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{{short description|Light helicopter, French, 1973–present}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = SA 341/SA 342 Gazelle
 |image = File:Gazelle - RIAT 2014 (cropped).jpg
 |caption = A Royal Air Force Gazelle over RIAT 2014
 |type = [[Utility helicopter]] / [[Armed helicopter]]
 |national_origin = France
 |manufacturer = [[Sud Aviation]], later [[Aérospatiale]]
 |builder= [[Arab British Helicopter Company|ABHCO]] <br /> [[SOKO]] <br /> [[Westland Aircraft]]
 |first_flight = 7 April 1967 (SA.340)
 |introduction = 1973
 |retired = 
 |status = In service
 |primary_user = [[French Army]]<!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on numbers in their fleets. -->
 |more_users = [[British Army]] (retired) <br /> [[Egyptian Air Force]] <br /> [[Lebanese Air Force]]<!-- Limit is THREE (3) in 'more users' field, four (4) total users with primary user. Separate with <br />.-->
 |produced = 1967–1996{{Citation needed|date=October 2012}}
 |number_built = 1,775{{Citation needed|date=October 2012}}
 |developed_from = [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]]
 |variants = 
}}

The '''Aérospatiale Gazelle''' (company designations '''SA 340''', '''SA 341''' and '''SA 342''') is a five-seat [[helicopter]] developed and initially produced by the French aircraft company [[Sud Aviation]], and later by [[Aérospatiale]]. It is the first helicopter to feature a [[fenestron]] tail instead of a conventional [[tail rotor]], as well as being the first helicopter to be adapted for single-pilot operations under [[instrument flight rules]]. 

The Gazelle was developed during the 1960s as a successor to the [[Aérospatiale Alouette II|Alouette II]] as well as to meet a [[French Army]] requirement for a new lightweight observation helicopter. The Gazelle is considerably larger than the preceding Alouette series, yet is still powered by a single [[Turbomeca Astazou]] [[Gas turbine|turbine engine]]. Innovations in the design of the Gazelle, aside from the fenestron, included an emphasis on minimal maintenance requirements from the onset of development and the use of a [[Helicopter rotor#Semirigid|semi-rigid]] [[composite materials|composite]] [[Helicopter rotor|rotor]] system, the latter having required considerable development time. In February 1967, France and the United Kingdom inked a cooperation agreement, which would see [[Westland Aircraft]] produce the Gazelle on British soil and partner with Sud Aviation on future refinements and upgrades to the Gazelle.<ref name="mcgowen 125"/> On 7 April 1967, the Gazelle performed its [[maiden flight]].

The first operational Gazelles were introduced in 1971. Initially, manufacturing lines for the type were established in both France and Britain but later on, it was also [[Licensed production|manufactured under license]] by [[SOKO]] in Yugoslavia and the [[Arab British Helicopter Company]] (ABHCO) in Egypt. Multiple armed variants, orientated towards roles such as anti-tank gunship (''SA 342M''), light support (''SA 341F''), and anti-air variants were promptly produced for various branches of the French armed forces. The Gazelle was flown by all branches of the British armed forces—the [[Royal Air Force]], [[Royal Navy]] (including in support of the [[Royal Marines]]) and the [[British Army]] in a variety of roles. The Gazelle has been procured and operated by a wide range of export customers. While it has been typically operated in a military capacity to perform light transport, scouting, and light attack missions, the Gazelle has also seen use with civil operators as well.

During its lengthy service life, the Gazelle has participated in numerous conflicts around the world, including by [[Syria]] during the [[1982 Lebanon War]], by [[Rwanda]] during the [[Rwandan Civil War]] in the 1990s, and by numerous participants on both sides of the 1991 [[Gulf War]]. By the twenty-first century, many operators were in the process of replacing the Gazelle with newer rotorcraft; in French service, the Gazelle has been supplanted as an attack helicopter by the larger and more modern [[Eurocopter Tiger]], but remained active for some time in the scout helicopter role. Numerous operators have elected to upgrade their rotorcraft for continued service, the type still being in use with multiple countries as of 2024. Production ended in 1996.

==Development==
[[File:Aérospatiale SA 340 Gazelle prototype in 1967, with a conventional tail rotor.jpg|thumb|The SA 340 Gazelle prototype in 1967 with its original conventional tail rotor]]

In 1966, [[Sud Aviation]] began working on a light observation helicopter to replace its [[Aérospatiale Alouette II|Alouette II]] with seating for five people.{{sfn|Apostolo|1984|p=98}} The Gazelle originated in a [[French Army]] requirement for a lightweight observation helicopter intended to replace the [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]]; early on in the aircraft's development, the decision was taken to enlarge the helicopter to enable greater versatility and make it more attractive for the export market.<ref name="aidec77 p277-8">''Air International'' December 1977, pp. 277–278.</ref>

Early on, the Gazelle attracted British interest, which resulted in a major production work share agreement between Sud Aviation and Westland. Under the terms of the agreement, Westland would have a 65% work share in the manufacturing of the units destined for the British military, and be a partner to Sud Aviation on further refinements and upgrades to the Gazelle. The deal, signed in February 1967, allowed the production in Britain of 292 Gazelles and 48 [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|Sud Aviation SA 330 Puma]] medium transport helicopters ordered by the British armed forces. In return, Sud Aviation was given a work share in the manufacturing programme for the 40 [[Westland Lynx]] naval helicopters for the [[French Navy]].<ref name="mcgowen 125">McGowen 2005, p. 125.</ref><ref name="field 585">Field 1973, p. 585.</ref> Ultimately, Westland would produce a total of 262 Gazelles of various models, mainly for various branches of the British armed forces but Gazelles for the civil market were also produced.<ref name="mcgowen 125"/><ref name="field 585"/>

The first prototype SA 340 flew for the first time on 7 April 1967, it initially flew with a conventional tail rotor taken from the Alouette II. The tail was replaced in early 1968 with the distinctive [[fenestron]] tail on the second prototype.{{sfn|Apostolo|1984|p=98}}<ref name="mcgowen 124"/> Four SA 341 prototypes were flown, including one for British firm [[Westland Aircraft|Westland Helicopters]]. On 6 August 1971, the first production Gazelle conducted its first flight.<ref name="mcgowen 124">McGowen 2005, p. 124.</ref> On 13 May 1967, a Gazelle demonstrated its speed capabilities when two separate world speed records were broken on a closed course, achieving speeds of 307&nbsp;km/h over 3 kilometres and 292&nbsp;km/h over 100 kilometres.<ref name="euro 1967"/>

[[File:1643BDF SA.341F Gazelle of the French Army's training school at Dax.jpg|thumb|left|A French Army Gazelle in flight, 2004]]

In service with the [[French Army Light Aviation]] (ALAT), the Gazelle was used primarily as an anti-tank gunship (''SA 342M'') armed with [[HOT (missile)|Euromissile HOT missiles]]. A light support version (''SA 341F'') equipped with a 20&nbsp;mm cannon is used as well as anti-air variants carrying the [[Mistral (missile)|Mistral air-to-air missile]] (''Gazelle Celtic'' based on the ''SA 341F'', ''Gazelle Mistral'' based on the ''SA 342M''). The latest anti-tank and [[reconnaissance]] versions carry the Viviane [[thermal imaging|thermal imagery]] system and so are called ''Gazelle Viviane''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/equipements/helicopteres-et-avions/gazelle-viviane-sa-342-m1 |title=Gazelle viviane sa 342 M1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918060812/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/equipements/helicopteres-et-avions/gazelle-viviane-sa-342-m1 |archive-date=18 September 2013 |website=defense.gouv.fr |access-date= 24 June 2013}}</ref> The Gazelle is being replaced in frontline duties by the [[Eurocopter Tiger]], but will continue to be used for light transport and liaison roles.

Four versions of the Gazelle were used by the British forces. The ''SA 341D'' was [[British military aircraft designation systems|designated]] 'Gazelle HT.3' in RAF service, equipped as a helicopter pilot trainer (hence HT). The ''SA 341E'' was used by the RAF for communications duties and [[Very Important Person (person)|VIP]] transport as the 'Gazelle HCC.4'. The ''SA 341C'' was purchased as the 'Gazelle HT.2' pilot trainer for the Royal Navy; training variants were replaced by the [[Eurocopter AS350|Eurocopter Squirrel HT1]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/squirrelht1.cfm |title=Squirrel HT1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617042748/http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/squirrelht1.cfm |archive-date=17 June 2013 |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date= 25 June 2013}}</ref> The ''SA 341B'' was equipped to a specification for the [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]] as the 'Gazelle AH.1' (from "Army Helicopter Mark 1").

