armament specialized it in a role that was unprecedented for this type of aircraft: that of a flying anti-aircraft interceptor.

Within the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT), the Gazelle Mistral formed a component of local air defense in the 1980s and 1990s, notably to protect mechanized and armored units. Although its operational use was limited due to its vulnerability, the helicopter remained poorly protected and lightly armored, it demonstrated the ALAT’s ability to adapt the Gazelle to a wide variety of missions, ranging from reconnaissance to anti-tank support, and even anti-aircraft defense. The introduction of more modern helicopters such as the Tigre HAD and the deployment of more efficient surface-to-air systems gradually relegated the Gazelle Mistral to a secondary role, before its withdrawal. However, it remains a striking example of the Gazelle’s versatility, which was adapted to a multitude of configurations in service with the French army.

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Characteristics

  • Length : 11.96m

  • Width : 10.50m

  • Height : 3.19m

  • Weight :

    • Min : 968kg
    • Max : 1900kg

The aircraft is powered by one 870hp ASTAZOU XIV M turbine, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 280km/h and fly for a maximum of 2 hours 40 minutes.

Equipment

  • DAR (détecteur d’alerte radar) RWR
    (4 sensors, 2 at the front and 2 at the rear of the fenestron)

  • DAM (détecteur d’alerte missile) MAW
    (4 sensors, 2 at the front and 2 at the rear of the fenestron)

  • Decoy launcher
    Two installable packs of 16 counter-measures each

  • Targeting System
    The aiming system is where this Gazelle variant differs from the others. The Mistral version loses its roof sight (see image) due to its uselessness for air combat but a SEXTANT T200 sight is installed in the aircraft for aiming Mistral missiles.

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Weapons

Since this aircraft only has an air combat role, its armament is limited. Thus, the Gazelle Mistral can only carry 4 Mistral missiles (2 missiles on each side), a load that is already found in play on the latest variant of the aircraft.

In-game this variant of the Gazelle helicopter would be a very interesting addition due to its unique armament for a helicopter in the game, in fact it would be the very first combat helicopter in-game to have only an air-to-air combat role. This aircraft would therefore be a very good addition adding a new style of gameplay in the French tree.

Pictures

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Sources
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