This channel contains an incredible collection of moving images of a significant part of recent British industrial archaeology, using footage produced by the companies’ own film units.
The films, which follow the evolution of the British Helicopter Industry have not been enhanced or edited. They retain their wonderful charm and nostalgic quality of a bygone time, where pioneering men and machines were always pushing the boundaries of materials and technology.
The archive extends from the earliest film found so far of a very busy and successful Westland Aircraft in the 1930’s, where fixed wing aircraft were being built .
Not only Westland types can be seen. In 1960 the British aircraft industry underwent a major upheaval. The helicopter interests of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, Fairey Aviation and Saunders Roe were rationalised and merged into Britain’s sole helicopter company - Westland.
Our channel will be added to with regular content for your viewing pleasure.
Worked on Lynx and Gazelle for 20 years in the British Army, almost choked on my tea when they said Lynx was easy to maintain. Army Lynx Mk1 was a nightmare it took about 10 years of upgrades to make the eventual Lynx Mk 7 a good helicopter , also Gazelle needed a major engine upgrade to make it a great helicopter.
From 1963-1965 I worked with 846 then 845 Navy Air Commando squadrons. In Sarawak, Borneo. Brilliant machines, fantastic crews, and an absolutely vital role in the confrontation with Insurgents from Indonesia.
I hail from nearby Sherborne. I knew at least a couple of dozen people who worked at WHL. A huge employer at one time but sadly this dwindles though the 80's and 90's. My personal favourite was the Gazelle. I worked at WHL myself for a while as a contractor. Saw guys making the wireline looms for the Sea King and saw the big pit they dug for the massive press they put in the mid 80s when the blades were going full composite.
Puma would have still been in service regardless (albeit a much shorter service), this was supposed to replace Puma as part of AST.404 in the 1980s. AST.404 died when studies showed that BAOR needed transport helicopters with greater capacity, hence procurement of Merlin HC.3, although the order was delayed and reduced in size due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Westland also had an entirely clean-sheet design for AST.404, the WG.38.
This film is after 1970 when the Ark was refitted with the 8.5deg angled flight and bridle catchers, this enabled her to operate Phantoms and Buccaneers.
Love the Lynx, although this isn't the AH1, this is the G-Lynx, a specially modified, one off Lynx designed to break the helicopter speed record (which it did in 1986.... and still holds today.)
You have to hand it to the Brits. Replacing the radial engine with first one and then two turboshaft engines transformed the Sikorsky H34 from a high maintenance and marginally powered craft into a much more useful helicopter.
I love the United Kingdom... - probably more than anyone else...!! Last night I reported to the Army and submitted my application, which is unfortunately not so easy when you're from outside. But I want to do it because it's my love, passion, soul and calling! I am convinced that every bit of help is important and I would like to do my part! I feel British 😀