The Gazelle proved to be a commercial success, which led Aérospatiale, as Sud Aviation had become, to quickly develop and introduce the SA 342 Gazelle series, which was equipped with uprated powerplants. Licensed production of the type did not just take place in the UK, domestic manufacturing was also conducted by Egyptian firm [[ABHCO]]. [[Yugoslavia]]n production by [[SOKO]] reportedly produced a total of 132 Gazelles.<ref name="mcgowen 125"/> As the Gazelle became progressively older, newer combat helicopters were brought into service in the anti-tank role; thus those aircraft previously configured as attack helicopters were often repurposed for other, secondary support duties, such as an [[air observation post]] (AOP) for directing artillery fire, airborne [[forward air control]]ler (ABFAC) to direct [[ground-attack aircraft]], casualty evacuation, liaison, and [[Airborne radio relay|communications relay]] missions.<ref>Crawford 2003, p. 35.</ref> According to David Oliver, 1,560 Gazelles had been produced in both France and Britain at the end of production.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Oliver |first=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rZOSDwAAQBAJ |title=The Gazelle |date=2019 |publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited |isbn=978-1-4456-8869-5 |language=en}} {{page needed|date=March 2024}}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Westland SA-341D Gazelle HT3.jpg|thumb|Westland SA-341D Gazelle, 1975]]
[[File:Aerospatiale SA341G Gazelle - HA-LFM (49553499093).jpg|thumb|A SA341G Gazelle in 2015 in the U.K.]]
The Aérospatiale Gazelle was originally developed as a replacement to the popular [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Alouette]] helicopter series; various aspects of the Gazelle are shared with the Alouette, including its mission types, loose dimensions, and operational equipment. The Gazelle featured several key innovations, being the first helicopter with a [[fenestron]] or fantail; this is a shrouded multi-blade [[torque|anti-torque]] device housed in the vertical surface of the tail in place of a conventional tail rotor.<ref name="mcgowen 124"/> The fenestron, while requiring a small increase in power at slow speeds, has advantages such as being considerably less vulnerable to damage, safer for people in close proximity to the helicopter, and low power requirements at cruising speeds, and has been described as "far more suitable for high-speed flight".<ref name="fricker 73">Fricker 1973, p. 73.</ref><ref>Mouille, Rene'. [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ahs/jahs/1970/00000015/00000004/art00003 "The "Fenestron", Shrouded Tail Rotor of the SA. 341 Gazelle."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214052916/http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ahs/jahs/1970/00000015/00000004/art00003 |date=14 December 2013 }} ''Journal of the American Helicopter Society,'' Vol. 15, No. 4. October 1970, pp. 31–37.</ref> The fenestron has been credited with helping the Gazelle to become the world's fastest helicopter in its class.<ref name="fricker 72">Fricker 1973, p. 72.</ref>

The original main [[Helicopter rotor|rotor]] system of the Gazelle was based upon the [[Helicopter rotor#rigid|rigid]] rotor system developed by [[Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm]] for the [[MBB Bo 105]]; however, due to control problems experienced while at high speeds upon prototype rotorcraft, the rigid rotor was substituted for a [[Helicopter rotor#Semirigid|semi-rigid]] counterpart on production aircraft. The difficulties experienced with the early design of the main rotor was one of the factors contributing to the lengthy development time of the Gazelle.<ref name="field 194">Field 1973, p. 194.</ref> The individual rotor blades were made from [[composite materials]], primarily fiberglass, and had been designed for an extremely long operational lifespan; composite rotor blades would become common on later helicopters.<ref name="fricker 73"/><ref name="field 587">Field 1973, p. 587.</ref> The main rotor is described as having a "wide range of tolerance" for [[Autorotation (helicopter)|autorotation]].<ref name="fricker 76">Fricker 1973, p. 76.</ref>

The Gazelle is capable of transporting up to five passengers and up to 1,320 pounds of cargo on the underside cargo hook, or alternatively up to 1,100 pounds of freight in 80 cubic feet of internal space in the rear of the cabin. Armed variants would carry up to four [[HOT (missile)|HOT]] (Haut subsonique Optiquement Téléguidé Tiré d'un Tube) wire-guided anti-tank missiles, or a forward firing 20mm cannon mounted to the fuselage sides with its ammunition supply placed in the cabin.<ref>Tucker 2010, p. 49.</ref> Various optional equipment can be installed upon the Gazelle, such as fittings for engine noise suppression, 53 gallon ferry tanks, a rescue winch capable of lifting up to 390 pounds, emergency flotation gear, particle filter, high landing skids, cabin heater, adjustable landing lights, and engine anti-icing systems.<ref>Fricker 1973, pp. 75–76.</ref> While the Gazelle had been developed under a military-orientated design programme, following the type's entry to service increasing attention to the commercial market was paid as well.<ref name="field 193">Field 1973, p. 193.</ref> The type was marketed to civil customers; notably, civilian operator [[Vought Helicopters]] at one point had a fleet of at least 70 Gazelles.<ref name="mcgowen 125"/><ref name="field 589">Field 1973, p. 589.</ref> Civil-orientated Gazelles often included an external baggage access door mounted beneath the main cabin.<ref name="field 588">Field 1973, p. 588.</ref>

[[File:SA-341G Gazelle.jpg|thumb|left|Civil SA 341G Gazelle]]
The docile flying abilities of the Gazelle are such that it has been reported as being capable of comfortably flying without its main hydraulic system operation at speeds of up to 100 knots.<ref name="fricker 75">Fricker 1973, p. 75.</ref> The flight controls are highly responsive; unusually, the Gazelle lacks a [[throttle]] or a [[Trim (aircraft)|trimming]] system. Hydraulic servo boosters are present on all flight control circuits to mitigate control difficulties in the event of equipment failure.<ref name="field 589"/><ref name="fricker 75"/> The Gazelle was the first helicopter to be adapted for single-pilot operations under [[instrument flight rules]]. An advanced [[wikt:duplex|duplex]] autopilot system was developed by [[Honeywell]] in order to allow the pilot to not be overworked during solo flights; the Gazelle was chosen as the platform to develop this capability as it was one of the faster and more stable helicopters in service at that point and had a reputation for being easy to fly.<ref>McClellan 1989, pp. 30–31.</ref>

The Gazelle was designed to be easy to maintain, all [[bearing (mechanical)|bearings]] were life-rated without need for continuous application of lubrication and most fluid reservoirs to be rapidly inspected.<ref name="fricker 75"/> The emphasis in the design stage of achieving minimal maintenance requirements contributed towards the helicopter's low running costs; many of the components were designed to have a service life in excess of 700 flying hours, and in some cases 1,200 flight hours, before requiring replacement.<ref>Field 1973, pp. 193–194.</ref> Due to the performance of many of the Gazelle's subsystems, features pioneered upon the Gazelle such as the fenestron would appear upon later Aerospatiale designs.<ref name="field 194"/><ref>Vuillet, A. and F. Morelli. [http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADP005987 "New Aerodynamic Design of the Fenestron for Improved Performance."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213129/http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADP005987 |date=3 March 2016 }} ''Aérospatiale'', June 1987.</ref>

As the Gazelle continued to serve into the 21st century, several major modernisation and upgrade programs were undertaken, commonly adding new avionics to increase its capabilities. [[Aerotec group]] offered an overhaul package to existing operators, which comprised upgraded ballistic protection, [[night vision goggles]], new munitions including rockets and machine guns, and [[3D computer graphics|3D]] navigational displays; even during the 2010s, operators such as Egypt were reportedly interested in upgrading their Gazelles.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aerotec-homes-in-on-new-customers-for-gazelle-upgrade-387180/ "Aerotec homes in on new customers for Gazelle upgrade."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915174857/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aerotec-homes-in-on-new-customers-for-gazelle-upgrade-387180/ |date=15 September 2013 }} ''Flight International'', 19 June 2013.</ref> [[QinetiQ]] developed a [[Direct Voice Input]] (DVI) system for the Gazelle, the DVI system enables voice control over many aspects of the aircraft, lowering the demands placed upon the crew.<ref>[http://www.qinetiq.com/home/newsroom/news_releases_homepage/2007/2nd_quarter/QinetiQ_speech_recognition_technology_allows_voice_control_of_aircraft_systems.html "QinetiQ speech recognition technology allows voice control of aircraft systems".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124142900/http://www.qinetiq.com/home/newsroom/news_releases_homepage/2007/2nd_quarter/QinetiQ_speech_recognition_technology_allows_voice_control_of_aircraft_systems.html |date=24 January 2008 }} ''QinetiQ'', Retrieved: 14 June 2013.</ref> In September 2011, QinetiQ and [[Northrop Grumman]] proposed outfitting former British Gazelles with autonomous flight management systems derived from the [[Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout]], converting them into [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAV)s to meet a Royal Navy requirement for an unmanned maritime aerial platform.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dsei-qinetiq-northrop-offer-uk-unmanned-gazelle-conversion-362082/ "DSEi: Qinetiq, Northrop offer UK unmanned Gazelle conversion."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419105539/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dsei-qinetiq-northrop-offer-uk-unmanned-gazelle-conversion-362082/ |date=19 April 2013 }} ''Flight International'', 15 September 2011.</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:World operators of the Gazelle.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Operators {{legend|#0b4aeb|Current}}{{legend|#f32020|Former}}]]
===China===
During the 1980s, China acquired eight SA 342L combat helicopters; these were the first dedicated attack helicopters to be operated by the [[People's Liberation Army]]. The purchase of further aircraft, including licensed production of the aircraft in China, had been under consideration, but this initiative was apparently abandoned following the end of the [[Cold War]]. The small fleet was used to develop anti-armour warfare tactics, Gazelles have also been frequently used to simulate hostile forces during [[Military exercise|military training exercises]].<ref>Crawford 2003, p. 13.</ref>

===France===
[[File:French SA341F2 Gazelle during Desert Shield.jpg|thumb|A French SA341F2 Gazelle in the desert during [[Gulf War#Operation Desert Shield|Operation Desert Shield]]]]
The French Army has deployed the Gazelle overseas in many large-scale operations, often in support of international military interventions; including in [[Chad]] (in the 1980s),<ref>"French Jets Aid in Route, Says West." ''Philadelphia Inquirer'', 4 September 1983.</ref> the [[former Yugoslavia]] (1990s), [[Djibouti]] (1991–1992),<ref>"France boosts military presence in Djibouti." ''AFP'', 22 January 1999.</ref> [[Somalia]] (1993), [[Côte d'Ivoire]] (2002–present) and Afghanistan (2002–2021). In 1990–1991, upwards of 50 French Gazelles were deployed as part of France's contribution to coalition forces during the [[Gulf War|First Gulf War]].<ref>Donald and Chant 2001, pp. 37–38.</ref>

