1/72 WESTLAND GAZELLE XX450 ROYAL MARINES

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.

Taken on charge by 3 Commando Brigade in July 1982, XX450 spent 10 years with the Royal Marines before transferring to 847 Naval Air Squadron. Sold into private ownership in 2001, XX450 was purchased by Gazelle Squadron in 2015 as a sister airframe to the Gazelle modelled as AV72-24-004. Featuring excellent attention to detail and a superb paint finish every time, each model comes with its own display stand. Limited edition of 196.