SA.342M Gazelle

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The SA 342M is the French Army anti tank Gazelle, in service from 1980. The Gazelle introduced the fenestron, a small multi blade fan enclosed inside the tail fin instead of an exposed tail rotor, which is quieter, safer on the ground and less likely to be damaged by vegetation. The M version carries four HOT wire guided missiles and a roof mounted sight, so the helicopter can stay behind cover with only the sight exposed while the gunner steers the missile onto the target. On MCS the Gazelle is small, fast and fragile. It is the helicopter for scouting a route, finding armour and killing a tank from two or three kilometres away without ever entering rifle range. Because the missiles are wire guided you must hold the sight steady all the way to impact, which leaves you exposed. Recommended for careful, patient anti armour work.