During the subsequent military action, known as [[Operation Desert Storm]], HOT-carrying Gazelles were employed by several nations' forces, including [[Kuwait]]'s air force, against [[Iraq]]i military forces occupying neighbouring Kuwait.<ref>Donald and Chant 2001, p. 43.</ref> During the coalition's offensive into Kuwait, French Gazelles adopted a tactic of strafing enemy tanks, vehicles, and bunkers in continuous waves at high speed.<ref>Lowry 2008, p. 104.</ref>

Gazelles have often been dispatched to support and protect UN international missions, such as the 1992 intervention in the [[Bosnian War]].<ref>Rosenthal, Andrew. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9wJPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qhQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2903,3854598&dq=french+navy+gazelle+helicopter&hl=en "Bush Pledges Aid, Not Troops, To Help Bosnian Government."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025071858/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9wJPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qhQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2903,3854598&dq=french+navy+gazelle+helicopter&hl=en |date=25 October 2015 }} ''Star News'', 10 July 1992.</ref> In addition to performing land-based operations, French Gazelles have also been frequently deployed from French naval vessels. In April 2008, witnesses reported up to six French Gazelles reportedly firing rockets upon Somali pirates during a major counter-[[piracy]] operation.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL11190385 "French helicopters fire at Somali pirates: witnesses."] ''Reuters'', 11 April 2008.</ref> During the [[2011 military intervention in Libya]], multiple Gazelles were operated from the French Navy's amphibious assault ship [[Tonnerre (L9014)|Tonnerre]]; strikes were launched into [[Libya]] against pro-Gadhafi military forces.<ref name="frenchmod1">{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/harmattan/libye-debut-des-operations-aeriennes-francaises |title=''Libye : début des opérations aériennes françaises'' |language=fr |publisher=French Ministry of Defense |date=19 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322155812/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/harmattan/libye-debut-des-operations-aeriennes-francaises |archive-date=22 March 2011 }}</ref>

Military interventions in African nations, particularly former French colonies, have often been supported by Gazelles in both reconnaissance and attack roles; nations involved in previous engagements include [[Chad]], [[Djibouti]], [[Somalia]], and the [[Côte d'Ivoire]]. In April 2011, as part of a UN-mandated campaign in Côte d'Ivoire, four Gazelle attack helicopters, accompanied by two [[Mil Mi-24]] gunships, opened fire upon the compound of rebel president Gbagbo to neutralise heavy weaponry, which led to his surrender.<ref>{{cite news |first = Aislinn |last = Laing |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/cotedivoire/8441674/Ivory-Coast-UN-and-French-helicopter-gunships-attack-Laurent-Gbagbo-residence.html |title = Ivory Coast: UN and French helicopter gunships attack Laurent Gbagbo residence |newspaper = The Telegraph |date = 10 April 2011 |access-date = 3 April 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171013193701/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/cotedivoire/8441674/Ivory-Coast-UN-and-French-helicopter-gunships-attack-Laurent-Gbagbo-residence.html |archive-date = 13 October 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> In January 2013, Gazelles were used as gunships in the [[Opération Serval]] in [[Mali]], performing raids upon insurgent forces fighting government forces in the north of the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mali: Hollande réunit son conseil de Défense à l'Elysée|url=http://www.liberation.fr/monde/2013/01/12/mali-un-soldat-francais-tue-dans-des-raids-helicopteres_873532|access-date=12 January 2013|newspaper=[[Libération]]|date=12 January 2013|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113125009/http://www.liberation.fr/monde/2013/01/12/mali-un-soldat-francais-tue-dans-des-raids-helicopteres_873532|archive-date=13 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mali : l'opération militaire française "durera le temps nécessaire"|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/01/12/la-france-demande-une-acceleration-de-la-mise-en-place-de-la-force-internationale-au-mali_1816033_3212.html|newspaper=[[Le Monde]]|date=12 January 2013|access-date=12 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113085550/http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/01/12/la-france-demande-une-acceleration-de-la-mise-en-place-de-la-force-internationale-au-mali_1816033_3212.html|archive-date=13 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016 the [[Direction générale de l'armement]] announced that Gazelle helicopters of the French Army Aviation's ''[[4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment]]'' (4ème RHFS) could be equipped with the [[M134 Minigun]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.air-cosmos.com/la-m134-minigun-qualifiee-sur-les-gazelle-du-cos-64975|title=La M134 "minigun" qualifiée sur les Gazelle du COS – Air&Cosmos|website=Air & Cosmos|date=4 March 2016 |access-date=27 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227230304/http://www.air-cosmos.com/la-m134-minigun-qualifiee-sur-les-gazelle-du-cos-64975|archive-date=27 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Iraq===
During the [[Iran–Iraq War]] fought throughout most of the 1980s, a significant amount of French-built military equipment was purchased by Iraq, including a fleet of 40 [[HOT (missile)|HOT]]-armed Gazelles.<ref>Ashton and Gibson 2012, pp. 217–219.</ref> Iraq reportedly received roughly 100 Gazelle helicopters.<ref>Tucker 2010, p. 582.</ref> The Gazelle was commonly used in conjunction with Soviet-built [[Mil Mi-24]] gunships, and were frequently used in counterattacks against Iranian forces.<ref>Tucker 2010, p. 50.</ref> By 2000, following significant equipment losses resulting from the 1991 [[Gulf War]], Iraq reportedly had only 20 Gazelles left in its inventory.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2000/2000-1%20-%201978.html |title=World Air Forces Directory |journal=Flight International |date=28 November – 4 December 2000 |page=70 |access-date=26 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002910/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2000/2000-1%20-%201978.html |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In 2003, US intelligence officials alleged that a French firm had continued to sell spare components for the Gazelle and other French-built aircraft to Iraq via a third-party trading company, despite an [[embargo]] being in place.<ref>"Iraq is resupplying its air force with French parts, officials say". ''Deseret News'', 7 March 2003.</ref> [[Airbus Helicopters|Eurocopter]], Aerospatiale's successor company, had denied playing any role, stating in 2008 that "no parts have been delivered to Iraq".<ref>Apter, Jeff. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2008-01-23/eurocopter-denies-illegal-sales-iraq "Eurocopter denies illegal sales to Iraq."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311003439/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2008-01-23/eurocopter-denies-illegal-sales-iraq |date=11 March 2014 }} ''Aviation News International'', 23 January 2008.</ref> In April 2009, Iraq, as part of a larger military procurement initiative, bought six Gazelles from France for training purposes.<ref>[http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/iraq-signs-weapons-deal-with-us-europe.html "Iraq signs weapons deal with US & Europe."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125115919/http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/iraq-signs-weapons-deal-with-us-europe.html |date=25 January 2013 }} ''Arabian Aerospace'', 6 April 2009.</ref>

===Syria===
[[File:Aerospatiale-SA-341L-Gazelle-hatzerim-1.jpg|thumb|[[Syrian Air Force]] Gazelle, captured by Israel in Lebanon in 1982]]

Syrian Gazelles were used extensively during the [[1982 Lebanon War]]. In the face of a major Israeli ground advance, repetitive harassment attacks were launched by the Gazelles, which were able to slow their advance.<ref>Pollack 2002, pp. 530, 538.</ref> According to author Roger Spiller, panic and a sense of vulnerability quickly spread amongst Israeli tank crews following the first of these Gazelle strikes on 8 June 1982; the range of the Gazelle's HOT missiles being a key factor in its effectiveness.<ref>Spiller 1992, pp. 37–39.</ref> The effectiveness of the Syrian helicopter raids was reduced throughout the month of June as Syrian air defenses were progressively eroded and the Israeli Air Force took aerial supremacy over Eastern Lebanon, thus making operations by attack helicopters increasingly vulnerable. However, Gazelle strikes continued to be successfully performed up to the issuing of a ceasefire.<ref name="spiller 39">Spiller 1992, p. 39.</ref>

The 1982 war served to highlight the importance and role of attack helicopters in future conflicts due to their performance on both sides of the conflict.<ref name="spiller 40">Spiller 1992, p. 40.</ref> Following the end of the war, the Syrian Army would claim that significant damage had been delivered against Israeli forces, such as the destruction of 30 tanks and 50 other vehicles, against the loss of five helicopters.<ref>Cooper, Tom and Yaser al-Abed. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080321015417/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_279.shtml "Syrian Tank-Hunters in Lebanon, 1982"]}}. ACIG, 26 September 2003.</ref> Israel would claim a loss of seven tanks to the Gazelle strikes and the downing of 12 Syrian Gazelles.<ref name="spiller 39"/> Author Kenneth Michael Pollack described the role of Syria's Gazelle helicopters as being "psychologically effective against the Israelis but did little actual damage. Although they employed good Western-style 'pop-up' tactics, the Gazelles were not able to manage more than a few armor kills during the war".<ref>Pollack 2002, p. 544.</ref>

Following the end of the war, Syria increased the size of its attack helicopter fleet from 16 to 50 Gazelles, complemented by a further 50 heavier [[Mil Mi-24]] gunships.<ref name="spiller 40"/> Gazelles were also used several times in Syria during its civil war, most recently being seen supporting troops in the Palmyra Offensive using unguided missiles and HOT ATGMs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEMNHN9PYZc|title=YouTube|website=Youtube.com|access-date=26 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427210251/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEMNHN9PYZc|archive-date=27 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Kuwait===
During the 1991 [[Gulf War]], roughly 15 Gazelles were able to retreat into neighbouring [[Saudi Arabia]], along with other elements of [[Military of Kuwait|Kuwait's armed forces]], during the invasion of the nation by Iraq.<ref>"Kuwaiti pilots hit homeland." ''The Union Democrat'', 6 February 1991.</ref> During the subsequent coalition offensive to dislodge Iraqi forces from Kuwait, several of the escaped Kuwaiti Gazelles launched attack missions into occupied Kuwait to destroy Iraqi tanks and other, military targets.<ref>Lowry 2008, p. 65.</ref>

