Westland Wessex HC.2
Westland Helicopters · United Kingdom · first flew 1962 · helicopter
The Wessex HC.2 is the RAF's twin-engine troop-transport and search-and-rescue variant, powered by two Gnome turboshafts coupled together rather than the single Gazelle or Gnome of naval marks.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.74 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin Bristol Siddeley Gnome engines — the gearbox bulge on the nose is visibly wider than the single-engine HAS.3
- Bright yellow SAR scheme or olive drab tactical finish, never the grey of naval marks
- No sonar equipment: large plain cabin windows for troop transport or casualty evacuation
Pick out the twin-Gnome HC.2 by its wider nose gearbox housing compared to single-engine HAS marks, the absence of sonar equipment, and its distinctive yellow or olive livery. Against the HAS.3 the clean side fuselage and cab windows confirm the transport role.
Specifications
- The Westland Wessex HC.2 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.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The HC.2 entered RAF service in 1963, equipping the Support Helicopter Force for troop transport, casualty evacuation and search and rescue. Twin engines gave better hot-and-high performance and improved safety margins over the sea.
Variants
The RAF HC.2 and its VIP variant the HCC.4 are distinct from all Royal Navy marks by the twin-Gnome installation. The equivalent naval commando mark was the HU.5, which shared the twin-engine fit.
Where you'll see it
HC.2s served worldwide with the RAF from Aden to the Falklands, and painted yellow examples became a familiar sight on cliff rescues around the UK coast until replaced by the Sea King in the 1970s-80s. Several are preserved at UK museums including RAF Cosford.
Related aircraft
- Westland Wessex HU.5
- Westland Wessex HAS.3
- Wessex
- Westland Sea King
- Bell YOH-4
- Boeing CH-46A Sea Knight
- Boeing Vertol HH-46A Sea Knight
- Dornier Do 32
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