Bristol Sycamore

Bristol Sycamore
Country	UK
Role	Rescue and Anti-Submarine Helicopter
First flight	27 July 1947
Built	180

The Bristol Type 171 Sycamore was an early helicopter developed and built by the helicopter division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. The name refers to the seeds of the sycamore tree, Acer pseudoplatanus, which fall with a rotating motion. It has the distinction of being the first British helicopter to receive a certificate of airworthiness, as well as being the first British-designed helicopter to be introduced by and to serve with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Source: Bristol Sycamore on Wikipedia

Bristol Type 171 Sycamore HC 14 Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	16

Bristol Type 171 Sycamore HC 14 1

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Bristol Type 171 Sycamore HC 14 7

Bristol Type 171 Sycamore HC 14 8

Bristol Type 171 Sycamore HC 14 9

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Bristol 171 Sycamore Mk.52 Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	21

Bristol 171 Sycamore Mk.52 1

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Bristol 171 Sycamore Mk.52 2

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Bristol 171 Sycamore Mk.52 8

Bristol 171 Sycamore Mk.52 9

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General Characteristics

The Bristol Type 171 Sycamore was the first British-designed helicopter to receive a civil certificate of airworthiness and to enter service with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Property	Value (Mk.4 / HR14 Variant)
Role	Light Utility, Search and Rescue (SAR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
Manufacturer	Bristol Aeroplane Company
First Flight	July 24, 1947
Crew	2 pilots
Passenger/Troop Capacity	Up to 3 passengers/troops (or 2 stretchers)
Maximum Take-Off Weight	2,540 kg (5,600 lb)

Engine and Rotor System

Powerplant: One Alvis Leonides 9-cylinder radial piston engine.
Engine Position: Mounted horizontally behind the main cabin, driving the rotor system.
Power Output: Approximately 410 kW (550 hp).
Main Rotor: 3-blade, fully articulated main rotor with blades made of wood (often Australian maple). The blades could be folded for space-saving storage on ships.
Tail Rotor: 3-blade anti-torque rotor.

Performance and Service

Maximum Speed: 204 km/h (127 mph)
Range: Up to 532 km (330 miles)
Service Ceiling: 4,877 m (16,000 ft)
Key Service: Used by the RAF and militaries of Australia and Germany. It proved vital in conflicts like the Malayan Emergency for troop insertion and medical transport over challenging terrain.