Category Helicopters

• Anti-tank • Tactical transport • Gulf War veteran

Westland and Aerospatiale

produced the Lynx, together with the Puma and Gazelle, under the Anglo-French helicopter agreement of 1967. The first of 13 prototypes flew in March 1971, and subsequent production includes both army and navy versions. Unlike its naval counterpart, the Army Lynx has not attracted export orders, but it has beon developed into the British Army’s main battlefield helicopter.

A Humanitarian Lynx

Britain’s army, hko many European forces, has dedicated a number of aircraft to United Nations’ support missions.

▼ Looking tor exports

Lynx 3 was a bold attempt by Westland to wm export orders and was marketed soveral times.

A TOW attack

Using natural cover as its only defence, a Lynx AH. Mk t unleashes a TOW missile at an unsuspecting tank. The missile’s guide wires can lust bo soon at the mouth of the launch tube

FACTS AND FIGURES

> Westland planned to build 16 WG.13 prototypes because It considered the programme so technically demanding.

> Modified Scout holicoptors were used to test the Lynx’s main rotor system.

> An Army Lynx was rolled out publicly for the first time at Farnborough In 1972.

► During 1977 the Army Air Corps recoivod its first production Lynx; the aircraft bccamo operational in 1978.

► Lynx AH. Mk 1s wore converted to AH. Mk 7 standard by the Royal Navy.

► Soveral fcaturos of the Lynx 3 were incorporated into tho AH. Mk 9.

Designated ЛІІ. Мк I, tlur first Anny Lynxes wva* delivered in l‘>7~ lliey и mid carry nine trou|>>. глеч 1350 kg і. З.ООО lb.) of external cargo or eight TOW fTtilx– bundled. Optically-tracked. W’in– guidtxl) missiles, aimed using.1 sight on tlie і. d tin tool More powerful Oem il engines weir introduced in the ЛІІ. Мк in jddiiHin 10 impronxl avionics. iikI a nx»e power! ul tail rotor. This enabled tlx? helicopter to remain m the hover when

carrying tile heavy loads involved in anttaimicNir operations.

Hie final Army Ліг Corps version was die – ARM к 9, which has w heels instead of skids and <UIfusers to reduce 1 Ik* mfr. i-пчі signature of tlie exltaust. Ii serves with tin – two sqtiadnMVs formed to мі{цх»п the rapid intervention 2nit Armoured Brigade*.

< )ne-o4l experimental anti trials versions of the Army l. vnx include a lly-lty wire conversion Of an ЛІІ. Мк 7 and a single ЛН. Мк 5X wnli (iem il engines

Above: Currently, the Lynx AH. Mk 9 has no TOW compatibility. II funding permits this could bo added later, but the capability seems irrelevant following tho recent purchase of the AAC Apache.

A few other Al l Mk 5s were built, and although most were completed as All Mk “s. one of the tk*vclo|>ment aircraft was useil for mglil-llying trials using a helmet-mounted display*.

ACTION DATA
Up to nne sorters court be свгтіЕгі n the mart r-.tr, m of Р» AH Mk і. or ax with fK combat equprnent A common transport rrtsson lor the Lynx « the forward movement and швелоп of Men-anred anti tank teams	Westland rttrpduced a sernmgirl mam rotor noad on the Lyrw lbs system vwb tar less nuky and cornpiex than pie-nous systems. arvl it improved pe-frymance and handing ugnifcancy
British Aerospace, under bconco from Hughes, bud the Lynx tool’thou-rite! it. Лм-я ігшчбкі mnyrmolnp to
The i’ll Mk 1 featured a counter-clockwise-rourng lid rotor On Iho u|>;y, tiled AH. Mk 7 it has been replaced by a more powerful ckxkwr&e >otiitng unit medo from compoetn malntia». when gives hotter control n the hover
Л *j«i ir«x«a»nagn nlows the hotcoptor to operate from a variety ot r. xtacen without ttvp •tsk of smtang «to soft ground
Hughes manutacturod tho tOWnussics wficfi am »k! lynx’s рппорої ant – tank armomryil OpJcrvi woopona mckidu air to-л» ттаел a’kt gun nr rocket pods
В GAZELLE: Co-produced with Aerospatiale, tho Gazelle took over the battletield observation rolo from tho Scout
В SCOUT: Also built as the ruval Wasp, the Scout was the AAC’s primary observation and attack helicopter before the Lynx and Gazelle

