Historic Helicopters ex Royal Navy Westland Wessex HU5, XT461, G-WSEX and ex Royal Air Force Westland Sea King HAR Mk.3, XZ597, G-SKNG, displaying at the Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow on 19th September 2021.
Westland Wessex, XT761, is now on the civil register as G-WSEX.
She was built by Westland Helicopters, Yeovil in 1966 with constructors number WA483.
Her first flight was on 3rd October 1966 with Westland pilot Mr LCE De Vigne. She was delivered to the Royal Naval Air Yard at Flatlands on 20th October 1966 and then went to 707 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) at Royal Naval Air Station, Culdrose (uncoded), on 6th February 1967 and then she went to 848 NAS (coded “Z”) on 7th March 1967 The Westland Wessex was a British-built, turbine-powered development of the Sikorsky S-58/H-34. It was developed and produced under license by Westland Aircraft (later Westland Helicopters). One of the main changes from Sikorsky’s S-58/H-34 was the replacement of the piston-engine powerplant with a turboshaft engine. The Wessex was the first large mass-produced helicopter designed around the use of a gas turbine engine. Early models were powered by a single Napier Gazelle engine, while later builds used a pair of de Havilland Gnome engines.
The Wessex was initially produced for the Royal Navy and later for the Royal Air Force; a limited number of civilian aircraft were also produced, as well as some export sales. The Wessex operated as an anti-submarine warfare and utility helicopter; it is perhaps best recognised for its use as a Search and Rescue helicopter. The type entered operational service in 1961, and had a service life in excess of 40 years before being retired in Britain.
Joining the Historic Helicopters she underwent a 15000 man-hour 24-month restoration to return to flight following over 32 years on the ground.
Sea King - This Sea King was built by Westland, Yeovil in 1978 (c/n WA683) and first flew on 22nd June. During service she was assigned to 22, 78, 202 and 203 Squadrons, RAF.
The Westland WS-61 Sea King is a British licence-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines (derived from the US General Electric T58), British-made anti-submarine warfare systems and a fully computerised flight control system. The Sea King was primarily designed for performing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. A Sea King variant was adapted by Westland as troop transport known as the Commando.
In British service, the Westland Sea King provided a wide range of services in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. As well as wartime roles in the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the Balkans conflict, the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the Sea King is perhaps most well known in its capacity as a Royal Navy Search and Rescue (red and grey livery) and RAF Search and Rescue Force (yellow livery) helicopter. The Sea King was also adapted to meet the Royal Navy’s requirement for a ship-based airborne early warning platform.
XZ597 was one of a small number of Sea Kings to be painted Dark Sea Grey for duty in the post-war Falkland Islands.
Joining the Historic Helicopter team has resulted in this Iconic aircraft being returned to flight and she is now registered with the CAA as G-SKNG.
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1 окт 2024
