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Westland Wessex HC.2

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1964-2002, In Storage, X003-3615

Produced as a turbine-powered development of the American Sikorsky S-58, the initial British production version was the Wessex HAS Mk 1 for the Royal Navy, entering service in 1961. First flown in January 1962, the RAF variant, the HC Mk 2, was a high-performance development of the Mk 1, with two coupled Bristol Siddeley Gnome turboshaft engines. It was intended for transport, ambulance and general purpose duties, including carrying 16 fully-equipped troops or a 4000lb underslung load (such as a 105mm Pak Howitzer) and ground assault with Nord SS-11 anti-tank missiles and machine guns. It entered service, with No 18 Squadron at RAF Odiham, in January 1964, with 71 delivered. The HC Mk 2 became a familiar sight on anti-terrorist operations in Northern Ireland, and supported UN Peacekeeping forces in Cyprus.