Acquired in 2013 by the APPAF, the Gazelle SA 341, registration F-FAYSA, is a former military helicopter of the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT).
Carrying the serial number 1353, the APPAF Gazelle is now a demilitarised private helicopter flying under the Certificat de Navigabilité Restreint pour Aéronef de Collection (CNRAC).
This special status enables the APPAF to present the Gazelle Sierra Alpha in flight at airshows in France and Europe. Through its presence at Air Legend, the APPAF is highlighting the diversity of missions carried out by this combat helicopter: reconnaissance, liaison, anti-tank warfare and defence against light aircraft, day and night.
Within the French Army, the Gazelle helicopter distinguished itself in the 1980s during operations Manta and Épervier in the defence of Chad against Libya, whose forces occupied the north of the country, then during the 1991 Gulf War following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
From 1990 to the present day, in the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Africa, the Gazelle has been involved in all the French armed forces’ overseas operations.
Under ALAT colours, the Gazelle SA 341, now owned by APPAF, was armed with four Hot anti-tank missiles. Designed and produced by Sud Aviation, now Airbus Helicopters, a number of Gazelles are still in service with the French army, particularly in support of special operations.

At Air Legend, the Gazelle F-AYSA is presented by Gilles Guérin.

Cruising speed: 220 km/h
Maximum weight: 1,900 kg ;
Range: 670 km;
Propulsion: a Turbomeca Astazou 523 hp turbine.