Origin:
Westland Aircraft, England.
Type:
Utility transport, army support, casevac or search/rescue helicopter.
Engine:
Rolls Royce Coupled Gnome 101/111 with two 1,350shp power sections ( one Gnome Mk 112 and one Gnome Mk 113 ) but limited to total combined powere of 1,550shp.
Dimensions:
Diameter of three-blade rotor 56ft 0in (17.07m); length (rotors turning) 65ft 9in (20.03m); length of fuselage 48ft 5in (14.74m); height 16t 2in (4.93m).
Weight:
Empty 7,600lb (3447kg); max loaded 13,500 (6120kg)
Performance:
Maximum speed 133 mph ( 214 km/h ); cruising speed 121 mph ( 195 km/h ); maximum rate of climb (not vertical) 1,650 ft ( 503m ) /min; service ceiling 14,000ft ( 4300m ); normal range with standard fuel 390 miles (630km ).
Armament:
None normally fitted but capable of carrying a variety of weapons including machine guns, rocket pods and anti tank missiles.
History:
Westland Aircraft acquired a license to develop and produce the successful American Sikorsky S-58 helicopter in 1956 which was referred to in British service as the Westland Wessex.
Westland developed the potential of the Wessex by installing a pair of Gnome turboshafts to meet an RAF requirement for a utility helicopter and this was known as the Wessex HC Mark 2. It has proved a most useful machine and can carry 16 fully equipped troops, 7 stretchers or a 4000lb payload underslung. At the time of writing in 1999 the Wessex is still in service with the RAF.
103 Squadron was equipped with the Wessex from November 1972 until November 1975 when the unit was again disbanded. During this period 103 operated as part of the Australian, New Zealand and UK Force under tri national command. Its main role was in support of the armies of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom who were also stationed at Singapore at that time. In January 1975 the Squadron reverted to UK national command providing support to the Gordon Highlanders, Royal Artillery and the School of Infantry Jungle Warfare.