Westland

ritain’s Koval Navy Ixiught a total of І52 Mk l. 2, 5 and 6 Sea Kings, most < >1 them as anti-submarine aircraft. Ten of the helicopters have lx*en іжхІіГк-d with side-iiu muted radomes to :ict ;ls alilvmie early-warning (AIAV) aircraft, a lonvcnsion which was inmxluced as a icsult of experience gainetl dnnng the Falkland*. War The RAF usc-s tlte Mk 5 lor аіг-sca rescue, and inoa – than HO Sea Kings have Ixvn

Sea King Mk 48

Belgium received five Soa Kings which were roughly equivalent to German ond Norwegian SAR specialised aircraft.

Above: The pnmary role of Royal Navy Sea Kings is ASW. However, some HAS. Mk 5s have been converted to SAR HAR. Mk 5s by the removal of anti-submarine equipment.

entered service, with current aircraft compatible with a range ot imxlem weapons, including the Sea liagk* anti-ship missile.

Armament: four torpedoes or depth charges, or Soa Skua, Sea Eagle or Exocet anti-ebo missiles

Dimensions:

rotor diameter 16.9 m (62 ft.)

length 22.15 m (72 tt. 8 In.)

height 5-13m 11611 10 in)

main rotor disc area 280.47 rn’ (3,018 sq ft.)

ACTION DATA

MAXIMUM SPEEO

Witti it* «wodyrumuc*»/ Onnr nrЗато end eighty tower rnutntum UtaJ-oft wng«. the Sirarsky SWH « UoU* Uian the WaMOnd Sen Keg ft* IU. nA Uoscty match» «* 6re*h mnehm*

INITIAL CLIMB RATE

Адан tfm йдПШг. tM» wp* «japped SH-3H Па* * tiettnf оте rate than the Sna King MX 428. The M-14PI. Ugm oonaidantty Mtred ard Пая pravsd toaa – orvilie in sernce

Many early Sno Kir^j*. wore lillod with ItvoMadod ti*l rotors A мх-ЫаЛх! unit has now rrotoced tho odor rotor n most иэиейу 09 pad of on cpgrado programing

A fixed laAVvoef proiuidob tiom Р» rear ol jho Son King’s Boat-‘*o bul Operations from wafer are rare nod th* fixed ta#vvtied dor» not f under normal acrAcrt oltoretions

iXw entrance it vui…_ ,__________ … _———————- hnno rjfio омпо tueoloyo A large sklng dooi. vcwj cabft ncress iron the opposite sde.

ot ятхг*ххе operators. Ftetaptwt, .to n* i.*/ Icohasy. гхм*м». and W txsi a ascms u»v гтц? і I upc-Ict fi lo tsaco t «Атг 0»i ягопй turn од» and aria

I;T. KW< For tong entl – млтопг* fxuiofcl andSAfii

Important t. tclor rhctVwnsnd heucoptor Outperform* л» American couvn bocojso d itn more advanced nngrirs ana nngre central syitmi* The Mr-tAPl I* «gun toll плішу

4

ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE: Using ns dipping sonar m combination with dropped sooobuoys, the Sea King is аЫе to detect a submarine from the acoustic echoes it produces

AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING AND CONTROL: A, woit as providing advanced warning ot an attack, the AEW. MK 2 is capable of controlling the ar war.

Westland

• Anti-ship and anti-submarine • British built • Search and rescue

In the UK a modified version of the

Sikorsky S-61 Sea King, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines replacing the original General Electric T58s, is built under licence by Westland. The first Westland-built aircraft flow in May 1969. Since then, the helicopter has been produced in several variants for a variety of roles. Typical anti-submarine equipment includes radar, dipping sonar and torpedoes. Sea Kings are also used in SAR and anti-shipping roles.

A Airborne early warning

The lack of AEW meant that Royal Navy warships were vulnerable to air attack In the Falklands. Ton Sea Kmg HAS. Mk 2s were converted to AEW. Mk 2 standard, but they wore too late for the war.

