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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I present to you the final version of the Gazelle used by the French army, the Gazelle Viviane.
The Gazelle helicopter, officially designated Aérospatiale SA 341/342 Gazelle, is a light multi-role aircraft developed jointly by France and the United Kingdom in the late 1960s. Designed by Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale), in collaboration with Westland Helicopters, the Gazelle made its first flight in 1967. It was distinguished by several major innovations for the time, including its rigid main rotor with composite blades and its fenestron empennage (ducted tail rotor), which reduced noise and improved ground safety. Primarily used for reconnaissance, light transport, and tactical support missions, the Gazelle enjoyed great export success, serving with numerous militaries around the world. It has been deployed in various conflicts, from Lebanon to Iraq, and remains in service with some armed forces thanks to its maneuverability and proven reliability.
In the French Army, the Gazelle helicopter played a central role for several decades, particularly within the Army Light Aviation (ALAT). Introduced into service in the 1970s, it was produced in several versions, the best known of which are the Gazelle SA 341F for reconnaissance, and the SA 342M, equipped with HOT anti-tank missiles, for combat missions. Thanks to its speed, maneuverability, and discreet silhouette, the Gazelle proved particularly effective in armed reconnaissance, fire support, and escort operations. It was widely used in overseas operations, notably in Chad, Lebanon, the former Yugoslavia, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Afghanistan.
The Viviane version of the Gazelle is one of the latest variants of the Gazelle and is the main variant still used today by the French armed forces. This one, although very similar to the previous versions, nevertheless presents a very important improvement in the form of a thermal camera placed (Viviane optic) above the cabin (very widely visible in the images). In addition, due to the fact that it is still in service, the aircraft has received the latest versions of the missiles it can fire, notably the HOT-3 missiles.
Characteristics
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**Length : ** 11.96m
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Width : 10.50m
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Height : 3.19m
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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
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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 Viviane sighting system is much more important on this version of the Gazelle, this heavier system (59kg) required reinforcing the cabin because of the risks for the crew in the event of a crash. This new sight allows observation by TV but also IR with the VICTOR camera from TRT. A laser rangefinder is also available
Weapons
The main armament is very similar to that of the Gazelle M already present in the game. It includes:
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4 x HOT-1 missiles
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4 x HOT-2 missiles
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2 x 2 × Mistral air-to-air missiles
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2x 7 × FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
However, this aircraft being more modern, it also has access to the latest generation of HOT missiles, the HOT-2MP and HOT-3 (present on Tiger helicopters). The aircraft can carry as many as the other models, i.e. 4 missiles.
In addition, to ensure its self-defense, the Gazelle Viviane can be equipped with the Gatling M134 D (DILLON AEROSPACE) in the starboard porthole, allowing it to provide significant fire support to the infantry and to defend itself against lighter targets. During this installation, the rear seat is removed in order to install a 3000-round 7.62mm ammunition box in its place.
Video
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI_rxmD1ol8)
French ALAT Puma and Gazelle low flight in Sahara
Sources
- GAZELLE | Ministère des Armées
- Présentation de l’hélicoptère SA342 M GAZELLE ALAT - ALAT.FR
- Gazelle viviane sa 342 M1
- Pour le commandant de l’ALAT, l’hélicoptère Gazelle est « irremplaçable »
- Aérospatiale SA.342 Gazelle — avionslegendaires.net
- Gazelle (hélicoptère) : définition et explications
- Gazelle Multi-Role Helicopter - Airforce Technology