AV7224007 - 1/72 WESTLAND GAZELLE AH.1 ROYAL MARINES 3CBS ZA730 FALKLAND

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 Aerospatiale, 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.

A total of 15 Gazelles were involved in the 1982 Falklands War - six with No 656 Squadron Army Air Corps and nine with Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade Squadron, of which ZA730 was one. It is modelled here in the livery worn during the conflict. Limited edition of 360.