A Anti-submarine SAR

When ships wore hit during the Falklands conflict every available helicopter flow rescue missions.

Advanced Sea King ►

In this developed form the Sea King is a formidable weapon, especially when armed with the lethal Sea Eagle missilo.

A RAF rescue

RAF search-and-rescue units fly the Sea King HAR. Mk 3. which was specially built for the role. An even more advanced HAR. Mk ЗА has entered service despite problems with the auto-hover system.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► Westland had to fight oft stiff competition from the Sikorsky Sea King to gain Royal Navy orders.

► Rolls-Royce based its Gnome turboshaft on the T58 of the Sikorsky holicopter.

► Sea King AEW. Mk 2s are known to thoir crows as ‘bags*.

► Only the airframe shape and rotorhead of the Sikorsky Sea King remained unchanged.

► British ASW and assault Sea Kings served during the Gulf War.

► Searchwater radar used by the AEW. Mk 2 Is similar to that fittod to RAF Nimrods.

• Anti-tank • Casualty evacuation • Battlefield liaison

Westland’s Scout was a versatile and reliable helicopter which was retired from the British Army in 1994. Serving in the anti-armour and scout helicopter role, it was similar to the naval Wasp. Despite boing a rather limited machine built using old technology, the Scout was very popular. During the Falklands War, Scouts rescued injured soldiers while under fire, and fired wire – guided missiles at enemy strongpoints.

▼ Wet feet

During the Falklands War a Scout suffered a main gearbox failure while hovenng over a lake to avoid Argentine fighters. The pilot had to ditch the helicopter.

A Rocket launcher

A Scout gunner was required to stoer the SS. 11 missile to its target through thin command wires. The SS. 11 was a powerful weapon, but the wires often snagged and broke in flight.

▼ Bucket balancing

It was a test of skill to fly tho Scout well, but the Army Air Corps finest pilots could carry a bucket through a scries of posts as part of the Bntish Helicopter Championships.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► A Scout pilot won tho Distinguished Flying Cross In tho Falklands for flying under fire to rescue a severely injured soldier.

► Total production of the Westland Scout numbered 150 aircraft.

► King Hussein of Jordan had a Scout for his own personal use.

► The Empire Test Pilot School at Boscombo Down flew a Scout in their ■raspberry ripple’ colour scheme.

► Two Scouts wore operated from survey ships by the Royal Australian Navy.

► A Scout still flies with the British Army’s historic flight at Middlo Wallop.

Scout AH. Mk 1

Below: Formations of Scouts over the Bntish Army’s training area on Salisbury Plain were a common sight when the craft was based at the camp af Middle Wallop.

Type: i-ve-seal light utility helicopter Powerplanl: one sn-xw (685-hp.) Ro is-Royco (Bristol Srddoloy) Nimbus MX 101 or Mk 102 tree-turbine turboshaft engine Maximum speed: 212 kmth (t3t mp. h i Rate of climb: 15S m/ггіл (506І. рлд Range: SlOkmpiemi) Service ceiling: 4085 m (13.400 fi i Weights: empty 1466 kg (3.2231Ы. loaded 2-Ю5 kg (5.291 lb 1 Armament: various option» including manually amed guns of up to 20-mm calibre fixed 7.62-mm mactvne-gon installations, rocket pods or four SS. t 1 masrles

Above: Tho Scout and SS. 11 was one of the first helicopter – missito combinations, and was reasonably successful. out of tight places. Scouts were very Inisy in Northern Ireland, used as a high-flying surveillance platform over the ІКИХІСІ and for moMiig troops to clieckpoinLs

Dimensions: mam rotor diameter length (rotors turning) height (rotors turning) rotor disc area

9 S3 m (32 ft 3 in, I 12.2 m (40 ft.) 3.56 m (11 tl. am.) 75 89 m – (817 sq ft.)

Scout AH. Mk 1

Tho man rotor fod few bbdee of at motol construction Thofufy ailiculated Kit» find lljfxxrig and draggxig tinges

The taa rotor was a smpte. tv/o-btodod met* type with a central flapping hrngo

The cockpit of the Scout was very spartan An autcpiSot/’autostabiiser system could be titled.

