Difference between revisions of "SA.342M Gazelle"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other version
+
| usage = other versions
−
| link = SA.341F Gazelle
+
| link = Gazelle (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
+
The '''SA.342M Gazelle''' was a modification of the [[SA.341F Gazelle|SA.341]] designed specifically for the French Army. Entering service in 1984, key improvements included a more powerful engine, improved optics and avionics, and the addition of extra pylons for ordnance, which doubled the aircraft's payload capacity. These helicopters were used by France in the Gulf War as well as a number of other conflicts. SA.342Ms are still in service with France, but are gradually being phased out.
  
−
Initially designed by Sud Aviation in 1966, the Gazelle helicopter project (SA 340, SA 341 and SA 342) was continued by Aérospatiale as a French five-seat transport, scout and light attack helicopter manufactured in both France and the United Kingdom. Manufacturing licenses were granted allowing a Yugoslavian company SOKO and the Arab British Helicopter Company in Egypt to also produce these aircraft.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]], the SA.342M differs from the preceding [[SA.341F Gazelle|SA.341F]] primarily by the absence of a 20 mm autocannon, but gained the ability to use two ordnance pylons instead of one. The SA.342M also received a thermal imager for improved target detection. Otherwise, it remains the same fast and agile Gazelle, capable of delivering swift attacks, though lacking in survivability.
−
 
 
−
The Turbomeca Artouste Astazou XIV turbine engine powers the SA.342M Gazelle. Initial testing of this helicopter utilised a standard tail-rotor taken from the Alouette, however, design changes switched to a Fenestron-style tail, the first helicopter to do so. The Fenestron tail or "fantail" differs from a conventional tail rotor as it contains eight to eighteen blades housed within the tail unit of the helicopter. Advantages of the Fenestron include substantial noise reduction, protection of tail rotor damage from contact with other objects and protection of ground personnel working around the tail section. With the aid of the Fenestron tail, the Gazelle was the world's fastest helicopter in its class during its early years.
 
−
 
 
−
In the service of the French, the Gazelle SA.342M was utilised as a light support helicopter equipped with various rockets, anti-tank missiles and air-to-air missiles. Seven different suspended armament configurations allow the SA.342M to fulfil a versatile role in the fighting zone whether sniping armoured vehicles or hunting other aircraft loitering around the battlefield. Fast and agile with a punch, the Gazelle is a formidable foe with many surprises.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
The Gazelle is a fast and agile helicopter which can do tight turns and barrel rolls at a relative altitude. It has similar flight performance as the EC-665 Tiger helicopters, but with a more sluggish flight. The weight and small size make the Gazelle one of the fastest accelerating helicopters in the game, even with full payload.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
| 265 || 249 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___
+
| 301 || 285
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
−
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.''
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
 +
The Gazelle has low survivability even against flak, not only because the cabin has low thickness, but also because the cabin glass takes a lot of the cabin surface. Thus, even low-calibre machine gun fire is able to take the Gazelle down with no issues at all.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 63: Line 61:
 
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-1 missiles
 
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-1 missiles
 
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
 
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
 +
 +
This version of the Gazelle removes the 20 mm autocannon and replaces it with two additional pylons which can be used to carry double the ordnance. It has a really low ordnance capacity compared to other helicopters at the tier but compensates it with the agility and speed, specially when compared with Mi-24's. Both HOT-1 and HOT-2 do not have really long ranges, meaning the Gazelle has to enter within the SPAA range. However, SPAA can be countered by flying low and staying behind cover, specially trees and mountains. It carries a really low amount of rockets but can be deadly if aimed correctly. It also has access to air-to-air missiles, the Mistral missile.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
This helicopter has three main playstyles, centred around the selected loadout.
 +
 
 +
* Anti-Tank: Using ATGMs, get within 4 km of a target, while remaining hidden by trees or buildings, and guide your missile to the target. Focus on tanks without reactive armour, as they may render your missiles ineffective, and waste your time. After expending your missiles, it is best to return to the helipad and resupply.
 +
 
