Bristol Sycamore HC Mk 10

Bristol Aeroplane Company · United Kingdom · first flew 1952 · helicopter

The Bristol Sycamore HC Mk 10 is an export utility variant of the Sycamore produced for the West German Luftwaffe (Bundeswehr Luftwaffe) in the 1950s, configured for search and rescue and general utility helicopter duties.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, rotary
E — Engines	1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	14.07 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Export Sycamore variant for the German Luftwaffe
Single Alvis Leonides piston engine with three-blade main rotor
Utility and SAR configured with external rescue hoist provision

Visually identical to other production Sycamore marks; the bubble-glazed cabin, Leonides engine cowling, and three-blade rotor are the definitive Sycamore features.

Specifications

The Bristol Sycamore HC Mk 10 has a length of 14.07 m (46 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14.81 m (49 ft).
Its maximum speed is 204 km/h (127 mph).
Typical crew: 1 pilot + 3-4 passengers.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

West Germany re-armed in the mid-1950s and sought helicopters for its newly established Luftwaffe; the Sycamore HC Mk 10 was among the first types procured. The aircraft served with the Bundeswehr in the utility and SAR roles before being replaced by more modern turbine-powered types.

Variants

The HC Mk 10 is one of the later Sycamore marks; the designation HC indicates helicopter, cargo/utility configuration in RAF/export parlance. The HC Mk 14 was the main RAF utility variant.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the West German Luftwaffe in the 1950s and 1960s; not operated by the RAF under this specific designation.

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