Gazelle Helicopters Sa341/342

Single Rotorcraft

The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a French five-seat light utility helicopter that became one of the most successful European rotorcraft designs of the 1970s and 1980s. First flown in 1967 as a collaboration between Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale) and Westland in the UK, the Gazelle introduced a distinctive fenestron shrouded tail rotor and rigid main rotor system that reduced noise and improved safety around ground personnel. Its sleek profile and excellent visibility made it popular for both military observation roles and civilian operations including emergency medical services, law enforcement, and executive transport. The SA341 and SA342 variants differ primarily in engine and avionics fit, with the SA342 featuring an uprated Turbomeca Astazou turboshaft producing around 870 shaft horsepower. Maximum cruise speed reaches approximately 165 knots with a never-exceed speed of 193 knots, while service ceiling extends to 16,400 feet and range spans roughly 400 nautical miles with standard fuel. Over 1,700 Gazelles were built across French and British production lines, serving more than 50 countries in roles from military reconnaissance to civilian charter work. Though production ended in the 1990s, hundreds remain in active service worldwide, prized for their agility, relatively low operating costs, and compact footprint. The type's longevity reflects solid French engineering and a large support network that has kept aging airframes flying decades beyond their original service projections. SkyMeter has tracked 23 flights across 13 airframes and 7 operators, with SIMPLE TRUST LLC the largest observed operator.