AV7224006 - 1/72 WESTLAND GAZELLE HT.3 RAF 2FTS ZB627

The Gazelle is a French five-seat helicopter, commonly used for light transport, scouting and light attack duties. Powered by a single Turbomeca Astazou turbine engine, it was the first helicopter to feature a fenestron tail (a shrouded, multi-blade anti-torque device housed in the vertical surface of the tail) instead of a conventional tail rotor.

Designed by Sud Aviation, later Aérospatiale, and manufactured in France and the United Kingdom through a joint production and development agreement with Westland Aircraft, further manufacturing under license was undertaken by SOKO in Yugoslavia and the Arab British Helicopter Company (ABHCO) in Egypt. Introduced to service in 1973, the Gazelle has been operated by a number of export customers and has featured in numerous conflicts around the world.

The particular aircraft that this release is modelled on was delivered to the RAF in 1982. It served primarily with 2FTS at RAF Shawbury, the RAF's helicopter training establishment in Shropshire. Later in its RAF career, it was repainted Olive Drab whilst it was being used for night reconnaissance sorties. Decommissioned and sold into private ownership in 2002, ZB627 was given the civilian registration G-CBSK and repainted back into its original red and white 2FTS livery. ZB627 is still flying today and is part of the Gazelle Squadron team, taking parts in events and displays. Limited edition of 360.