Westland/Sikorsky WS-55 Whirlwind

General Data
First Flown:	1952	Length:	62 ft 1 in
Lift Capability:	unknown	Height:	unknown
Range:	unknown	Rotor Span:	53 ft
Top Speed:	95 kts	Empty Weight:	unknown
Service Ceiling:	unknown	Max Gross Weight:	7,500 lbs
Engines:	1 Prat and Whitney Wasp R-1340-40 rated at 600 shp OR 1 Write Cyclone R-1300-3 rated at 750 shp
Armament:	n/a
Accommodations:	2 Pilots plus ten	Cargo:	unknown
Operators:

Similar Aircraft:	Sikorsky S-55
Other Features:	See Notes


Notes
No longer in production, 289 were built
After the Dragonflies had entered service, Westland announced the agreement between Sikorsky had been finalized to build Sikorsky S-55 for the British Forces, the Westland built a version of the Sikorsky S-55 was used for Search and Rescue, Transport and Anti-submarine duties. Initial versions designated Series 1, followed closely the engineering of the US original, and were powered by the 600hp/447kW Pratt and Whitney engine. Later, 750hp/559kW (de-rated) Alvis Leonides Major engines was fitted producing a Series 2 of improved performance. Whirlwinds were supplied to the RAF to operate in the Rescue and Transport roles. The Royal Navy used the aircraft for SAR and anti-submarine duties. Two Whirlwind HCC Mk8 aircraft were used by The Queens Flight.
Courtesy of AgustaWestland

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