MSFS

MSFS Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle

The Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle brings a highly detailed 3D exterior and developing virtual cockpit to Microsoft Flight Simulator, paired with a flight model tuned with input from a real helicopter pilot. Choose HOT or MISTRAL loadouts via weight and balance, fly with a working HUD, and use the included manual for procedures.

5/5 (2) 4.4k downloads 473.34 MB Scanned clean

Flight Simulator 2020

Images & Screenshots

6 total

A military helicopter with a pilot inside sits in tall grass while two tanks are visible on the distant horizon under a cloudy sky.

A military camouflage helicopter with "armée de TERRE" markings is parked on grass near a hangar, with dense trees in the background.

A helicopter cockpit panel with analog gauges is shown banking over green fields and a forested area under a clear sky.

Several military helicopters with camouflage paint are parked on the tarmac in front of green hangars under clear blue skies.

A dark military helicopter with a glass cockpit hovers low over a grassy field, casting a distinct shadow on the ground.

A helicopter with a black and white striped livery sits on a concrete surface at night under a star-filled sky.

Editor reviewed · Tested in-sim

Expert Overview

The Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle mod for Microsoft Flight Simulator offers an authentic rotorcraft experience that balances refined aerodynamics with a finely detailed cockpit environment. Built on Cyril Pioffet’s 3D model and enhanced with real pilot insights from Siouxcopter, it encompasses realistic flight handling, multiple load configurations, and an evolving design that captures the essence of this iconic helicopter.

Its key elements include a functioning HUD for improved situational awareness and ongoing upgrades to exterior visuals, cockpit textures, and interactive systems. As someone with decades of experience in flight simulation, I appreciate how this freeware mod seamlessly blends performance, realism, and steadily expanding features, making it a compelling addition for any virtual pilot seeking an engaging helicopter simulation.

Introducing a meticulously crafted freeware mod for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, the MSFS Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle. This addition brings an authentic simulation experience of the renowned SA 342 Gazelle helicopter, renowned for its agility and performance. This mod reflects the helicopter’s real-world capabilities, providing a nuanced and immersive flight experience.

Key Features

Authentic 3D model based on Cyril Pioffet's original design, offering a high level of detail and realism.
Enhanced flight model, fine-tuned in collaboration with Siouxcopter, a real-life helicopter pilot, ensuring an authentic flight experience.
Implementation of multiple load configurations, including HOT and MISTRAL, adjustable through the weight and balance menu for varied flight dynamics.
Introduction of a functional Head-Up Display (HUD), enhancing situational awareness during flight.
Regular updates and refinements to the exterior model, textures, and flight model, ensuring continuous improvement.
Inclusion of a new cockpit design (work-in-progress) with the start of development on interactive buttons and gauges.
Added night texture bug fix and new liveries, including a 4th RHFS texture from Pau.
Comprehensive manual included for understanding and operating the complex systems and features.

About the Real-World Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle

The Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle is a light, five-seat helicopter, primarily used for light transport and attack missions. It's celebrated for its agility, speed, and the ability to handle a variety of missions. This flight sim mod captures the essence of the Gazelle's versatility and performance, making it an exciting addition for enthusiasts and virtual pilots.

Usage and Licensing

This add-on is strictly freeware. Users are encouraged to delve into the rich experience it offers, but redistribution or commercial use is not permitted. Always respect the creator's terms of use.

The MSFS Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle mod is a testament to the dedication of flight simulation enthusiasts. It not only enhances the MSFS 2020 experience but also pays homage to a remarkable real-world helicopter. The ongoing updates and improvements suggest a commitment to quality and realism that will undoubtedly enrich your virtual flying experience.

Installation

Simply extract the archive and copy the SA342_Gazelle_v0.85_NAYR8 folder into your MSFS community folder. Starting with version 0.81, the necessity to download Airlandfs has been eliminated, streamlining the installation process.

Ready to download Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle?

Free for all simmers · 473.34 MB · Scanned clean

File information

Filename

msfs-gazelle-helicopter-fafa.zip

File size

473.34 MB

Virus scan

Clean (scanned with ClamAV)

Access

Freeware

Content rating

Everyone

Download speed: Free tier is capped at 2 Mbps (this file takes approximately 33 mins at the cap). PRO members download at full line speed.

This is a freeware file — use is subject to our freeware copyright terms.

How to install this mod

MSFS add-on

Extract the downloaded archive

Use 7-Zip (free) or WinRAR to extract the ZIP to a temporary folder. Don't install while still zipped — the simulator can't read inside ZIP files.
Locate your MSFS Community folder

All MSFS add-ons live in the Community folder. Microsoft Store / Game Pass version: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages\Community\. Steam version: %APPDATA%\Microsoft Flight Simulator\Packages\Community\. Tip: enable Developer Mode in MSFS to see your exact Community folder path.
Copy the package into Community

Drag the extracted folder into your Community folder. Most MSFS add-ons follow this pattern.
Restart MSFS

Close MSFS completely and relaunch. The new content appears in the Content Manager, on the World Map, or in the aircraft/livery selector.
Always read the included readme

Every mod ships with a readme.txt or README file. It tells you exactly where files go, what dependencies are needed, and any quirks specific to this add-on.

About the developer

fafa_2021

An esteemed developer within the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 community. Focused on modern military aircraft, fafa_2021 elevates flight simulation with precision-crafted mods. Operating from France, this developer skillfully converts legacy models from FS9 (FS2004) and FSX into immersive, high-quality enhancements.

fafa_2021 has generously granted Fly Away Simulation the privilege to showcase their mods, enriching our platform with top-tier flight simulation content. While currently without a donation link, any future options to support fafa_2021's work will be made available here.