 +
* Rocketeer: Using unguided rockets, fly low over the battlefield and assault a single tank with a precise salvo, and then retreat behind cover.
 +
 
 +
* Air defence: Using AAMs, sneak behind enemy lines, and land in an obscured area, or behind cover, and wait for aircraft or helicopters to get near your allies. Then surprise attack them with your missiles and cannon fire. This will make short work of any helicopter, and most slow-flying aircraft.
 +
 
 +
Overall, you want to avoid direct line-of-sight to your enemies, as they likely can spot you faster than you can spot them, and engage you at longer range. Surface-to-air missiles are a serious threat, as they can take you by surprise, and you have no radar detector to warn you of their presence. The same applies to radar-guided anti-aircraft guns.
 +
 
 +
In Helicopter Battles (Heli EC) the Gazelle is notably better than either of the two preceding helicopters, finally unlocking AAMs with a greater range (5.5km) than 3/4km ATGMs.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* One of the smallest helicopters, easier to hide, and harder to hit at high speed
 +
* Mistral air-to-air missiles
 +
* Has access to flares and thermal optics
 +
* Can be equipped with HOT-1 and HOT-2 AGMs
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Surprisingly hard to manoeuvre at speed, and has a tendency to over-roll
 +
* No armour, easy to damage critical components and eliminate crew
 +
* Starts off with one of the weakest stock loadouts for helicopters
 +
* No gun armaments
 +
* Very low unguided rocket count
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The SA.342M Gazelle was the anti-tank version of the SA.342F Gazelle, the Gazelle utilised by the French army. It was fitted with the Astazou XIV engine, as well as with the Euromissile HOT-2 TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile. In order to increase the anti-tank capabilities, it was fitted with SFIM APX M397 stabilized sight.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sa_342m Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
;Images
 
;Images
−
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
+
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 001.jpg
 
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 001.jpg
 
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 002.jpg
 
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 002.jpg
Line 92: Line 118:
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 98: Line 125:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the helicopter;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 17:38, 4 August 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the French utility helicopter SA.342M Gazelle. For other versions, see Gazelle (Family).
SA.342M Gazelle
sa_342m.png
GarageImage SA.342M Gazelle.jpg
SA.342M Gazelle
France flag.png France
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.7
Class:
Research:380 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 000 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The SA.342M Gazelle was a modification of the SA.341 designed specifically for the French Army. Entering service in 1984, key improvements included a more powerful engine, improved optics and avionics, and the addition of extra pylons for ordnance, which doubled the aircraft's payload capacity. These helicopters were used by France in the Gulf War as well as a number of other conflicts. SA.342Ms are still in service with France, but are gradually being phased out.

Introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On", the SA.342M differs from the preceding SA.341F primarily by the absence of a 20 mm autocannon, but gained the ability to use two ordnance pylons instead of one. The SA.342M also received a thermal imager for improved target detection. Otherwise, it remains the same fast and agile Gazelle, capable of delivering swift attacks, though lacking in survivability.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 0 m288 km/h
Max altitude5 000 m
EngineTurbomeca Astazou XIV
Power580 hp
Take-off weight2 t

The Gazelle is a fast and agile helicopter which can do tight turns and barrel rolls at a relative altitude. It has similar flight performance as the EC-665 Tiger helicopters, but with a more sluggish flight. The weight and small size make the Gazelle one of the fastest accelerating helicopters in the game, even with full payload.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - at sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 265 249 5000
Upgraded 301 285

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural310 km/h
Gear320 km/h

The Gazelle has low survivability even against flak, not only because the cabin has low thickness, but also because the cabin glass takes a lot of the cabin surface. Thus, even low-calibre machine gun fire is able to take the Gazelle down with no issues at all.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB10 225 → 13 711 Sl icon.png
RB3 433 → 4 603 Sl icon.png
SB5 849 → 7 843 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications297 000 Rp icon.png
436 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training290 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
48 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
71 000 Sl icon.png
730 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
HOT
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
HOT-2
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
ATAM
Research:
48 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
71 000 Sl icon.png
730 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Suspended armament

