AVIATION 72

The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a French-designed helicopter, created by the company Sud Aviation, w0hich later became Aérospatiale. 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.

Info:   Westland Gazelle HCC.4 - XW855, RAF Museum Hendon