===Ecuador===
The Gazelle was used by the Ecuadoran Army during the 1995 [[Cenepa war]] between Ecuador and neighboring [[Peru]], performing missions such as [[close air support]] and escorting other helicopters.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120405195514/http://www.fuerzaaerea.net/index_menu_Gazelle.htm Gazelle En la Aviación del Ejercito Ecuatoriano] (in Spanish). fuerzaaerea.net [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fuerzaaerea.net%2Findex_menu_Gazelle.htm "Gazelle In the Ecuadorian Army Aviation" (English translation)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023092825/http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fuerzaaerea.net%2Findex_menu_Gazelle.htm |date=23 October 2015 }}.</ref> In 2008, a minor diplomatic spat broke out between [[Colombia]] and Ecuador following a reportedly accidental incursion into Colombian airspace by an Ecuadoran Gazelle.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7323715.stm "'Ecuador incursion' into Colombia."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412080407/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7323715.stm |date=12 April 2008 }} ''BBC News'', 1 April 2008.</ref>

===United Kingdom===
[[File:1 Reg Gazelle 1981.png|thumb|upright|left|A Gazelle of 1 Reg AAC, Hildesheim, Germany with underslung cargo net in 1980.]]
[[File:Aerospatiale Gazelle AH1 Royal Marines in Iraq 2002.JPEG|thumb|Royal Marines AH1 Gazelle takes off from Masirah, Oman in 2002]]
In 1973, 142 aircraft were on order by the UK, out of a then-intended fleet of 250.<ref>{{cite magazine | title =Helicopters | magazine =Flight International | date =22 November 1973 | url =http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%202844.html | access-date =10 November 2014 | format =pdf | page =861 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20141110220118/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%202844.html | archive-date =10 November 2014 | url-status =dead | df =dmy-all }}</ref> [[No. 660 Squadron AAC]], based in [[Soest-Bad Sassendorf Airfield|Salamanca Barracks]], Germany, was the first British Army unit to be equipped with Gazelles, entering operational service on 6 July 1974. The Gazelles, replacements for the [[Bell H-13 Sioux|Sioux]], were assigned the roles of reconnaissance, troop deployment, direction of artillery fire, casualty evacuation and anti-tank operations.<ref>{{cite magazine | title =Aerospatiale/Kaman ASH agreement | magazine =Flight International | date =1 August 1974 | url =http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201111.html | access-date =10 November 2014 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20141110221305/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201111.html | archive-date =10 November 2014 | url-status =dead | df =dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=QRA Magazin | year=2013 | title=Army Air Corps in Germany | url=http://qra-magazin.de/en/army-air-corps-in-germany/ | website=qra-magazin.de | access-date=10 November 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712104937/http://qra-magazin.de/en/army-air-corps-in-germany/ | archive-date=12 July 2014 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> In August 1974, 30 were based at [[RAF Ternhill]] for RAF helicopter training.<ref>{{cite magazine | title =World Air Forces: United Kingdom | magazine =Flight International | date =15 August 1974 | url =http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201196.html | access-date =10 November 2014 | format =pdf | page =188 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20141110225336/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201196.html | archive-date =10 November 2014 | url-status =dead | df =dmy-all }}</ref>

The Royal Navy's Gazelles entered service in December 1974 with [[705 Naval Air Squadron]], [[RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk)|Culdrose]], to provide all-through flying training in preparation for the [[Westland Lynx]]'s service entry. A total of 23 Gazelles were ordered for Culdrose.<ref>{{cite magazine | title =Defence | magazine =Flight International | date =16 January 1975 | url =http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%200104.html | access-date =10 November 2014 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20141110221358/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%200104.html | archive-date =10 November 2014 | url-status =dead | df =dmy-all }}</ref> Army-owned AH.1s also entered service with [[3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron]] (3 CBAS) of the Royal Marines and later, the [[Commando Helicopter Force]] (CHF) of the [[Fleet Air Arm]], where they operated as utility and reconnaissance helicopters in support of the [[Royal Marines]].<ref>{{Citation | title = 847 squadron | publisher = Helicopter History Site | year = 2014 | url = http://www.helis.com/database/sqd/uk_847_naval_air_squadron | access-date = 11 November 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065230/http://www.helis.com/database/sqd/uk_847_naval_air_squadron | archive-date = 6 October 2014 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The 12 Gazelles for 3 CBAS had entered service in 1975,<ref>{{cite web | author =UK Mod | year =2014 | title =847 NAS Affiliations | publisher =UK MoD | url =http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/wildcat/847-naval-air-squadron/847-affiliations | access-date =10 November 2014 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20141006120432/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/wildcat/847-naval-air-squadron/847-affiliations | archive-date =6 October 2014 | url-status =live | df =dmy-all }}</ref> by which time, there were 310 Gazelles on order for the British military.<ref>{{cite magazine | first =Barry |last=Wheeler | title =World's military helicopters | magazine =Flight International |page=85 | date =17 July 1975 | url =http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201263.html | access-date =10 November 2014 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20141110220122/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201263.html | archive-date =10 November 2014 | url-status =dead| df =dmy-all }}</ref>

Gazelles that had replaced the Sioux in [[Sek Kong Airfield|RAF Sek Kong]] towards the end of 1974(?) had been found unsuitable for [[Hong Kong]] and, by the end of 1978, had been returned to the UK and they were replaced by the Scout AH1.<ref name="Kneen">{{cite book |last1=Kneen |first1=J M. |last2=Sutton |first2=D J  |title=Craftsmen of the Army: The Story of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Vol II 1969–1992 |year=1997 |publisher=Pen and Sword |isbn=978-1-4738-1340-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e9yXAwAAQBAJ|access-date=29 September 2014}}</ref> During its Cold War service period, the Army Gazelles flew over 660,000 hours and had over 1,000 modifications made to the aircraft. From the early 1980s, Army-operated Gazelles were fitted with the Gazelle Observation Aid, a gyro-stabilised sight to match their target finding capability with that of the Lynx.<ref name="Kneen"/><ref>{{cite magazine | title = Ferranti sight for Gazelle | magazine = Flight International | date = 9 May 1981 |page=1297 | url = http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1981/1981%20-%201291.PDF | access-date = 11 November 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141111130148/http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1981/1981%20-%201291.PDF | archive-date = 11 November 2014 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The type also had a limited, special operations aviation role with [[8 Flight AAC|8 Flight Army Air Corps]]

The type was also frequently used to perform airborne patrols in [[Northern Ireland]]. On 17 February 1978, a [[1978 British Army Gazelle downing|British Army Gazelle crashed]] near [[Jonesborough, County Armagh|Jonesborough]], [[County Armagh]], after coming under fire from the [[Provisional IRA]] during a ground skirmish.<ref name="glob">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1978/1978%20-%200432.html |title=British Army to publish Gazelle crash findings |page= 756 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207112437/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1978/1978%20-%200432.html |archive-date=7 December 2013 |magazine=Flight International |date=18 March 1978}}</ref>

During the [[Falklands War]], the Gazelle played a valuable role operating from the flight decks of [[Royal Navy]] ships. Under a rapidly performed crash programme specifically for the Falklands conflict, Gazelles were fitted with 68mm [[SNEB]] rocket pods and various other optional equipment such as armour plating, flotation gear and folding blade mechanisms.<ref>{{cite book |first=Roy |last=Braybrook |title=Battle for the Falklands (3): Air Forces |series=Men At Arms 135 |publisher= Osprey Publishing |date=1982 |isbn=0-85045-493-X |page= 14}}</ref>
Two Royal Marines Gazelles were shot down on the first day of the landings at [[San Carlos Water]].<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Freedman | first1 = Lawrence | author-link = Lawrence Freedman | title = The Official History of the Falklands Campaign: War and diplomacy, Vol 2 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=BEjOdVzx9UcC | year = 2005 | publisher = Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group |isbn=978-0-203-50785-8 | access-date = 19 September 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170210095553/https://books.google.com/books?id=BEjOdVzx9UcC | archive-date = 10 February 2017 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> 
In a [[1982 British Army Gazelle friendly fire incident|high-profile incident on 6 June 1982]], an [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]] Gazelle was mistaken for a low-flying Argentine Lockheed C-130 Hercules and was shot down by [[HMS Cardiff (D108)|HMS ''Cardiff'']], a British [[Type 42 destroyer]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Masakowski|first1=Yvonne|last2= Cook |first2= Malcolm|last3= Noyes |first3= Jan |year=2007|title=Decision-making in Complex Environments |url =https://books.google.com/books?id=L3tjkgpS5jAC&pg=PA197|publisher=Ashgate Publishing |page=197 |isbn=978-0-7546-4950-2 |access-date=11 March 2008}}</ref><ref name="bare_url">{{cite journal|url=http://usacac.army.mil/cac/milreview/download/English/NovDec04/bolia.pdf|title=The Falklands War: The Bluff Cove Disaster|last=Bolia|first=Robert S|journal=Military Review|issue=November–December 2004|pages=66–72|access-date=26 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326082912/http://usacac.army.mil/cac/milreview/download/English/NovDec04/bolia.pdf|archive-date=26 March 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:4 Regiment Army Air Corp Gazelle Helicopter MOD 45146026.jpg|thumb|Army Air Corp Gazelle on exercises in Norway, 2006]]
[[File:Gazelle - RIAT 2014 (14740412124).jpg|thumb|A British Army Gazelle at [[Royal International Air Tattoo|RIAT]] in 2014]]

