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Westland Wessex

Lighter-Than-Air Craft and Rotorcraft

The Westland Wessex was an early turbine-powered helicopter built by Westland Aircraft, later Westland Helicopters, as a British development of the piston-engined Sikorsky S-58. After an American-built S-58 was shipped to Britain as a pattern aircraft in 1956, Westland replaced the piston engine with a single Napier Gazelle turboshaft, and the first Westland-built Wessex flew on 20 June 1958. The Royal Navy introduced the Wessex HAS.1 to operational service in 1961 as its first purpose-built anti-submarine helicopter. Later variants included the twin-engined HU.5 for battlefield transport, and the Royal Air Force used the type for troop transport, air ambulance and ground support. Overseas operators included the Royal Australian Navy, the Brunei Air Wing and the Sultan of Oman's Air Force. In British service the Wessex lasted more than forty years, until the last examples were retired in 2003.

Facts
Year
1958 1
Engine Class
Turboshaft 1
Status
Retired from service 1
Comparison
Body Style
Helicopter 1
Connections

Of Make

Westland, Networks and Operators
Source Westland Wessex (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases

Manufactured By

Westland Helicopters

Also in Business Atlas: the manufacturer of this subject.

Source Westland Wessex (Wikipedia)Lead, maker
Quote, Lead, maker
produced by the British rotorcraft specialist Westland Aircraft (later Westland Helicopters)

Originated In

United Kingdom

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject originated.

Source Westland Wessex (Wikipedia)Lead, origin
Quote, Lead, origin
produced by the British rotorcraft specialist Westland Aircraft
Sources
1. Westland Wessex (Wikipedia)
  • Design and development, first flight
    The first Westland-built Wessex serial XL727, designated a Wessex HAS.1, first flew on 20 June 1958.
  • Lead
    The Westland Wessex is an early turbine-powered helicopter produced by the British rotorcraft specialist Westland Aircraft (later Westland Helicopters).
  • Lead, powerplant
    replacement of the piston-engine powerplant with a turboshaft engine
  • Operational history, retirement
    The last in UK service were retired in 2003.
  • Lead, maker
    produced by the British rotorcraft specialist Westland Aircraft (later Westland Helicopters)
  • Lead, origin
    produced by the British rotorcraft specialist Westland Aircraft
  • In Group: Naval Helicopters, Lead, Royal Navy role
    it was the service's first purpose-build anti-submarine helicopter
View the Source
Napier Gazelle (Wikipedia)
Has Part: Napier Gazelle, Applications
Quote, Has Part: Napier Gazelle, Applications
These helicopter engines were used on the Westland Wessex HAS 1 and HAS 3
View the Source
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