Tag: westland wessex

Belgian Airforce Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat

The Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat entered service in 1955. The Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat, a naval variant of the ubiquitous S-58 helicopter, played a significant role in the Belgian Air Force’s operations, particularly in maritime and transport duties. The HSS-1 Seabat was a robust and versatile helicopter, known for its ability to perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue (SAR), and logistical support missions. Its design, featuring a four-bladed main rotor and a distinctive nose-mounted engine accessible via clamshell doors, allowed for improved speed, reduced vibration, and easier maintenance compared to its predecessor, the S-55. Equipped with sonar systems and capable of deploying torpedoes or depth charges, the Seabat was a vital asset during the Cold War era for tracking and engaging submarines.

The Belgian Air Force introduced the Sikorsky HSS-1 into service starting in 1961. Initially, five French-licensed Sud Aviation-built HSS-1 helicopters were acquired to form a dedicated Search and Rescue unit, based at Koksijde. These helicopters, such as the OT-ZKD/B4 and OT-ZKE/B5 delivered in May 1961, quickly became integral to Belgium’s maritime safety and defense. Beyond SAR, two of these aircraft were temporarily assigned to the Belgian Navy for aerial minesweeping. In 1963, the Belgian Air Force further expanded its S-58 fleet by taking over seven Sikorsky S-58C helicopters from the national airline Sabena, converting them for logistical transport to support Nike surface-to-air missile batteries stationed in Germany. The HSS-1s served the Belgian Air Force for many years, with some remaining in service as trainers even after the introduction of the Westland Sea King helicopters, finally being withdrawn from use in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

This Belgian Airforce Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels. It served in the Belgian Airforce from 1961 to 1986. Entered the museum in 1986.

Westland Wessex HC.2

This Westland Wessex HC.2 was on display at RAF Cosford.

This Westland Wessex HC.2 was on display at RAF Cosford. The HC.2 was a RAF Troop carrier for up to 16 troops, the prototype was converted from an HAS1 and an additional 73 were built.

I always had this idea of Westland Wessex helicopters flying about for games set in my world of the Second English Civil War or Team Yankee. For 20mm games there are plenty of choices, both kits and diecast models.

More photographs of the Westland Wessex HC.2.

Westland Wessex HCC4

The Westland Wessex was a British-built turbine-powered development of the Sikorsky H-34. It was developed and produced under licence by Westland Helicopters. One of the main changes from Sikorsky’s H-34 was the replacement of the piston-engine powerplant with a turboshaft engine. Early models were powered by a single Napier Gazelle engine, while later builds used a pair of de Havilland Gnome engines.

The initial production version was for the Royal Navy but in the early 1960s the RAF required a powerful general-purpose helicopter capable of troop-carrying, air ambulance and ground attack roles. Westland responded with the Wessex HC2 which first entered RAF service with No.18 Squadron, based at RAF Odiham, Hampshire, in January 1964.

Four years later Westland Helicopters received an order for two Wessex aircraft to equip The Queen’s Flight. These were designated HCC4. The aircraft were built to HC2 standard but with the main cabin having a VIP interior finish, furnishings and sound proofing plus an external folding step below the cabin door. 

Additional Decca navigation equipment was installed on the flight deck. The first flight took place on 17 March 1969. The first official flight was on 1 July 1969 in support of the Investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle, Wales. The helicopters in their distinctive red/dark blue paint scheme operated for many years from RAF Benson.

From 31 March 1995 they moved to RAF Northolt and became part of No.32 (The Royal) Squadron.

The Wessex HCC4 was retired in 1998 and No.32 (The Royal) Squadron gave up the task of providing helicopters for the Royal Family. The Royal Household awarded a ten year contract to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and Hanson Helicopters to provide the Queen with an S76 and civilian crew.

Westland Wessex HC.2

This Westland Wessex HC.2 was on display at RAF Cosford. The HC.2 was a RAF Troop carrier for up to 16 troops, the prototype was converted from an HAS1 and an additional 73 were built.

The Westland Wessex is a British-built turbine-powered development of the Sikorsky H-34. It was developed and produced under licence by Westland Aircraft (later Westland Helicopters). One of the main changes from Sikorsky’s H-34 was the replacement of the piston-engine powerplant with a turboshaft engine.

Early models were powered by a single Napier Gazelle engine, while later builds used a pair of de Havilland Gnome engines.

I didn’t realise that the last RAF Wessex helicopters (Cyprus based HC Mk 2s) retired as late as 2003.

I always had this idea of Westland Wessex helicopters flying about for games set in my world of the Second English Civil War or Team Yankee. For 20mm games there are plenty of choices, both kits and diecast models. For 15mm Italeri do a 1/100th scale Wessex die cast kit which would work well.

For larger 28mm scales, you are probably looking for the 1/48th Revell plastic kit.