Westland Wessex HC.2/HAR.2

A British licence development of the Sikorsky S-58, the Westland Wessex was a general purpose duties all-metal helicopter produced by Westland Aircraft Ltd.

The Wessex HC.2 was designed for battlefield tactical support, troop-carrying and casualty evacuation. Powered by twin Rolls-Royce Gnome turboshaft engines in a redesigned nose (compared to HAS.1/3), the pre-production prototype first flew in October 1962 and the type entered RAF service early in 1964.

In the period 1976-96 the Wessex was also used in the SAR (Search and Rescue) role under the designation HAR.2. Covering both day and night call-outs, they carried out invaluable work in air, sea and mountain rescue roles.

A total of 72 Wessex HC.2s were built by Westland, the last of which was delivered in July 1968. It provided a lengthy service, flying with units both in the UK and overseas, with the last machines withdrawn in January 2003.