AVIATION72 AV7224009 1/72 ROYAL NAVY WESTLAND GAZELLE HT.2 XX436/39 705 NAS “SHARKS”

Description

Up for sale is a brand new 1:72 scale AV7224009 1/72 ROYAL NAVY WESTLAND GAZELLE HT.2 XX436 “Gordon” by Aviation72

The SA341C was the Royal Navy training version powered by an Astazou IIIN engine and built by Westland at Yeovil and Weston-Super-Mare. They served with 705 Naval Air Squadron at Culdrose. The Gazelle fleet was disposed of after the formation of the joint Defence Helicopter Flying School  at RAF Shawbury in 1997.

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.

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.
The Gazelle was used in combat in the Falkland Islands, Kuwait, Iraq and Kosovo and with 8 Flight Army Air Corps in support of 22 Special Air Service Regiment. It was also used for air patrols in Northern Ireland. British Gazelles were only armed when used in the Falklands, where they were fitted with machine guns and rocket pods, but these were not used. Three Gazelles were lost in action in 1982, two due to ground fire and one shot down by a Pucara. British Gazelles performed as scouts for other attack platforms in 1991 Gulf War.

This model aircraft is made from die-cast metal and plastic it includes extensive detailing. It is similar in quality to Corgi, Hobbymaster Inflight200, Phoenix Models, JC Wings, NG Models and Aviation200.

Includes display stand.

Additional information