Westland Wessex SAR – Фото & Відео

Фотогалерея Вестленд Вессекс САР, The Westland Wessex is a British-built turbine-powered development of the Sikorsky H-34, it was developed and produced under license 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; the Wessex was the first helicopter in the world to be produced in large numbers that made use of a gas turbine propulsion system. Early models were powered by a single Napier Gazelle engine, later builds used a pair of de Havilland Gnome engines.

Джерело: САР Вестленд Вессекс на Вікі

У 201 Вестленд Вессекс САР, також відомий як варіант HU5, був життєво важливим вертольотом для пошуково-рятувальних операцій (SAR) Королівського флоту протягом багатьох років.
Ось розбивка його ключових особливостей:
Розроблений на перевіреній платформі: Wessex був британською версією Sikorsky S-58, з важливим удосконаленням – турбовальним двигуном, який замінив старий поршневий двигун. Це зробило його тихішим, плавнішим і пропонував кращу продуктивність, ніж його попередник, Westland Whirlwind.
Designed for SAR missions: While the Wessex served in various roles, including anti-submarine warfare, it excelled in SAR due to several factors. An early autopilot system allowed for operation in challenging weather and day or night missions. The increased power and capacity compared to the Whirlwind meant it could carry more rescuers or survivors. The quicker start-up time of the turboshaft engine also meant faster response to emergencies.
Long service life: Entering service in 1961, the Wessex HU5 remained operational until 1988, a testament to its effectiveness and durability.
Overall, the Westland Wessex SAR played a significant role in saving lives at sea and other locations for the Royal Navy.