Westland Whirlwind HCC.12, G-RWWW / WA418, Whirlwind Helicopters Ltd.
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: G-RWWW
Construction Number: WA418
Code Number: XR486
Model Westland Whirlwind HCC.12
Operator: Whirlwind Helicopters Ltd.
Airport: Duxford (QFO / EGSU), UK - England
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 08/1991
Date Submitted: 03/11/2009
This beautiful looking Whirlwind was photographed getting airborne during Helifest '91 at Duxford. Built in 1964 at Westland's factory at Yeovil, she was the first of only two Mk.12's (VVIP version of the HAR Mk.10) constructed for the Queens Flight. The other one, XR487 was destroyed in a fatal accident. The Mk.12's interior was specially soundproofed, had luxury fittings including chrome trim. The exterior was painted in this very attractive high gloss finish. She entered service on the 6th May 1964 replacing the earlier Mk.8 version with the Queens Flight, serving until the 23rd July 1969 when she was replaced by the Wessex HCC.Mk. 4, she was then re-allocated to 32 Squadron. During her service career she was often piloted by HRH Prince Phillip and The Prince of Wales. She enjoyed a few years on the display circuit as a civilian helicopter during the early to mid 90s flown by Derek Jones. Unfortunately, due to the lack of available spares and damage to the tail-boom caused by the over zealous removal of corrosion she had to be grounded and was then donated by her owner in June of 2000 to the Helicopter Museum in Weston-Super-Mare.
Picture ID:1201119