Westland Whirlwind - Civilian

The Whirlwind was a licence built version of the Sikorsky S-55, built by Westland. It flew with the RAF and Fleet Air Arm in search and rescue and anti-submarine roles respectively.

Over 350 were produced in various marks, early versions having large radial piston engines found in aircraft like the Harvard and T-28 Trojan. In British service the Whirlwind was eventually upgraded with the Bristol Siddeley Gnome turboshaft engine, producing 1,000 horsepower and giving the helicopter much greater operational capability. The aircraft that will be on static display at the 2018 Air Tattoo is an HAR.10, powered by the turboshaft engine and owned by Andrew Whitehouse.

Photo © Kevin Daws