For UN operations, the Scout traded m its гиіюпаї markings for toe tamous t*« msqrua

COMBAT DATA

Urrtke ts nova counterpart, the Wasp die Scout had a email hocuontol Btotmser under toe пли of Uw talboom.

Tho fuMtago struciuro was a» met* semi monocooun. The tail rotor driveshaft ran аюпд toe lop ot toe tadboom.

the pA3l «о! m the right золі, with tho obnonwrmittBu петит n trio left swat.

ІЙМ І1И-.»Л.| шміі ішя. аом IK kBik (117 m. p.h.) ‘-~

IOIt.1

0К-ИА

SS.11 missile attack

HEAT WARHEAD: The cavity of too explosive. i mrvtal P-icr of die warwj super-heated gas. досі

MANUAL GUIDANCE: Keeping the nvssile on track was tho gunner’s rote Ho looked Й trough tho silo, keeping tho tergot in the centre ol the crosshairs and mokrg any ndrasi merits to tho course with u am ей joystick.

mto a

MISSILE LAUNCH: The SS.11 had a maximum rango of f. /usl 3 km (1.8 mi.), * "Д so the Scout usually fired from a concealed position

Westland

• Anti-submarine • Missile equipped • Rescue

Saunders-Roe’s P.531 not only evolved into the excellent Scout but also the redoubtable Wasp anti-submarine helicopter. Still in service with minor navies, the Wasp has proved to be adaptable to many roles including sub-hunting, rescue, fire bombing and even crop-dusting.

Armed with missiles or torpedoes, the Wasp was a familiar sight on the decks of Royal Navy frigates and destroyers until the mid-1980s.

▼ Projecting power

Dunng the 1960s tho Royal Navy was tasked with protecting British interests around the globe. The Wasp could be seen from Norway to tho Antarctic.

A Fleet defender

The primary job of tho Wasp was to protect British shipping from attack by submarine. By 1968 21 frigates were oporatmg Small Ship Wasp Flights.

Stung by the ► Wasp

For anti-submarine missions tho Wasp carried Луо Mk – M torpedoes. For surface targets these were replaced by the AS. 12 missile, as seen hero.

◄ Up and away

Flying from a small Wiped on a rolling ship is hazardous, and pilots wore aided by deck crow with flags.

To the rescue ►

In tho medovac and rescue role tho Wasp can winch help to casualties or pick up stretchers.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► Wasp dellvories began in 1963 after more than 200 test deck landings had been completed.

Wasps were ordered by the navies of Brazil, South Africa, Now Zealand and the Netherlands.

► The Royal Navy received a total of 98 Wasps; tho last was rotirod in 1988.

► The second crewman acted as navigator, gunner, missile oporator and winchman.

► Nine ships operated Wasps during the Falklands War of 1982.

► Wasps flow in support of British expeditions in Antarctica.

During.1 long and

distinguished career in the Royal N’.ivy, Wasps server! around the world from the decks ol warships.

Developed from the Saro Iі.531. which first flew in 1958. tlu* Wasp was a lightweight and adaptable anti-surface vessel and anti-submarine helicopter To counter the threat of enemy MihnuriiH-s the Wasp cuuhl lx – airborne within seconds, and with the an! ol its niotlier ship s sonar it cnukl attack with lurpcdoc* oi depth charges.

fho cabm soared a crow of two with provision tor Охи» passengers or о atrmcfw across the r«v Petocopic woopen eights wwo t’l tod to» tnng cm AS. it/AS. t2

The IriSi ralklands War saw the Wasp operating in anger. Flying from survey ships, patrol ships, warships and hospital ships, as well as merchant vessels, Task Force Wasps completed “27 sorties, making 3.333 deck landings on tasks such a% gunnery spotting, casualty evacuation and armed escort In the most famous Wasp action aircraft from Plymouth and Contembr Bezant attacked the Argentine submarine Santo Pc. and were iiismiment. il in its destruction

Above: The Netherlands navy was tho second largest export operator and flew ship-based АН – 12A Wasps until 1983.

