The Westland Wessex was the main combat transport helicopter during the '60s and '70s and was in service from 1960-85. The early single engined HAS 1 versions were soon superceeded by the twin engined HC2 and HU5 transport variants. The Wessex was tough and powerful, could carry 16 fully equipped troops and be armed with rocket packs, 7.62mm and 20mm fixed guns. 7.62mm door guns, and SS-11 ATGMs. This HC2 is an RAF machine operating covertly in support of the British Army and SAS in Oman during the Dhofar War in 1974. It has been painted in RAFO colours. The Wessex was used in combat in Aden, Borneo, Oman, Northern Ireland, Belize and the Falklands. Wessex squadrons were also deployed in Norway, Germany, Cyprus, Brunei and Hong Kong.
Crew: Two pilots (civilian type 60 Wessex cleared for single pilot operation)
Capacity: 16 troops or 8 stretchers
Length: 65 ft 10 in (20.07 m)
Height: 15 ft 10 in (4.83 m)
Empty weight: 8,340 lb (3,783 kg)
Gross weight: 13,500 lb (6,123 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × de Havilland Gnome H.1200 Mk.110/111 turboshaft, 1,350 shp (1,010 kW) each (limited to 1,550 shp (1,160 kW) total)
Main rotor diameter: 56 ft 0 in (17.07 m)
Main rotor area: 2,463 sq ft (228.8 m2)
Performance
Maximum speed: 132 mph (212 km/h, 115 kn)
Cruise speed: 122 mph (196 km/h, 106 kn)
Range: 310 mi (500 km, 270 nmi) with standard fuel
Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,700 m)
Rate of climb: 1,650 ft/min (8.4 m/s)
