The Aérospatiale Gazelle originated in a French Army requirement for a lightweight utility helicopter. The design quickly attracted British interest, leading to a development and production share out agreement with British company Westland Helicopters. The deal, signed in February 1967, allowed the production in Britain of 292 Gazelles and 48 Aérospatiale Pumas ordered by the British armed forces, in return Aérospatiale were given a work share in the manufacturing programme for the 40 Westland Lynx naval helicopters for the French Navy.
Though the general layout resembles that of the Alouette series, the Gazelle featured several important innovations. This was the first helicopter to carry a fenestron or fantail, which allows considerable noise reduction. Also, the rotor blades were made of composite materials, a feature now widely used in modern helicopters.
Though the general layout resembles that of the Alouette series, the Gazelle featured several important innovations. This was the first helicopter to carry a fenestron or fantail, which allows considerable noise reduction. Also, the rotor blades were made of composite materials, a feature now widely used in modern helicopters.
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 3 Passengers
- Length: 11.97 m (39 ft 0 in)
- Main rotor diameter: 10.5 m (34 ft 6 in)
- Height: 3.15 m (10 ft 3 in)
- Main rotor area: 86.5 m² (931 ft²)
- Empty weight: 908 kg (2,002 lb)
- Gross weight: 1,800 kg (3,970 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Astazou IIIA turboshaft, 440 kW (590 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 310 km/h (193 mph)
- Cruising speed: 264 km/h (164 mph)
- Range: 670 km (416 miles)
- Service ceiling: 5,000 m (16,405 ft)
- Rate of climb: 9 m/s (1,770 ft/min)
sursa: wikipedia (Data from Airplane Magazine Vol 1 Issue 6)