Although finally retired from Royal Navy service in the late-1980s, the Wasp, despite its antiquated equipment and appearance, continues to provide valuable service for the navies of New /calami, Indonesia and Malaysia

onb subrrvvno hctccpter rs tfio Ixxney torpedo. The Wasp Girrna culver two Mk 44 or Mk.16 Wfpedoes AJtomutJvofy. rt can carry depth diarges or ди-to- surtaco rwcs-ies

Westland

The Wessex was based upon the Sikorsky Н-3»

It was inlenticd to have a traditional piston engine, but Westland introduced the gas turbine Gazelle engine which enhanced both |x*rformance and economy

Tlte I if sj Wessex was the anti-subinarine IIAS. Mk 1, which was fitted with advanced equipment, including dipping sonar and radar The Royal Navy’s Wessex Hl’.Mk Ss, flying in the tactical airlift role for the support of the Royal Marines.

Westland

• American design • Piston and turbine variants • Military service

Early Whirlwinds were licence-built

Sikorsky S-55s, with Pratt & Whitney Wasp or Wright Cyclone piston engines. Westland soon replaced the US engines with the more powerful Alvis Leonides Major, a two-row radial which gave improved performance. Then, in 1958, Westland decided to build a version using the Gnome, a licence-built version of the General Electric T58 turboshaft. The result was a much more capable machine.

Popular in export markets ►

This WS-55 Senes 3 was among a number of Whirlwinds oxported to both civil and military users. Ghana’s air force was among military customers who also included Austna. Canada. France. Jordan. Spam and Yugoslavia.

A Navy ASW

Royal Navy HAS. Mk 7s wero tho first British helicopters used for front-line anti – submanne v/ork.

A Search and rescue

In RAF and Royal Navy service. SAR was a major Whirlwind role. The type often co-operated with RAF rescue motor launches.

◄ WS-55 Series 3

Some examples of this civil version of the lurbine – powerod WS-55 were, like this aircraft, converted from piston-engined aircraft.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► Westland built a total of 364 S-55s under licence between 1953 and 1966, including 68 WS-55 civil aircraft.

► Bristow Helicopters’ Series 1s were used for ‘flying crane’ and oil rig support duties.

► British airline BEA used WS-55s between central London and Heathrow airport.

► Most turbine-powered WS-55 Series 3s wore converted from piston-engined Series Is and 2s.

► WS-55s were used from tho 1950s in tho Falkland Islands for whaling operations.

► In 1955 a Whirlwind on delivery was flown 5000 km (3.100 miles) to the Persian Gulf.

Accommodation tor eqnt passengers. 10 tUfy-armed trooos or six stretchers was ovaVibte in the S 5fi/Wbx4vmdb 9.63 m (340 cube toot) cater rtenor

A rectangular. iqnt тоу sem-monocoouo «tructu-о. iho Мишдо had a roor соno- shaped extensor cum, mg the tof rotor oyton. A tnsnguar tin **kJ the з!«р between the two

To accommodate its turbre engine, the tusatogn was lengthened by 78.2 cm Tlw gtsrto* and transmission nsmnxxxJ inowignd.

XR488 was the first of two Mk 12s delivered to the Queen’s Flight In earty 1964. Although the socond aircraft was destroyed In a fatal accident. ’486 continued to transport Royal Family members until replaced by the Wessex.

Wr-.it who HCC Mk 12s went a specialty llir rehod and «(upped variant ol the *WR to scorch tvto rescua type used fry the RAF from 106? until 1078

Westland helicopters of Sikorsky design ■ DRAGONFLY: SAcrfcy* S-51 was tho txKB tor tfe ЇГЙ t«c*ocptnr bun »i ________ • – Tiieesn Breanioortor ■■JV wrnoe with the RAF —- – -■ J —j: . П K4 Wtettand ooqurod і.. k a r ‘ nghti to the design n v V (У 1947. repOivemgS Дд w«i a Brteii Alve ф Leonidas гаЗД

■ SFAKJNG: .1 1959WteBcrd signed a tcence agreemert tor Bie S – 61. devdepng mo T)T» tor a ravxi arf>- aufcmarlnerole Two Gnome engines were Sllud Many vsevbu* tar the ИсгугГ Ht. y the RAF and export

Westland’s Wessox performs

solidly in every task a holicoptor can undertake. The popular British-built version of the Sikorsky S-58 entored service in 1961 and since then has appeared on ship decks, on battlefields and In many countries and climntes. With its stalky fuselage and jutting nose, the turbine – powered Wessex is easy to recognise. This ageing machine remains in operation as a tactical support holicoptor.

