Origin:
Bristol Aircraft Ltd

Type:
Utility transport, casevac or search/rescue helicopter with a normal crew of 2 plus 3 passengers or 2 stretchers.

Engine:
550hp Alvis Leonides 73 nine-cylinder radial.

Dimensions:
Diameter of three-blade rotor 48ft 7in (14.8m); length (rotors folded) 46ft 2in (14.07m), (fuselage) 42ft 0in (12.8m): height 13ft 10in (4.22m).

Weight:
Empty 3,810lb (1728kg); max loaded 5,600lb (2540kg)

Performance:
Maximum speed 127/132 mph ( 204/212 km/h ); cruising speed 105 mph (169 km/h ); initial climb 1,300ft (396m)/min; normal range 330 miles (531km).

Armament:
None normally fitted.

History:
One of the earliest of the world's production helicopters, the Bristol Sycamore first flew on the 24th July 1947. It proved a most reliable and tough machine and gave good service in a variety of harsh and difficult conditions. Most were supplied to the British armed forces where they were used for utility and liaison duties in many theatres around the world.

103 Squadron was equipped with Sycamores when it was reformed at Nicosia in Cyprus on the 1st August 1959.

The Squadron spent a hectic four years busily engaged in search and rescue and army support duties in Cyprus and Lybia until being disbanded on the 31st July 1963.

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