Difference between revisions of "SA.342M Gazelle"

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{{Specs-Card
 
|code=sa_342m
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other version
 
| usage = other version
 
| link = SA.341F Gazelle
 
| link = SA.341F Gazelle
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=sa_342m
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
{{break}}
 
 
 
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. This helicopter was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
 
  
 
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.
 
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.
  
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.
+
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.
 
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.
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=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed 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.''
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - at sea level)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| ___ || ___
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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, how many engines the vehicle has. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft 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.''
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 37: Line 49:
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
 
''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
 
 
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any type of bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is extremely important and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|HOT-1|HOT-2 TOW|Mistral|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}
  
==Usage in battles==
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
''Describe the tactics of playing in the helicopter, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''
 
  
===Modules===
+
* 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
{| class="wikitable"
+
* 4 x HOT-1 missiles
!colspan = "1"| Tier
+
* 4 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
* 4 x Mistral missiles
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 7 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
+
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-1 missiles
|-
+
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
| I
+
 
| Compressor
+
== 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).''
| Flak Jacket
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
|
 
| Helicopter Frame
 
|
 
| HOT
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Engine
 
| Replacing Helicopter Blades
 
|
 
| New 20 mm Cannons
 
| HOT-2
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
|
 
| Cover
 
|
 
| ATAM
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
===Pros and cons===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize 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 - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
Line 95: Line 77:
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''
+
''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).''
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 
;Images
 
;Images
<div><ul>
+
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 001.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 001.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 002.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 002.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 003.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 003.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 004.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 004.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 005.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 005.jpg
</ul></div>
+
</gallery>
  
== 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 aircraft;''
+
* ''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.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
<!--''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 helicopter;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the helicopter;''
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6057-development-sa-341f-sa-342m-gazelle-light-hunter-en SA.341F & SA.342M Gazelle: Light Hunter]
+
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/6057-development-sa-341f-sa-342m-gazelle-light-hunter-en|[Devblog] SA.341F & SA.342M Gazelle: Light Hunter]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
 
{{France helicopters}}
 
{{France helicopters}}

Revision as of 14:25, 25 December 2020

This page is about the French utility helicopter SA.342M Gazelle. For other version, see SA.341F Gazelle.
SA.342M Gazelle
sa_342m.png
GarageImage SA.342M Gazelle.jpg
SA.342M Gazelle
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.7
Research:380 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 000 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The SA.342M Gazelle is a rank VI French utility helicopter with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB) and 9.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On".

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.

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

Flight performance

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

Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

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

Survivability and armour

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

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.

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

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

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).

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".

Pros:

Cons:

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Images

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