▲ Australian Wessex

The Royal Australian Navy usod the Wessex in the anti-submarine role. This ono has the radar removed, but the fairing remains m place.

22 rescue you ►

Serving in tho search – and-rescue role with No. 22 and No. 202 Squadrons, the Wessex has rescued hundreds around tho British coastline.

▲ RAF support role

In support of the army, the RAF still uses the Wessex in tho tactical support rolo. it will bo replaced by tho EH. 101 Merlin in 1998.

◄ Navy gunship

One In four Wessex HU Mk 5s was configured as a gunship with rocket pods and missilos.

FACTS AND

► Australia’s navy new 27 Wessex helicopters on anti-submarine dutios starting In August 1962.

► Westland’s first prototype, a rebuilt Sikorsky S-58, now on 17 May 1957.

► Users of the versatile Wessex Include Australia. Brunoi, Ghana and Iraq.

FIGURES

► The Wessex hod top priority and In 1960 Wostland halted work on a larger •heavyllft’ helicopter.

► A Wessex fired AS. 12 missiles at an Argentine commnndor In tho Falklands.

>■ Australia’s Wessexes used Gazolle engines instoad of coupled Gnomes.

• 1950s design • Many world records • Film star

ing Commander K. H. Wallis is the most famous name in post-war autogyro design. After his distinguished career in the RAF. his first machine took to the air in 1961. Since then his revolutionary designs have broken almost ovory autogyro world record. Trials were also carried out on a military reconnaissance version, but the aircraft which achieved the greatest fame was ‘Little Nellie’ in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice.

Wallis Autogyros

Record breaker ►

Seen with its designer and pilot Ken Wallis, this WA-116JF broke an impressivo nine world records.

▲ Army evaluation

The Beagle company holpcd produce early WA-1Г6s. three of which were evaluated by the British Army.

First to fly ►

After Wallis started design work in 1958. tho first WA-116 was constructed by Beagle and flew in 1961. It had a 54-A W (72-bp.) McCulloch engine.

▼ Hand control

To keep tho rotor blades steady when taxiing, the pilot can reach above his head to control them.

▲ ‘Little Nellie’

For its starring role. ‘Little Nellie’ was armed with dummy air-to-air missiles. 44-mm rockets, rearward-firing ‘flame-throwers’ and two machine-guns.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► As well os tho Bond movie, о Wallis design also appeared in and was used as a camera ship in The Martian Chronicles.

>■ A version built In conjunction with Vinton was designed for aerial photography.

► The WA-116 uses 27.5 motros (90 ft.) of runway during its take-off run.

► Tho Wallis WA-122 can be easily

transported in a container thanks to its folding rotors and landing gear legs.

>■ The prototype WA-116 was flown by Wallis for the first time on 2 August 1961.

>• Tho WA-119 Imp was powered by an engine from the Hillman Imp motor cor.

Wallis Autogyros
Constructod ol wood, the two-ttoded lontixmrj outcrotatrwt tutor пае metal runforcoments anti nternol mass balance* The ntal rotor spn-up б acrse.’ed wa a tiemtue shaft and епдпб clulcn A rotor отака в aba fitted.
ACTION DATA
Tire auirwiry ormurtnnf filled 10 the moaned WA-1 if. ‘Letio Mohr»’ consoled cf four MMonaWe rnorward-fwing •flvne-avowers’. км toon 44-mm rockets two mr-to-M rr*ssn» two noou-mountod machme-guns and 50 ar mines deployed cn parachutes
вгар 7 ham 30 Buiutas	SHADOW SlRltS c 2 haurs
wa-iisw 4 Sawn
A Urge vi and rodow, attached 10 tho ond of n shod boom. ft*4p to convert the arcraft m forward right. They да» constructed of Пойму oYwood and fn*h*d <n Maaaooiam
■ THUNDERBALL: In lire dramatic oporung sequence of this film. James Bond fights and kills a SPECTRE secret agent at a chotoau m France. Bond then makes his oscapo using mounted yet pack which onutfes him to fly over the castle’s walla. A modified version of the let pack was used during the opening ceremony of the 1984 Olympic Games.
Bond film aircraft stars Ш THUNDERBALL: Emilo Largo wi»-. foitod by James Bond in tils attempt to threaten tho world with nuclear weapons obtained ‘tom RAF Vukiarts that fad ditched 111 the Caribbean Sea
■ GOLDF1NGER: Pussy Galore’s Flying Circus Pew Pipor Cherokee* carrying nerve gas to disable US Army sokfinrs guarding the US Gold Reserves at Fod Knox. Kentucky.
■ THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN: James Bond flew the RepuOSc Seabee to Scaramanga’s island In Ihe South China Sea for a final showdown with the assassin

