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| british military utility aircraft 1960-1969 | |
| helicopters | |
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The Westland Wessex is a turbine-powered version of the Sikorsky S-58 "Choctaw" , developed under license by Westland Aircraft , initially for the Royal Navy , but later for the RAF . The Wessex was built at Westland's factory at Yeovil in Somerset . The name ''Wessex'' had also been used for a fixed wing light transport of 1930, a modification of the Westland IV . HISTORY The first Wessex, a HAS.1 flew in 1958 , and they entered anti-submarine duties in 1961 with the Royal Navy . It was the first helicopter to have a free power turbine. The design was adapted in the early 1960s for the RAF to become a general-purpose helicopter capable of troop-carrying, air ambulance and ground attack roles. In contrast with the turbine HAS.1, it used turbo-shafts. It was first used by the RAF in 1962 , and did not finally retire until January 2003 , being the main transport helicopter until the introduction of the Aérospatiale Puma . The bright yellow RAF machines used for air-sea or mountain rescue duties became especially famous and saved many lives. The Navy pressed the development of the HAS.1 into the improved HAS.3, coming into service in 1967 . It saw embarked service on the County Class Destroyers . Wessex helicopters were also used by the Queen's Flight of the RAF to transport VIP s including members of the British Royal Family , from 1969 to 1998 . Those Royal helicopters were designated HCC.4 and were essentially similar to the '''HC.2''' but with an upgraded interior, additional navigation equipment and enhanced maintenance programmes. A later version used by the Royal Marine Commandos was the '''HU.5'''. Some ex-RAF Wessex helicopters continue flying in the Uruguayan Air Force and Naval Air Arm. VARIANTS (production numbers after names) Military
:RN utility, anti-submarine warfare, later air-sea rescue only
:RAF Troop carrier :Can carry up to 16 troops.
:RAF search and rescue version
:RN anti-submarine :Improved avionics with a radome on the rear fuselage.
:helicopters of the Royal Flight equipped for VVIP transport
:RN service troop transporter, carried 16 Royal Marines
: Royal Australian Navy anti-submarine warfare model.
:Updated anti-submarine warfare model for the Royal Australian Navy.
:military transport version for the Iraqi Air Force .
:Military transport version for the Ghana Air Force .
:Military transport version for the Brunei Air Wing. In RN service the armament carried was:
Civilian Models
SERVICE
USERS SPECIFICATIONS (WESSEX HC.2)
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