Westland Wessex

The Westland Wessex is a British helicopter developed as a turbine-powered version of the Sikorsky H-34, also known as Choctaw in US service. Manufactured under license by Westland Aircraft, later Westland Helicopters, the Wessex replaced the piston-engine powerplant of the H-34 with a turboshaft engine.

Designed primarily for the Royal Navy (RN) and later for the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Wessex served in various roles, including anti-submarine warfare, utility tasks, and search and rescue (SAR). It entered operational service in 1961, becoming the first purpose-designed anti-submarine helicopter for the Royal Navy. The Wessex had a service life exceeding 40 years before being retired in the UK in 2003.

In 1956, an American-built S-58 served as a pattern aircraft for Westland to develop the Wessex. Re-engined with a single Napier Gazelle turboshaft engine, the first Westland-built Wessex flew on June 20, 1958. It proved to be a major improvement over its predecessor, the Westland Whirlwind, offering increased load capacity, reduced noise and vibration, and faster response times.

Despite its success, the Wessex was limited in its ability to search for and attack submarines simultaneously, leading to the development of the more capable Westland Sea King. The RAF utilized the Wessex in troop-carrying, air ambulance, and ground support roles. The Wessex played a significant role in advancing helicopter capabilities, especially in instrument flying and night operations for the RAF.