Westland

• Combat rescue • Covert operations • Behind the lines

To a pilot downed deep behind enemy linos, the lumbering shape of the MH-53J Pave Low III is a welcome sight. This roscue helicopter was developed following experiences in Vietnam and played a vital role in the Gulf War, ranging into enemy territory and snatching aircrews from the hans of the Iraqis. The Pave Low is also usod by the US Special Forces, but how they deploy the helicopter remains secret.

A Missile defense

Sophisticated jamming devices are located on either side of the MH-S3J. Those prevent any SAMs from locking on and destroying the helicopter.

A Sting in the tail

The rear-loadmg ramp is retained from earlier models. For combat rescue operations, a rearwards-fmng machine gun is mounted on the ramp, allowing the helicopter’s crew to cover their exit from a landing zone.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► The Pave Low is equipped with a multi – mode radar for terrain-following and FLR for night operations.

>• Titanium armor plating is used to protect the engines and fuel tanks.

► Pave Low is the largest and most powerful helicopter used by tho USAF.

► Special Operations Forces who uso the Pave Low includo tho SEALS, tho Delta Forco and US Army Rangers.

► Pave Lows were used on the very first mission of the Gulf War.

► If funding is available, the V-22 Osprey will replace the Pave Low In service.

Down in Iraq
2 ALONE IN THE DESERT: Gechng from the Tomcat, the RfO was quickly captured, whie the pifol managed to escape and hide. Prior to the rescue, A-10s strafed on advancing Iraqi army lorry	3THE PICK-UP: Fty. r>3 m at tow altitude rn daylight, fho Pave Low guictoy landed and sent a crew membor to collecl the pilot Allhough under fire from Iraqi troop», tho crew completed its mission successfully.
-‘Sf
1 PROWLER ESCORT: on 21 January. 1991, a Tomcat from VF-103 ‘Sluggers’ squadron was asvgnod to provido escort for a group of Grumman Prowlers. Dunng the mission, the Tomcat was hit by an SA-Tt^ilifaceto-air missito.
А

Wallis

• Heavy-lifter • Minesweeper • Three-engined variant of CH-53

Worldwide* attention was focused on the US Marine CH-53E when helicopters from the assault ship Koarsarge landed a TRAP (Tactical Recovery of Aircrew Personnel) team to rescue an American pilot in Bosnia in 1995. Second-generation Sikorsky S-80s differ from the earlier S-65s in having three engines, expanded capacity and improved performance. They undertake heavy-lifting, roscue and minesweoping duties.

▼ US Navy CH-53ES

The Navy’s interest m tho Sea Stallion was as a supply helicopter tor use between shore bases and naval vossels. Three Navy squadrons operate the CH-S3E.

◄ Minehunter

A cable with a tension of up to 13 tonnes is used to tow a hydrofoil sled, which skims through tho water socking out mines.

This device hs too largo to bo stowed aboard tho helicopter.

▼ Refuelling in the air

An important teaturo of many H-53ES is their ability to refuel in tho air. greatly enhancing their flexibility. The US Marine Corps use КС-130 Hercules aircraft tor the air-to-air tanker role.

FACTS AND

>■ Overall production of tho US Marino Сотру and Navy Supor Stallions Is projoctod to reach 177 aircraft, MH-53Es about 50.

► The first S-80/CH-53E was a tost aircraft and mndo Its first flight on 1 March 1074.

> Tho H-53 family contains tho most poworlul helicopters used by US forces.