The Gazelle also operated in reconnaissance and liaison roles during the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]]. In 2007, it was reported that, while many British helicopters had struggled with the conditions of the Afghan and Iraqi theatres, the Gazelle was the "best performing model" with roughly 80% being available for planned operations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Watts |first= Robert |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1568987/Half-of-Army-gunships-are-grounded.html |title=Half of Army gunships are grounded |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925144748/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1568987/Half-of-Army-gunships-are-grounded.html |archive-date=25 September 2015 |work=The Telegraph |date= 11 November 2007}}</ref>

Various branches of the British military have operated Gazelles in other theatres, such as during the 1991 [[Gulf War]] against [[Iraq]] and in the 1999 intervention in [[Kosovo]].<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Ripley | first1 = Tim | title= British Army Aviation in Action | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fTnN2fzqbzgC | year = 2011 | publisher=Pen & Sword Books |isbn=978-1-84884-670-8 |pages=49, 69 | access-date = 11 November 2014}}</ref> In 2009, the Army Air Corps was the sole operator of the Gazelle with approximately 40 in service with a planned out of service date in 2012.<ref name="DefComm2009">{{cite book |author1=House of Commons Defence Committee |title=Helicopter capability : eleventh report of session 2008–09 |date=16 July 2009 |publisher=Stationery Office |location=London |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmdfence/434/434.pdf |series=HC 434|oclc=682913581|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref> In October 2009, it was announced that the out of service date had been extended to support domestic commitments including to the [[Police Service of Northern Ireland]] (PSNI) until 2018 at which point the PSNI was to have their own assets.<ref>{{cite web |author=Secretary of State for Defence Quentin Davies |author-link=Quentin Davies  |title=Gazelle Helicopters |at = Column 424W |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm091012/text/91012w0097.htm |work= House of Commons Debates – Written Answers |publisher=UK Parliament  |access-date=26 February 2020 |date=12 October 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jennings|first1=Gareth|url=http://www.janes.com/article/11428/british-army-gazelles-move-closer-to-the-ulster-retirement|title=British Army Gazelles move closer to the Ulster retirement|work=Jane's Defence Weekly|date=17 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311023901/http://www.janes.com/article/11428/british-army-gazelles-move-closer-to-the-ulster-retirement |archive-date=11 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2016, the Ministry of Defence announced that the Gazelle would remain in service until 2025 taking the Gazelle past its 50th anniversary in UK military service and making it the oldest helicopter in active UK inventory.<ref name="Janes2016">{{Cite news |last1=Ripley|first1=Tim|url=http://www.janes.com/article/62511/uk-gazelle-helicopters-to-have-lives-extended-until-2025|title=UK Gazelle helicopters to have lives extended until 2025 |date=25 July 2016 |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727074447/http://www.janes.com/article/62511/uk-gazelle-helicopters-to-have-lives-extended-until-2025 |archive-date=27 July 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> At this time, the Gazelle was operated by [[No. 29 (BATUS) Flight AAC|29 (BATUS) Flight AAC]] in Canada supporting [[British Army Training Unit Suffield]]; [[5 Regiment Army Air Corps|665 Squadron AAC]] in Northern Ireland with aerial surveillance tasks; and at the [[AAC Middle Wallop|Army Aviation Centre]] by [[7 (Training) Regiment Army Air Corps|7 (Training) Regiment AAC]] Conversion Flight and 667 (Development & Trials) Squadron AAC.<ref name="Oliver">{{cite book|last1=Oliver|first1=David|title=The Gazelle|publisher=Amberley Publishing|url={{Google books|rZOSDwAAQBAJ|plainurl=yes}}|date=2019|isbn=978-1-4456-8869-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Peter Luff |author-link=Peter Luff |title=Military Aircraft |at=Column 291W |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/cmhansrd/cm120208/text/120208w0002.htm |publisher=UK Parliament |work=House of Commons Written Answers |access-date=12 March 2020 |date=6 February 2012}}</ref> In 2018 and 2019, the Ministry of Defence awarded contracts to sustain the fleet until 2022 with the option of an extension in 2025.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Vector Aerospace secures UK MoD Gazelle helicopter maintenance support contract |url=http://www.standardaero.com/AboutUs/MediaCenter/PressReleases/pr.aspx?prid=623 |website=StandardAero |access-date=26 February 2020 |date=8 March 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190322120257/http://www.standardaero.com/AboutUs/MediaCenter/PressReleases/pr.aspx?prid=623 |archive-date= Mar 22, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=232464-2019 |url=https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:232464-2019:HTML:EN:HTML&tabId=1&tabLang=en |website=Tenders Electronic Daily |publisher=EU |id=2019/S 096-232464|access-date=26 February 2020 |date=20 May 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226131306/https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED%3ANOTICE%3A232464-2019%3AHTML%3AEN%3AHTML&tabId=1&tabLang=en |archive-date= Feb 26, 2020 }}</ref> In 2019, the Army Air Corps had a fleet of 32 Gazelles with 19 in service.<ref name="UKequipment2019">{{cite book |author=Ministry of Defence|title=UK Armed Forces Equipment and Formations 2019| date=1 April 2019|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/824000/Armed_Forces_Equipment_and_Formations_2019_tables.xlsx|access-date=24 February 2020|at=Table 8|chapter=Aircraft: Rotary-wing platforms of the UK Armed Forces}}</ref>

It was announced in January 2022 that the rest of the British Army's Gazelles will be phased out by March 2024 to be replaced by [[Eurocopter EC135|Airbus Helicopters H135.]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Perry|first=Dominic|title=UK selects H135s to replace British Army's elderly Gazelle helicopters|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/uk-selects-h135s-to-replace-british-armys-elderly-gazelle-helicopters/147273.article |date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022|website=Flight Global |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

It was further announced that the Gazelle would be retired from service on 31 October 2023. The Army Air Corps made a farewell flypast from [[JHC FS Aldergrove|Flying Station Aldergrove]] in Northern Ireland to Vector Aerospace International Ltd in Gosport, flying over various British Army and RAF bases, on 23 October.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Candlin |first=Alex |date=2023-10-24 |title=British Army Gazelles make farewell flypast before retirement |url=https://www.forces.net/technology/aircraft/british-armys-gazelles-final-flight-retirement |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Forces Network |language=en}}</ref>

===Yugoslavia===
On 27 June 1991, during the [[Ten Day War]] in [[Slovenia]], a [[Yugoslav Air Force]] Gazelle helicopter was shot down by a man-portable [[9K32 Strela-2]] [[surface-to-air missile]] over [[Ljubljana]], the first aircraft to be lost during the [[breakup of Yugoslavia]].<ref>Ripley 2001, p. 7.</ref> The Gazelles would see further action in the subsequent [[Yugoslav Wars]], particularly in Bosnia where [[Republika Srpska Air Force]] conducted many operations with only five Gazelles lost, and the [[Kosovo War]]; as Yugoslavia dissolved, the various successor states would inherit the SOKO-built Gazelles and continue to operate them, such as the [[Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Serbian Air Force]] and Montenegro Air Force.<ref>Ripley 2001, p. 81.</ref>

===Lebanon===
Between 1980 and 1981, the [[Lebanese Air Force]] received from France ten SA 342K/L and SA 341H Gazelles equipped for anti-tank and utility roles, respectively, to equip its newly raised 8th attack squadron at [[Beirut Air Base]]. Initially based at the latter location, in 1983 the squadron was relocated north of the Lebanese capital, with the Gazelles being dispersed in small improvised helipads around [[Jounieh]] and [[Adma wa Dafneh|Adma]] for security reasons, where one of the helicopters may have been damaged in a failed takeoff.

In 1988, a [[Lebanese Air Force]] pilot, the Druze Lieutenant [[Majed Karameh]], defected from [[Adma wa Dafneh|Adma]] airfield and flew a SA 342K attack helicopter to the Druze-controlled [[Chouf District]], where it was impounded by the Druze [[People's Liberation Army (Lebanon)|People's Liberation Army]] (PLA) militia upon landing and transported by a PLA [[MAZ-537|MAZ-537G tank transporter]] to the Saïd el-Khateeb Barracks at [[Hammana]] in the [[Baabda District]]. This particular helicopter appears to have never been used in combat by the PLA (since they had no aviation component, and therefore lacked the technically proficient personnel to help fly and maintain the captured airframe), which ended up being simply placed on storage at Hammana under the custody of the Druze [[11th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|11th Infantry Brigade]] for the remainder of the Civil War.<ref>Abi-Chahine, ''The People's Liberation Army through the eyes of a lens, 1975–1991'' (2019), p. 118.</ref><ref>Sex & Abi-Chahine, ''Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond'' (2021), pp. 20-21; 52.</ref>

Employed extensively in the gunship role by providing [[close air support]] to General [[Michel Aoun]]'s troops during the final phase of the [[Lebanese Civil War]], combat losses and maintenance problems reduced the Gazelle fleet to just four operational helicopters by 1990,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201423.html|title=World Air Forces 1983|page=359|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=30 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521152445/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201423.html|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> with three of the machines reportedly being apprehended by the [[Lebanese Forces (militia)|Lebanese Forces militia]] who illegally sold them to [[Serbia]] in 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://first.sipri.org/index.php?page=step2 |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918235038/http://first.sipri.org/index.php?page=step2 |archive-date=18 September 2008 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

