> COLLECTION > AIRCRAFT > HELICOPTERS > Wessex HC.2
WESSEX HC.2 Helicopter
Manufacturer: Westland
Model: Wessex HC.2
Operating Life: 1964-1992
Registration: XR517
UAS Location: Hangar 1
Served with: 60 Squadron
Maximum Speed: 132mph
Cruise Speed: 122mph
Engine: 2 x de Havilland Gnome H.1200 MK.110/111 Turboshaft
Service Ceiling: 12,000ft
Length & Height: 20.07m x 4.83m
Rotor Diameter: 17.07m
Range: 310 miles
Gross Weight 6,123Kg
Capacity: 16 troops or 8 stretchers
Served with: 72 Sqn Northern Ireland, 60 Sqn, 18 Sqn
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
The Westland Wessex HC.2 is a British turbine-powered version of the Sikorsky S-58 "Choctaw", developed under license by Westland Aircraft (later Westland Helicopters), initially for the Royal Navy, and later for the Royal Air Force.
The Wessex' evolution of the Sikorsky S-58, moved from a piston radial to turboshaft power for faster starts, better reliability and higher useful load.
Royal Navy anti-submarine HAS.1/HAS.3 models used a single Napier Gazelle engine; the RAF’s HC.2 transport adopted two de Havilland (Rolls-Royce) Gnome H.1200 engines with a single large exhaust each side of the nose.
RAF service began in the early 1960s, with roles spanning troop lift, air ambulance, liaison and search and rescue, later Royal Marines, to become a general-purpose helicopter capable of troop-carrying, air ambulance and ground support roles.
In contrast with the HAS.1, it used twin Bristol Siddeley Gnome engines.
These marks (HC.2, HCC.4, HU.5) had a single large exhaust on each side of the nose (as the Ulster Aviation Society's HC.2 XR517 has), the Gazelle-powered examples having a pair of smaller exhausts on either side.
The type remained in UK service into the early 2000s and became a familiar sight on mountain and coastal rescues as well as internal security duties.
Key figures (HC.2):
• 16 troops or 8 stretchers;
• approx. 4,000 lb underslung load;
• Cruise Speed around 122 mph.
History of the Westland Wessex helicopter
Service History of our Wessex XR517
Helicopter operations during N. Ireland "Troubles" era
72 Squadron’s role
From the 1970s, the risk to road convoys in areas such as South Armagh led the security forces to shift routine movement to the air.
The RAF’s Wessex—alongside Army types—kept a constant shuttle between watchtowers, bases and temporary pads.
RAF Aldergrove acted as the Puma / Wessex hub; Bessbrook Mill in South Armagh handled much of the Army's rotary traffic. Short legs, frequent turnarounds and confined landing sites defined the profile.
72 Squadron converted to the Wessex HC.2 in 1964 and supported the security forces in Northern Ireland from 1969.
The squadron transferred to RAF Adergrove in 1981, flying Wessex there until 2002.
Throughout the 1990s its Wessex were gradually supplemented by Puma HC.1, but the familiar green Wessex remained a daily presence until retirement.
Tactics, kit and threat
Crews varied routes, heights and timings and often flew paired sorties. Typical Northern Ireland fits included a door-mounted GPMG, armour kits and later defensive aids.
The Wessex endured sustained small-arms fire and occasional heavier attacks; procedures evolved after high-profile incidents in the mid-1970s, including an RPG and automatic-fire strike on an RAF Wessex during approach—damage was severe, but the aircraft was recovered and repaired.
First flight: January 1964.
Issued to 18 Squadron and coded G. In 1968 the airframe transferred to 72 Squadron.
From 1971 to 1992, XR517 was based in Northern Ireland at RAF Aldergrove, initially carrying the code AN.
Early life and Units
What it did in theatre
The HC.2 cabin benches and wide sliding doors supported quick turnarounds on small pads.
Typical tasking: troop shuttles, medevac with stretcher fits, underslung loads to isolated posts, and liaison.
The Wessex could sling around 4,000 lb—enough for a 105 mm light gun or pallets of rations and water—yet still land in spaces far smaller than fixed bases.
Later career and preservation
After Northern Ireland service, XR517 returned to England with 60 Sqn at RAF Benson.
The Ulster Aviation Society acquired the helicopter in 2004 from Dick Everett of Shoreham and moved it to the Society’s collection for preservation.
Overseas and general duties
RAF Wessex deployed widely from the 1960s onwards: internal-security tasks in Hong Kong, disaster response at home and overseas, support to Gulf War operations in 1991, and detachments across the Balkans in the 1990s.
The type filled the medium-lift niche—larger than light scouts, smaller than heavy transports—so it was the go-to for short-range troop lift and utility moves.
Search and Rescue
The Wessex became synonymous with Search & Rescue ('SAR'), with aircraft held at short readiness by day around the UK coast and in mountain regions.
Crews credit its power response, stable hover and roomy cabin for carrying casualties, medical staff and gear in bad weather and complex terrain.
Visiting Wessex XR517 — what to look for!
Spot these details…
• Twin Gnome Engines installation: one large exhaust each side of the nose distinguishes the HC.2 from single-engine Navy versions.
• Cabin layout: side benches for up to 16 personnel; tie-down points for freight; fittings for 8 stretchers in 'medevac' role.
• Underslung hook: rated for approximately 4,000 lb, used for ammunition, generators and light artillery.
• Winch and doors: rapid loading for Search & Rescue ('SAR') and Casualty Evacuation ('Casevac'); wide door openings for Army patrols exiting quickly onto small pads.
• Cockpit (go up its left-hand stairs): analogue HC.2 instrument panel and overhead power controls.