FIGURES

► The first MH-53E mlncsweopor. which flow In 1983, was not fitted with large sponsons; deliveries began In 1986.

► The first prototypo of this senes was tragically lost in и ground mishap.

► A CH-53E can lift 18 tonnes – 6 tonnos more thnn tho twin-rotor CH-47 Chinook.

CH-53E Super Stallion Type: ihree-engined heavy-Uft assaed and мигах» Nricoptor Poworplant: throw 2756-kW (3.695-np. i (соппглюиз ratxigl General Electric T64-GE-416 ■ngoo* Manimum speed: 315 knvh (190 m ph.) clean Ferry range: 2075 km (1.289 mi.) Service ceiling: 5640 m 118.504 ft) Weights: empty 15072 kg (33.228 «>.): maximum take-off 31 WO kg (69.754 id.) with internal load or 33340 kg <73.502 lb) with external «oad Accommodation: two night crew and up to 55 troops or 13607 kg (30.000 lb) of cargo •Метану Dimensions: man rotor diameter 24 08 m (79 ft) length 30.19 m (99 ft.) height 8.97 m (29 ft. 5 Inj rotor disc area 455.38 nv (4.901 sq. h )
Roar-view тягота игр ueod by uio crew го moneor vv magnetic mmtewvop»*) towed behind the telicop!*. Ar riftgrtf – refmrtng Ccorr « also Mwd U> the nose jar moose S-90M – ts bck this torture
The mam externa/ features of tho MH-S3E are readily apparent: the seven-blade rotor, larger sponsons. a third engine and redesigned tail assembly.
f he ta; of th© И 63£ « unus-cif, canted to oort and has a targe, kxx biada rote» To oflsel ttw the taTpiare nos a gut1 ліпд ooofiguraton
To abrorb tno oo-vur of rr* Ihtd enqino. В» H-53E ho# un «itrs Ыно» со л# mein w«, Us (bonwu* and Wade dwil or* obo increased
COMBAT DATA
MAXIMUM SPEE0
ihe ksy toatire <A Pw H-53E e tne tred General Bectnc TW turoesha*» engne when has been acccmmodaled wrth comparatAefy lute change 😮 гчг base H-53 airframe. TqtM po«e output a close » To cour. atari of гло two – engned CH-53#
VH-Mbs rave a r-ghl crow of three and three Ю *ve «rusaxJ crew to ерепйв the rrvne fvjnting «jopmenl and man ihe two 12./-mm irach. ne-gun# used to ехокюе si/faced row»
CH-Mi WPfR ST4UI0H MJ-»KM0 2» ЬяГА |Ш as. b.l СН-47ОСЖМ00К 2« knM (185 т.»Л.|
Tbs aircraft Carres я dork-grey version cf in* standard low vetotty markings now carried by US Navy heKopters
Dt «t SU«R 8ТАШ0И 2075 fjr 11,289 ol. I
Filled wth в 13800-kg (30.000-ki) tonuon tow Doom row a rtfXtaJc wmen with 140 metros (460 ft. l of cat*», tho MH-53Ecantow venous types Ot ALQ-166 mnesweeomg aied
Ml-» MUD ;ooo»m 11.20 ol.)
СИ-470 СММ00К 217» tm Ц.2МИІ.)
Formerly eamoped with me RH-530, Ihe HM – ‘4 squadron la known as ine See Sidtorvi. is axr. rah carry a «aeon’s head cn the aponson	The i‘r’-arged ‘comers of the MH-bSE comae fuel. іампд eternal capecty (гот 383QMTOS to 12.100 !7«(1.0i7-3,l9Gq	Moorfiri mines а-в oetaciied ілгод an mierrvv poa aywem An AlQ – 100 acoustic CCxn. termoaort» system forms part of the aqnpment.
USMC helicopters past and present
■ BOBNG-VERTOL CH-46 SEA KNIGHT: SWI in use after 30 years, the CH-46 remains the mainstay of USMC transport aviation.
■ BELL AH-1 SEACOBRA: A twn-eogned development of the HueyCcbra. the SeaCoDra
мі » oud- 20000 k| (44.082 lb. I
CM-4)0 CHIHOOK IBM! kf (72,800 lb.)

Sikorsky