After the conflict, the [[Lebanese Air Force]] Command made consistent efforts to rebuild its attack helicopter squadron with the help of the [[United Arab Emirates]] and nine SA 342L Gazelles formerly in service with the [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] were delivered in 2007.<ref name="arab aero">Lake, Jon. [http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/small-force-with-a-wealth-of-history.html "Small force with a wealth of history."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130512/http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/small-force-with-a-wealth-of-history.html |date=4 March 2016 }} ''Arabian Aerospace'', 31 October 2010.</ref> Due to budgetary constraints, the majority of the Gazelles operated by the [[Lebanese Air Force]] have often been kept in storage outside of times of conflict.<ref name="arab aero"/>

The Gazelles saw combat against the [[Al Qaeda]]-inspired [[Fatah al-Islam]] militants during the [[2007 Lebanon conflict]].<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/06/16/saturday/index.html?iref=newssearch "Lebanese target suspected militants inside refugee camp".]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102215219/http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/06/16/saturday/index.html?iref=newssearch |date=2 November 2012 }} ''CNN'', 16 June 2007.</ref> Rocket-armed Gazelles were used to strike insurgent bunkers during the brief conflict.<ref name="arab aero"/> In 2010, a French government official stated that France had offered to provide up to 100 HOT missiles to Lebanon for the Gazelle helicopters.<ref>"France gives Lebanon anti-tank missiles". ''The Associated Press'', 17 December 2010.</ref> According to reports, France may also provide additional Gazelles to Lebanon.<ref name="arab aero"/>

===Morocco===
In January 1981, France and Morocco entered into a $4 billion military procurement deal in which, amongst other vehicles and equipment, 24 Gazelle helicopters were to be delivered to Morocco.<ref>Keucher 1989, p. 66.</ref> The [[Royal Moroccan Air Force]] operated these Gazelles, which were equipped with a mix of anti-tank missiles and other ground attack munitions, and made frequent use of the aircraft during battles with Polisario insurgents in the western [[Sahara]] region.<ref>Zoubir 1999, pp. 212–213.</ref> The reconnaissance capabilities of the Gazelle were instrumental in finding and launching attacks upon insurgent camps due to their mobility.<ref>Zoubir 1999, p. 214.</ref>

===Rwanda===
In 1990, following appeals from Rwandan President [[Juvénal Habyarimana]] for French support in interethnic conflict against the [[Tutsi]] [[Rwandan Patriotic Front]] (RPF), nine armed Gazelles were exported to Rwanda in 1992. The Gazelles would see considerable use in the conflict that became known as the [[Rwandan Civil War]], capable of strafing enemy positions as well as performing reconnaissance patrols of Northern Rwanda; in October 1992, a single Gazelle destroyed a column of ten RPF units.<ref>Wallis 2006, pp. 30–31.</ref> According to author Andrew Wallis, the Gazelle gunships helped to stop significant RPF advances and led to a major change in RPF tactics towards [[guerrilla]] warfare.<ref>Wallis 2006, pp. 28–29.</ref> In 1994, French forces dispatched as a part of [[Opération Turquoise]], a [[United Nations]]-mandated intervention in the conflict, also operated a number of Gazelles in the theatre.<ref>Wallis 2006, pp. 129–131.</ref>

===Egypt===
As part of a major international initiative formalised in 1975 to build up [[Arab]] military industries, Egypt commenced widescale efforts to replace arms imports with domestic production to provide military equipment to the rest of the [[Middle East]], other Arab partner nations included [[Saudi Arabia]], the [[United Arab Emirates]], and [[Qatar]].<ref>Feiler 2003, p. 57.</ref> Both France and Britain would form large agreements with Egypt; in March 1978, the [[Arab British Helicopter Company]] (ABHCO) was formally established in a $595 million deal with [[Westland Helicopters]], initially for the purpose of domestically assembly of British [[Westland Lynx]] helicopters.<ref>Feiler 2003, p. 59.</ref> An initial order for 42 Gazelles was placed in mid-1975.<ref>Feiler 2003, p. 20.</ref> In the 1980s, ABHCO performed the assembly of 100 Gazelles;<ref name=":1" /> the British Arab Engine Company also produced engines for Egyptian-build Gazelles.<ref>Feiler 2003, p. 60.</ref>

===Mozambique===

In 2021, three Gazelle helicopters played a significant role in the [[Battle of Palma]], providing air support at the behest of the Mozambique security forces battling the insurgents and evacuating civilians and contractors from the besieged town.

==Variants==
[[File:Westland SA-341E Gazelle fenestron.jpg|thumb|Fenestron tail rotor of a Gazelle]]
;SA 340
:First prototype, first flown on 7 April 1967 with a conventional Alouette type tail rotor.
;SA 341
:Four pre-production machines. First flown on 2 August 1968. The third was equipped to [[British Army]] requirements and assembled in France as the prototype Gazelle AH.1. This was first flown on 28 April 1970.
;SA 341.1001
:First French production machine. Initial test flight 6 August 1971. Featured a longer cabin, an enlarged tail unit and an uprated [[Turbomeca Astazou]] IIIA engine.
;SA 341B (Westland Gazelle AH.1)
:Version built for the British Army; Featured the Astazou IIIN2 engine, capable of operating a nightsun searchlight, later fitted with radio location via ARC 340 radio and modified to fire 68mm SNEB rockets. First Westland-assembled version flown on 31 January 1972, this variant entered service on 6 July 1974. A total of 158 were produced. A small number were also operated by the [[Fleet Air Arm]] in support of the Royal Marines.
;SA 341C (Westland Gazelle HT.2)
:Training helicopter version built for British Fleet Air Arm; Features included the Astazou IIIN2 engine, a stability augmentation system and a hoist. First flown on 6 July 1972, this variant entered operational service on 10 December 1974. A total of 30 were produced.
;SA 341D (Westland Gazelle HT.3)
:Training helicopter version built for British Royal Air Force; Featuring the same engine and stability system as the 341C, this version was first delivered on 16 July 1973. A total of 14 were produced. Retired from RAF on 31 August 1997.{{sfn|March|1998|p=87}}
;SA 341E (Westland Gazelle HCC.4)
:Communications helicopter version built for British Royal Air Force; Only one example of this variant was produced.
;SA 341F
:Version built for the French Army; Featuring the Astazou IIIC engine, 166 of these were produced. Some of these were fitted with an [[M621 cannon|M621 20-mm cannon]].
;SA 341G
:Civil variant, powered by an Astazou IIIA engine. Officially certificated on 7 June 1972; subsequently became first helicopter to obtain single-pilot [[Instrument flight rules|IFR]] [[Instrument Landing System|Cat 1]] approval in the US. Also developed into "Stretched Gazelle" with the cabin modified to allow an additional 8 inches (20 cm) legroom for the rear passengers.<ref name="JAWA82 p55">Taylor 1982, p. 55.</ref>
;SA 341H
:Military export variant, powered by an Astazou IIIB engine. [[Licence-built|Built under licence agreement]] signed on 1 October 1971 by [[SOKO]] in Yugoslavia.
[[File:Gazelle SA342M TdB.jpg|thumb|Control panel of a SA 342M Gazelle]]
::;SOKO HO-42
:::Yugoslav-built version of SA 341H.
::;SOKO HI-42 Hera
:::Yugoslav-built scout version of SA 341H.
::;SOKO HS-42
:::Yugoslav-built medic version of SA 341H.
::;SOKO HN-42M Gama.
:::Yugoslav-built attack version of SA 341H. The name is derived from the abbreviation of Gazelle and [[Malyutka]] anti-tank missile, Soviet-designed, but locally produced variant of the missile.
::;SOKO HN-45M Gama 2
:::Yugoslav-built attack version of SA 342L.
;SA 342J
:Civil version of SA 342L. This was fitted with the more powerful 649 kW (870 shp) Astazou XIV engine and an improved [[Fenestron]] tail rotor. With an increased take-off weight, this variant was approved on 24 April 1976, and entered service in 1977.
;SA 342K
:Military export version for "hot and dry areas". Fitted with the more powerful 649-kW (870-shp) Astazou XIV engine and shrouds over the air intakes. First flown on 11 May 1973; initially sold to Kuwait.
;SA 342L
:Military companion of the SA 342J. fitted with the Astazou XIV engine. Adaptable for many armaments and equipment, including six Euromissile HOT anti-tank missiles.
;SA 342M
:French Army anti-tank version fitted with the Astazou XIV engine. Armed with four [[Euromissile]] [[Euromissile HOT|HOT missiles]] and a SFIM APX M397 stabilised sight.
;SA 342M1
:SA 342M retrofitted with three [[Ecureuil]] main blades to improve performance.
;SA 349
:Experimental aircraft, outfitted with [[wing|stub wing]]s.<ref name="euro 1967">[http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/1967:-SA340_464-133.html "1967: SA340 Gazelle."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219043750/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/1967:-SA340_464-133.html |date=19 February 2013 }} Eurocopter, Retrieved: 25 June 2013.</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Aérospatiale SA342M Gazelle ‘3862 - GAL’ (31301083172).jpg|thumb|A [[French Army]] Gazelle seen during the [[NATO Tiger Meet]] 2016 in Spain.|alt=]]
*{{ANG}}
**[[National Air Force of Angola|Angolan Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020">{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2020/135665.article|title=World Air Forces 2020|website=FlightGlobal.com|publisher=Flightglobal Insight|date=2020|access-date= 1 March 2020|url-access=registration}}</ref>
***21st Transportation Helicopter Regiment – 1st Helicopter Squadron
***22nd Combat Helicopter Regiment – 3rd Helicopter Squadron
*{{BIH}}:
**[[Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian and Herzegovinian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020"/>
*{{BDI}}
**[[Military of Burundi|Burundi Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020"/>
*{{CMR}}
**[[Cameroon Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020"/>
***Two SA342L helicopters (reg. TJ-XBE and TJ-XBF) 
*{{CAF}}
**[[Central African Republic Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020"/>
***Two ex-Yugoslavian SA341G helicopters (reg. TL-WJU and TL-WJV) operating for the Wagner Group in CAR
*{{CYP}}
**[[Cyprus Air Forces]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" /> [[File:Aerospatiale SA-342L1 Gazelle..jpg|thumb|A Gazelle of the [[Cyprus Air Command|Cyprus air command]]|alt=]][[File:Tank Buster.jpg|thumb|A Cypriot Gazelle anti-tank helicopter flying during a parade|alt=]]
*{{EGY}}
**[[Egyptian Air Force]]<ref name="dyvroeth">{{Cite web|url=http://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/egypt/egypt-air-force|title=Egyptian Air Force Order of Battle|website=Scramble.nl|date= |access-date=28 April 2023}}</ref>
***548 Air Wing 10, 15 and 17 Squadrons at Abu Sultan
***301 Air Wing 30, 56 squadrons at Kibrit, 54 squadron at Bilbeis
*{{SWZ}}
**[[Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
***A single Gazelle AH.1 acquired in 2006 (reg. 3DC-HGZ)
*{{FRA}}
**[[French Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
*{{Flaglist|Gabon}}
**[[Military of Gabon|Gabon Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
*{{IRQ}}
**[[Iraqi Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
*{{KWT}}
**[[Kuwait Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
*{{LBN}}
**[[Lebanese Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2019">{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-2019-world-air-forces-directory-454126/|title=World Air Forces 2019|website=FlightGlobal.com|publisher=Flightglobal Insight|date=2019|access-date=4 December 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123181847/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-2019-world-air-forces-directory-454126/|archive-date=23 January 2019}}</ref>

