The Gazelle was developed in France by Sud Aviation as a high-performance successor to the Alouette II. The initial prototype (SA 340) first flew on April 7, 1967, followed by the SA 341 prototype on April 17, 1968. The design is most notable for the introduction of the fenestron, a shrouded multi-blade tail rotor integrated into the vertical fin, which enhanced ground safety and reduced noise levels. Designed as a five-seat light helicopter, the airframe was intentionally enlarged during development to increase its versatility for export markets.
Production was handled by several entities through joint agreements and licensing. Sud Aviation initially led production before merging into Aérospatiale on January 1, 1970. In the United Kingdom, Westland Aircraft produced the type until the early 1980s. Licensed production also occurred in Yugoslavia via SOKO in Mostar until the early 1990s, and in Egypt through the Arab British Helicopter Company (ABHCO) and Helwan works until the mid-1990s. Total production is estimated to be more than 1,400 units, with serial production finally concluding in 1996.
Technically, the Gazelle is a single-engine turboshaft helicopter powered by Turbomeca Astazou engines. The SA 341 variant utilized the Astazou III producing approximately 590 hp, while the more powerful SA 342 variant reached 870 hp. Performance figures for the family include a maximum cruise speed of 264 km/h and a service ceiling of 5,000 meters. The SA 341G civil variant achieved a significant milestone as the first helicopter to receive single-pilot IFR Category 1 approval in the United States.
Militarily, the Gazelle entered service with the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) in 1973. It has been utilized by approximately 25 military operators globally in roles ranging from reconnaissance to light attack. Armed variants have carried 20 mm cannons, unguided rockets, Mistral air-to-air missiles, and HOT wire-guided anti-tank missiles. The aircraft has seen extensive combat, including the 1982 Lebanon War (Syria), the 1991 Gulf War (France and Iraq), the Rwandan Civil War, and the Alto Cenepa War between Ecuador and Peru. In the Yugoslav Wars, SOKO-built Gazelles were heavily employed; the first aircraft lost in that conflict was a Gazelle shot down near Ljubljana on June 27, 1991.
As of 2017, Airbus Helicopters reported that 470 Gazelles remained in service across 34 countries. While the French ALAT is gradually replacing its fleet, the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence continues to operate approximately 30 aircraft, primarily the locally armed "Gama" variants.