Bristol Type 171 Sycamore Mk 2

Bristol Aeroplane Company · United Kingdom · first flew 1949 · helicopter

The Bristol Type 171 Sycamore Mk 2 is an intermediate development variant of the Sycamore, incorporating refinements to the cabin, systems, and rotor head identified during evaluation of the Mk 1 prototype.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Pre-production Sycamore development variant
• Single Alvis Leonides piston engine, three-blade rotor
• Refined cabin and systems over Mk 1

Near-identical in external profile to the Mk 1 and subsequent production Sycamores; minor detail differences in cabin glazing and equipment fits distinguish development marks from production aircraft.

Specifications

• The Bristol Type 171 Sycamore Mk 2 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 + 4 passengers.

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

History

The Mk 2 was built in small numbers as Bristol sought certification and military acceptance for the Sycamore. It served as both a development aircraft and an early demonstrator to potential military customers including the RAF and foreign air arms.

Variants

Precedes the Mk 3 production variant; the Mk 2 is a transitional development mark rather than a fully operational aircraft.

Where you'll see it

Development and evaluation only; no operational squadrons were equipped with the Mk 2.

Related aircraft

• Bristol Brabazon
• Bristol Type 171 Sycamore Mk 3
• Bristol Type 171 Sycamore
• Bristol Type 171 Sycamore Mk 1
• Kamov Ka-10
• Piasecki HUP-1 Retriever
• Sikorsky HRS-1
• Sikorsky UH-19C Chickasaw

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.