*{{MWI}}
**[[Malawian Defence Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
***Two Gazelles (reg. MDFAW-H20 and MDFAW-H21) seen active in 2016
*{{MAR}}
**[[Royal Moroccan Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
*{{NIG}}
**[[Niger Air Force]]: received three refurbished SA342L-1s from France in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Delalande|first=Arnaud|date=15 March 2018|title=Niger's desert warriors|url=https://www.key.aero/article/nigers-desert-warriors|website=Key.Aero |access-date= }}</ref>
* Puntland State of Somalia
** Puntland Air Force<ref>{{cite news |date=13 May 2025 |title=Maxaa ka jira in Puntland ay soo iibsatay diyaarado dagaal? |language=so |trans-title=What is the reason that Puntland has purchased fighter jets?
 |url=https://www.bbc.com/somali/articles/cp8d3q75q49o |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>

*{{QAT}}
**[[Qatar Emiri Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
*{{RWA}}
**[[Rwandan Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
*{{SRB}}
**[[Serbian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
**[[Police of Serbia]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/yugo/serbia/pol/serbia-police-home.htm|title=Serbian Police Aviation|website=Aeroflight.co.uk|access-date=18 February 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711153956/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/yugo/serbia/pol/serbia-police-home.htm|archive-date=11 July 2009}}</ref>[[File:Soko SA-342L1 Partizan "Gazela".jpg|thumb|Serbian Air Force Gazelle|alt=]]
*{{SYR}}
**[[Syrian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
*{{TUN}}
**[[Tunisian Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.menadefense.net/afnord/tunisie-la-descente-aux-enfers/|title=Tunisie, la descente aux enfers?|language=fr|website=Menadefense.net|date=26 September 2011|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707230805/https://www.menadefense.net/afnord/tunisie-la-descente-aux-enfers/|archive-date=7 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Retired===
*{{TCD}}
**[[Chadian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020"/>
***Two SA341G helicopters acquired in 1974 (reg. TT-OAF and TT-OAG), returned to SNIAS in 1976
*{{CHN}}
**[[People's Liberation Army Ground Force|People's Liberation Army]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1993/1993%20-%202791.html|title=World Air Forces 1993|website=FlightGlobal.com|publisher=Flight International|page=48|date=1993|access-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516064434/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1993/1993%20-%202791.html|archive-date=16 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{ECU}}
**[[Ecuadorian Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" /> Retired 20 January 2025.<ref name="AFMMAY25-16">{{cite book|title=[[Air Forces Monthly]]|date=May 2025|publisher=[[Key Publishing|Key Publishing Ltd]]|location=[[Stamford, Lincolnshire]], [[England]]|pages=16}}</ref>
*{{IRL}}
**[[Irish Air Corps]]<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1993/1993%20-%202803.html|title=World Air Forces 1993|page=60|journal=Flight International|via=FlightGlobal.com|date=24–30 November 1993|access-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516065951/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1993/1993%20-%202803.html|archive-date=16 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.irishmilitaryonline.com/aircorps/main.php?sec=a&id=oldcraft|title=Irish military retired aircraft|website=IrishMilitaryOnline.com|access-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061027014104/http://archive.irishmilitaryonline.com/aircorps/main.php?sec=a&id=oldcraft|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 October 2006}}</ref>[[File:Aerospatiale SA-342L Gazelle, Ireland - Air Force AN1990574.jpg|thumb|An Irish Air Corps Gazelle of 3 Support Wing based at Baldonnel|alt=]]
*{{BIH}}
**[[Republika Srpska Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%202339.html|title=World Air Forces 2004|journal=Flight International|page=46|via=FlightGlobal.com|date=2004|access-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114212859/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%202339.html|archive-date=14 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{MNE}}
**[[Montenegrin Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2020" />
*{{UK}} 
Active from 1971 to 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Candlin |first=Alex |date=2023-10-24 |title=British Army Gazelles make farewell flypast before retirement |url=https://www.forces.net/technology/aircraft/british-armys-gazelles-final-flight-retirement |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Forces Network |language=en}}</ref>
**[[Royal Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/38/|title=RAF SA341D Gazelle HT.3|website=Helis.com|publisher=Helicopter history site|date= |access-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323105525/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/38/|archive-date=23 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DefComm2009" />
**[[Royal Navy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/37/|title=Fleet Air Arm SA341C Gazelle HT.2|website=Helis.com|publisher=Helicopter history site|date= |access-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413023033/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/37|archive-date=13 April 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DefComm2009" />
**[[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]]<ref name="UKequipment20192">{{cite book |author=Ministry of Defence |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/824000/Armed_Forces_Equipment_and_Formations_2019_tables.xlsx |title=UK Armed Forces Equipment and Formations 2019 |date=1 April 2019 |at=Table 8 |chapter=Aircraft: Rotary-wing platforms of the UK Armed Forces |access-date=24 February 2020}}</ref>
*{{YUG}}
**[[Yugoslav Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 1987 pg. 67">{{Cite journal|title=World Air Forces 1987|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202517.html|date=1987|access-date =3 October 2013|page=67|journal=Flight International|via=FlightGlobal.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715015252/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202517.html|archive-date=15 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Specifications (SA 341G)==
[[File:Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle orthographical image.svg|right|400px]]
{{External media|topic= |width=20% |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9msWXdP35_8 In-cockpit footage of Gazelle flight] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhWV-LPbfXA Blue Eagles display team of the Army Air Corps performing aerobatic maneuvers] |video3=}}
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1978–79<ref name="JAWA78-79">{{cite book |title=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1978–79 |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W.R. |editor2-last=Munson |editor2-first=Kenneth |date=1978 |publisher=Jane's Yearbooks |location=London |isbn=978-0-531-03278-7 |edition=69th |pages=41–42}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=1 or 2
|capacity=up to 3 or 4 passengers
|length m=11.97
|length ft=
|length in=
|length note= including rotor
|height m=3.15
|height ft=
|height in=
|height note=overall; {{cvt|2.72|m}} to top of rotor hub
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=917
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=1800
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{cvt|735|L|USgal impgal}} 
|more general=* '''Oil''': {{cvt|13|L|USgal impgal}} for engine, {{cvt|3.5|L|USgal impgal}} for gearbox
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Turbomeca Astazou IIIA]]
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]]
|eng1 kw=440

|rot number=1
|rot dia m=10.5
|rot area sqm=86.5
|rot area note=[[NACA airfoil|NACA 0012]] section
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=310
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=at sea level
|cruise speed kmh=264
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=max cruise at sea level
*'''economical cruise speed:''' {{cvt|233|km/h|mph kn}}

|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=361
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|range note=at sea level with maximum fuel
*'''Range with pilot and {{cvt|500|kg}}:''' {{cvt|233|km|mi nmi}}

|combat range km=
|combat range miles=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=5000
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=<br>
*'''Hover ceiling IGE:''' {{cvt|2850|m}}
*'''Hover ceiling OGE:''' {{cvt|2000|m}}

|climb rate ms=9
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=max at sea level
|time to altitude=
|disk loading kg/m2=19.5
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns= Two forward-firing {{cvt|7.62|mm}} machine-guns (optional)
|bombs=
|rockets= Matra or Brandt {{cvt|2.75|in|mm|order=flip}} or {{cvt|68|mm|in|2}} rocket pods (optional)
|missiles=Four [[AS.11]] or two [[AS.12]] wire-guided missiles; four or six [[Euromissile HOT]] (optional)
|hardpoints=
|hardpoint capacity=
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=*UHF, VHF, and HF radios; navigation equipment such as [[VHF omnidirectional range|VOR]] and [[TACAN]]; Standard blind flying instruments
}}

==Notable appearances in media==
<!-- All content about the aircraft in fictional and gaming use has been moved to [[Aircraft in fiction, please see [[WP:AIRPOP]] -->
{{Main|Aircraft in fiction#Aérospatiale Gazelle|l1=Aérospatiale Gazelle in fiction}}

