Defence
Puma 2 Gazelle Team
The Puma 2 Gazelle Team provides in-service support to the current Puma (Mk1) and Gazelle (Mk1) helicopter fleets and is responsible for delivering the Life Extension Programme for the Puma (Mk2).
Puma Mk 1 Helicopter [Source:MOD]
The Puma 2 Gazelle Team provides operational and in-service support to the Puma and Gazelle helicopter fleets including acting as engineering authority and management of logistical and maintenance support to both fleets operated by the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC). This includes technical engineering support such as airworthiness and safety management, configuration control and publications provision, logistics support (including spares provision) and depth maintenance. The Puma depth hub is located at RAF Benson and the Gazelle depth hub at Middle Wallop.
The team is also responsible for delivery of the Life Extension Programme for the Puma helicopter fleet, which will result in Mk2 including future support.
Current Activities
The team supports the Puma and Gazelle in-service helicopter fleets and is responsible for the extension of the service life of the Puma fleet:
- Puma HC Mk1 is a support helicopter operated by the Royal Air Force and is used for transporting personnel and equipment around the battlefield. It can carry up to 16 equipped soldiers or lift a load of up to two tonnes. Pumas were involved in Operation TELIC (Iraq) and are currently used for pre-deployment training of Land Forces. The fleet is being upgraded under the Puma Life Extension Programme.
- Gazelle AH Mk1 is operated by the Army in reconnaissance, liaison, casualty evacuation, tactical lifting of troops and stores (internal/external freight), airborne command post and pilot training roles. It is a lightweight multi-role helicopter with a crew of two which can carry three passengers. Gazelles are currently based in Northern Ireland and Canada in support of Battle Group training.
- Puma HC MK2. The Life Extension Programme for the Puma helicopter fleet will significantly enhance its performance with reduced environmental impact making it, in many respects, the UK’s best performing medium helicopter in demanding hot and high conditions. It will also improve the safety of the platform by providing new engines, a digital flight control system, increased platform survivability and enhanced communications.
Page updated 22 July 2011
Quick facts
Team Leader : Group Captain MJ French
Key Events
August 2009 - Life Extension Programme for Puma helicopter fleet approved.
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