Main articles: HOT-1, HOT-2 TOW, Mistral, FFAR Mighty Mouse

The SA.342M Gazelle can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 4 x HOT-1 missiles
  • 4 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
  • 4 x Mistral missiles
  • 2 x Mistral missiles + 7 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-1 missiles
  • 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles

This version of the Gazelle removes the 20 mm autocannon and replaces it with two additional pylons which can be used to carry double the ordnance. It has a really low ordnance capacity compared to other helicopters at the tier but compensates it with the agility and speed, specially when compared with Mi-24's. Both HOT-1 and HOT-2 do not have really long ranges, meaning the Gazelle has to enter within the SPAA range. However, SPAA can be countered by flying low and staying behind cover, specially trees and mountains. It carries a really low amount of rockets but can be deadly if aimed correctly. It also has access to air-to-air missiles, the Mistral missile.

Usage in battles

This helicopter has three main playstyles, centred around the selected loadout.

  • Anti-Tank: Using ATGMs, get within 4 km of a target, while remaining hidden by trees or buildings, and guide your missile to the target. Focus on tanks without reactive armour, as they may render your missiles ineffective, and waste your time. After expending your missiles, it is best to return to the helipad and resupply.
  • Rocketeer: Using unguided rockets, fly low over the battlefield and assault a single tank with a precise salvo, and then retreat behind cover.
  • Air defence: Using AAMs, sneak behind enemy lines, and land in an obscured area, or behind cover, and wait for aircraft or helicopters to get near your allies. Then surprise attack them with your missiles and cannon fire. This will make short work of any helicopter, and most slow-flying aircraft.

Overall, you want to avoid direct line-of-sight to your enemies, as they likely can spot you faster than you can spot them, and engage you at longer range. Surface-to-air missiles are a serious threat, as they can take you by surprise, and you have no radar detector to warn you of their presence. The same applies to radar-guided anti-aircraft guns.

In Helicopter Battles (Heli EC) the Gazelle is notably better than either of the two preceding helicopters, finally unlocking AAMs with a greater range (5.5km) than 3/4km ATGMs.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • One of the smallest helicopters, easier to hide, and harder to hit at high speed
  • Mistral air-to-air missiles
  • Has access to flares and thermal optics
  • Can be equipped with HOT-1 and HOT-2 AGMs

Cons:

  • Surprisingly hard to manoeuvre at speed, and has a tendency to over-roll
  • No armour, easy to damage critical components and eliminate crew
  • Starts off with one of the weakest stock loadouts for helicopters
  • No gun armaments
  • Very low unguided rocket count

History

The SA.342M Gazelle was the anti-tank version of the SA.342F Gazelle, the Gazelle utilised by the French army. It was fitted with the Astazou XIV engine, as well as with the Euromissile HOT-2 TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile. In order to increase the anti-tank capabilities, it was fitted with SFIM APX M397 stabilized sight.

Media

Skins
Images
  • SA 342M WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • SA 342M WTWallpaper 002.jpg
  • SA 342M WTWallpaper 003.jpg
  • SA 342M WTWallpaper 004.jpg
  • SA 342M WTWallpaper 005.jpg

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the helicopter;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Aérospatiale
Utility  SA 313B Alouette II · SA 316B Alouette III · SA.341F Gazelle · SA.342M Gazelle
Export  ◄SA 313B Alouette II · HKP2 · SA.342L Gazelle

France helicopters
Attack  ▄H-34 · EC-665 Tiger HAD · Tiger HAD Block 2 · EC-665 Tiger HAP
Utility  IAR 316B · SA 313B Alouette II · SA 316B Alouette III · SA.341F Gazelle · SA.342M Gazelle

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