picture 204168

Between 1977 and 1984, the IrAF, and then the IrAAC, received a total of 35 SA.342L, 56 SA.342K and 20 SA.342H Gazelle helicopters. Most received the camouflage pattern depicted here, consisting of sand, chocolate brown and olive drab on upper surfaces and sides, and light blue under. More than 80 saw combat service during the war with Iran, but their attrition was heavy because their ‘glasshouse’ type of cockpit proved vulnerable even to small-arms fire from the ground. Usual armament consisted of four HOT ATGMs, but 20mm cannons (installed on the right side only) and various pod for unguided rockets (usually 68mm) saw widespread service too. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)