Gazelle helicopters to have lives extended to 2025

British Gazelle observation and utility helicopters are to remain in service until 2025 following news of a life extension programme.

According to IHS Janes, details of the life extension programme emerged after the MoD informed IHS Jane’s “that it is to run a new competition for all elements of the helicopter’s in-service support, in time for new contracts to be in place to be re-let by March 2018.”

The Gazelle is a French five-seat helicopter, commonly used for light transport, scouting and light attack duties. It is powered by a single turbine engine and was the first helicopter to feature a fenestron tail instead of a conventional tail rotor. It was designed by Sud Aviation, later Aérospatiale, and manufactured in France and the United Kingdom through a joint production agreement with Westland Aircraft.

In 1973, 142 aircraft were on order by the UK, out of a then-intended fleet of 250. No. 660 Squadron AAC, based in Germany, was the first British Army unit to be equipped with Gazelles, entering operational service on 6 July 1974.

Various branches of the British military have operated Gazelles in other theatres, such as during the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq and in the 1999 intervention in Kosovo.

While the type was originally intended to be retired in 2012, the Gazelle seems to have a somewhat longer life than originally planned, they’ll have passed their 50th anniversary soon.