== Aircraft on display ==
There are a large number of Gazelles preserved. In the UK, the following Gazelles are in preservation, either in museums or as "gate guards" at various facilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.demobbed.org.uk/aircraft.php?type=492|title=Demobbed – Out of Service British Military Aircraft|website=Demobbed.org.uk|access-date=5 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206135817/http://www.demobbed.org.uk/aircraft.php?type=492|archive-date=6 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* XW276 Aerospatiale SA.341 Gazelle, preserved at [[Newark Air Museum]] – this aircraft is the prototype Gazelle flown to Britain for evaluation and testing by Westland Helicopters Ltd and the Army Air Corps
* XW844 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at Vector Aerospace Fleetlands
* XW855 Westland WA.341 Gazelle HCC.4, preserved at [[RAF Museum Hendon]]
* XW863 Westland WA.341 Gazelle HT.2, preserved at Farnborough Air Sciences Trust
* XW890 Westland WA.341 Gazelle HT.2, preserved at [[RNAS Yeovilton]]
* XX380 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved as a gate guard at [[Wattisham Airfield]]
* XX381 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at Defence Sixth Form College Welbeck
* XX392 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at [[AAC Middle Wallop]]
* XX411 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at [[South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum]]
* XX444 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at Wattisham Airfield Museum
* XX457 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at [[East Midlands Aeropark]]
* XZ337 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at MOD Defence Equipment and Support headquarters at Abbey Wood
* XZ346 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at AAC Middle Wallop
* ZA737 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at [[Museum of Army Flying]], AAC Middle Wallop
* ZB670 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at Taunton Army Reserve Centre, home of 675 (The Rifles) Squadron AAC.
* ZB672 Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1, preserved at Army Technical Foundation, Winchester
* G-SFTA Westland WA.341G Gazelle Srs.1, preserved at [[North East Land, Sea and Air Museums]]

A further British Gazelle is preserved in [[Canada]]:
* XZ942 Westland WA.341 Gazelle HT.2, preserved at [[AAC Suffield]]

A former Yugoslav Army example is preserved in [[Slovenia]]
* TO-001 SOKO SA341H Gazelle, c/n 157, ex-JLV '12660', preserved at the [[Pivka Park of Military History]]

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|France}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]]
* [[Blue Thunder (helicopter)]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Bell OH-58 Kiowa]]
* [[MBB Bo 105]]
|lists=
* [[List of active United Kingdom military aircraft]]
* [[List of aircraft of the Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)]]
* [[List of rotorcraft]]
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===

* {{cite book|last=Abi-Chahine |first=Bassel |title=The People's Liberation Army through the eyes of a lens, 1975–1991 |publisher=Éditions Dergham |publication-place=Jdeideh (Beirut) |date=2019 |isbn=978-614-459-033-1}}
* {{cite book|last=Apostolo |first=Giorgio |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters |chapter=SA.341 Gazelle |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc00apos/page/98 |publisher=Bonanza Books |publication-place=New York |date=1984 |isbn=978-0-517-43935-7 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc00apos }}
* {{cite book|last1=Ashton |first1=Nigel |first2=Bryan |last2=Gibson |title=The Iran-Iraq War: New International Perspectives |publisher=Taylor & Francis |date=2013 |isbn=978-1-135-11536-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Chant |first=Chris |title= Air War in the Falklands 1982 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4728-0051-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Cocault |first=Gerald |title=A l'assaut du desert:Le Clémenceau et l'ALAT dans l'OPEX Salamandre |trans-title=French army (ALAT) in the first Gulf war |date=1990 |publisher=Books on Demand Editions |language=fr |isbn=978-2-8106-2329-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Crawford |first=Stephen |title=Twenty First Century Military Helicopters: Today's Fighting Gunships |publisher=Zenith Imprint |date=2003 |isbn=0-7603-1504-3}}
* {{cite book|editor-last=Eden |editor-first=Paul |title=The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft |location=London, UK |publisher=Amber Books |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-904687-84-9 }}
* {{cite book|last=Feiler |first=Gil |title=Economic Relations Between Egypt and the Gulf Oil States, 1967–2000: Petro Wealth and Patterns of Influence |publisher=Sussex Academic Press |date=2003 |isbn=1-903900-40-9}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Gunston |first=Bill |author-link=Bill Gunston |author2=Lake, Jon|author3= Mason, Francis K. |year=1990 |title= A-Z of Aircraft: Aerospatiale Gazelle |journal=Airplane Magazine |volume=1 |issue=6 |page=165 }}
* {{cite magazine|last=Field |first=Hugh |journal=Flight International |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%200325.html |title=Anglo-French rotary collaboration goes civil |date=8 February 1973 |pages=193–194}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Field |first=Hugh |journal=Flight International |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%200975.html |title=Nimble Gazelle |date=12 April 1973 |pages=585–589}}
* {{cite magazine|title=Franco–British Antelope: The First Ten Years in the Life of the Aerospatiale/Westland Gazelle |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=December 1977 |volume=13 |issue=6 |pages=277–283, 300 |ref={{harvid|''Air International'' December 1977}} }}
* {{cite magazine|last=Fricker |first=John |title=The Gazelle: Looking at American Pastures |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2iPpBN29ezMC&pg=PA72 |magazine= [[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] |date= February 1973 |volume= 92 |issue= 2 |pages=72–76 }}
* {{cite magazine|last=Hoyle |first=Craig |title=World Air Force Directory |journal=[[Flight International]] |date=13–19 December 2011 |volume= 180|issue= 5321|pages=26–52|issn=0015-3710 }}
* {{cite book|last=Hunter |first=Jane |title=Israeli Foreign Policy: South Africa and Central America |publisher=South End Press |date=1987 |isbn=0-89608-285-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Keucher |first=Ernest&nbsp;R. |title=Military assistance and foreign policy |publisher=Air Force Institute of Technology |date=1989 |isbn=0-916171-01-9}}
* {{cite book|last=Lowry |first=Richard |title=The Gulf War Chronicles: A Military History of the First War with Iraq |publisher=iUniverse |date=2008 |isbn=978-0-595-60075-5}}
* {{cite magazine|last=McClellan |first=J.&nbsp;Mac |title=Churning up the Soup |magazine= Flying |date= December 1989 |volume= 116 |issue= 12 |pages=30–31 |issn= 0015-4806 }}
* {{cite book|last=McGowen |first=Stanley&nbsp;S. |title=Helicopters: An Illustrated History of Their Impact |publisher=ABC-CLIO |date=2005 |isbn=1-85109-468-7}}
*{{cite book |last1=March|first1=Peter&nbsp;R.|title=Royal Air Force Yearbook 1998|year=1998|publisher= Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund|location=[[Fairford]], UK}}
* {{cite magazine|title= Mid '70s Roundup |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=fpYHIllkM2kC&pg=PA94 |magazine= Flying |volume= 98 |issue= 2 |date= February 1976 |page=94 }}
* {{cite book|last=Pollack |first=Kenneth&nbsp;Michael |title=Arabs at War: Military Effectiveness, 1948–1991 |publisher=University of Nebraska Press |date=2002 |isbn=0-8032-0686-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Ripley |first=Tim |title=Conflict in the Balkans: 1991–2000 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |date=2001 |isbn=1-84176-290-3}}
* {{cite book|first1=Zachary |last1=Sex |first2=Bassel |last2=Abi-Chahine |title=Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond |series=Modern Conflicts Profile Guide |volume=II |publisher=AK Interactive |date=2021 |id={{EAN|8435568306073}}}}
* {{cite book|last=Spiller |first=Roger&nbsp;J. |title=Combined arms in battle since 1939 |publisher=U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Press |date=1992 |isbn=1-4289-1537-0}}
* {{cite book |last= Taylor |first= John&nbsp;W.&nbsp;R. |title= Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83 |year=1982 |publisher=Jane's Yearbooks |location=London |isbn=978-0-7106-0748-5 |author-link=John W. R. Taylor}}
* {{cite book|last=Tucker |first=Spencer&nbsp;S. |title=The Encyclopedia of Middle East Wars: The United States in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Conflicts |publisher=ABC-CLIO |date=2010 |isbn=978-1-85109-948-1}}
* {{cite book|last=Wallis |first=Andrew |title=Silent Accomplice: The Untold Story of France's Role in the Rwandan Genocide |publisher=I.B.Tauris |date=2006 |isbn=1-84511-247-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Zoubir |first=Yahia H. |title=North Africa in Transition: State, Society, and Economic Transformation in the 1990s |publisher=University Press of Florida |date=1999 |isbn=0-8130-1655-X}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Aérospatiale SA 341/SA 342 Gazelle}}
* [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?aircraft_genericsearch=&airlinesearch=&countrysearch=&specialsearch=&daterange=&keywords=gazelle&range=&sort_order=&page_limit=15&thumbnails=&calccount=1239020&truecount=false&engine_version=6.0 Images of Aérospatiale Gazelle on airliners.net]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130818210709/http://www.aeroventure.org.uk/xx411.php Restoration of XX411 at aeroventure.org.uk]
* [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-and-french-attack-helicopters-build-strong-partnership "British and French attack helicopters build strong partnership." – Ministry of Defence, May 2013.]

{{Alouette family}}
{{Sud/Aérospatiale aircraft}}
{{Westland aircraft}}
{{SOKO aircraft}}
{{YAF aircraft}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aerospatiale Gazelle}}
[[Category:Sud Aviation aircraft]]
[[Category:Westland aircraft|Gazelle]]
[[Category:1960s French helicopters]]
[[Category:Fantail helicopters]]
[[Category:1960s international civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:1960s international military utility aircraft]]
[[Category:France–United Kingdom military relations]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1967]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear]]