British Army Gazelles make farewell flypast before retirement

After nearly 50 years of active duty, the Army Air Corps has said farewell to its Gazelle helicopter fleet by carrying out a special UK-wide flypast.

A formation of three Gazelle helicopters from 5 Regiment Army Air Corps flew from the Flying Station Aldergrove in Northern Ireland to Vector Aerospace International Ltd in Gosport.

The Gazelle entered into service on 6 July 1974 and will retire on 31 October 2023.

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Gazelle helicopter's fly-path on 23 October

• 10:00: FS Aldergrove
• 10:05: 38X HQ Thiepval Barracks
• 11:30: Manchester Barton
• 13:30: RAF Shawbury
• 14:00: Hereford
• 14:20: DE&S Abbey Wood
• 14:45: Army HQ - Andover
• 14:50: Middle Wallop
• 15:40: Safran Aerospace
• 15:45: Fleetlands – Vector

The Gazelle was deployed in the UK, Northern Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong, the Falkland Islands, Canada, Kenya, Belize, Cyprus, Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan during its 49-year service.

The helicopter served in every branch of the Armed Forces at one time or another – and is the only aircraft to have done this. 

The display was the last chance many would have to see the Gazelle in action.