Wessex
Westland Helicopters · United Kingdom · first flew 1958 · helicopter
The Westland Wessex is a turbine-powered British development of the Sikorsky S-58, recognised by its humped nose and tall stalky undercarriage, and was the world's first turbine anti-submarine helicopter.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Tall stalky fixed quadricycle undercarriage under a bulky fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Upswept hump-backed nose housing the engine, giving a dog-leg profile
- Four-blade main rotor with a tall four-blade tail rotor
- Tall stalky fixed quadricycle undercarriage under a bulky fuselage
The forward-swept hump over the nose engine bay is the giveaway, along with the tall four-legged gear. It is far larger than a Gazelle and lacks the Puma's retractable wheels.
Specifications
- The Wessex has a length of 14.74 m (48 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.07 m (56 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 212 km/h (132 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 pilots.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Westland's turbine-converted prototype first flew in 1957, with the definitive twin-Gnome aircraft following in June 1958. Re-engining the piston S-58 with turbines gave a major leap in performance and reliability.
Variants
Single-engine HAS.1 and HAS.3 anti-submarine marks served the Royal Navy, while twin-engine HC.2 (RAF), HU.5 (Royal Navy commando) and the HCC.4 royal transport followed. The HU.5 could lift around sixteen Royal Marines.
Where you'll see it
Entering Fleet Air Arm service in 1961, the Wessex flew anti-submarine and commando assault missions from RNAS Yeovilton and from ships, and served the RAF for search and rescue and support, including in the Falklands. It was withdrawn from British service by 2003.
Related aircraft
- Westland Wessex HC.2
- Westland Wessex HU.5
- Westland Wessex HAS.3
- Westland Sea King
- Bell 204B
- Boeing Vertol 107
- Kaman UH-43C Huskie
- Saro P.531
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