The Gazelle was designed in 1967 as part of a 3 aircraft Anglo French agreement along with the Puma and Lynx. The pre-production and the initial production aircraft, which flew between 1972 and 1974, suffered from vibration problems. These vibration problems were resolved by stiffening of the structure, fitting of blade dampers and, to combat ground resonance, the changing of the engine mounts and installation of a fully articulated , low frequency skid type undercarriage. An ASTAZOU III N2 turbine engine built by Turbomeca, which drives a 3 bladed main rotor and a 13 bladed tail rotor (Fenestron), powers the Gazelle.
The SA 341 ‘Gazelle’ is a lightweight multi-role helicopter with a crew of two that can carry 3 passengers and fulfil a large number of roles. These are as follows:
- Reconnaissance
- Liaison
- Casualty Evacuation
- Tactical lifting of troops and stores (internal/external freight)
- Airborne command post
- Pilot training
Technical Information
The main design features (which were advanced for the time) are:
- Fenestron type tail rotor
- Fibreglass main rotor blades
- Metal honeycomb structure (NIDA)
- Fibreglass panels & cowlings
- Coupled turbine turbo-shaft
- Low frequency, fully articulated, skid type undercarriage