The original Gazelle helicopter was designed for the French Army as a lightweight observation helicopter, however, early on in the aircraft’s development, the decision was taken to enlarge the helicopter to enable greater versatility and make it more attractive for the export market. The first prototype SA 340 flew on 7 April 1967, initially with a conventional tail rotor taken from the Alouette II. This tail was replaced in early 1968 with the distinctive fenestron tail on the second prototype.

Even in its development process the Gazelle had attracted British interest and this led to a deal between Aerospatiale and Westland, which allowed the production in Britain of 292 Gazelles SA 341’s, of which 262 were for the British armed forces. The deal also included Aérospatiale Puma’s for UK and allowed the French a work share in the manufacture of the 40 Westland Lynx naval helicopters for the French Navy.