Continuing on from the previous forum’s topic, this will be a collective central place to discuss the British helicopter tree, with a collection of some of the previous answers and comments on some topics within the tree, as well as some examples of places you can go and see these machines in person.
In game tree:
Westland Scout AH Mk 1 - Researchable Rank V British Helicopter
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Westland Wasp HAS Mk 1 - Researchable Rank V British Helicopter
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Westland Lynx AH Mk 1 - Researchable Rank VI British Helicopter
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AgustaWestland Apache AH Mk 1 – Researchable Rank VII British Helicopter
G-LYNX - Premium Rank VI British Helicopter
Rooivalk Mk1F CSH - Premium Rank VI British Helicopter
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Real world examples:
Often when adding vehicles to War Thunder, we frequently try to visit the real deal to make sure our models can be as accurate as possible or perhaps there is a particular part of the vehicle with a lack of evidence available. In such cases where you cant find a suitable source, the best course of action is mostly to just see for yourself!
Here are a few examples I visited in real life as we were working on these vehicle’s and where you can find them:
Wasp - Boscombe Down
A unique place to visit as virtually every cockpit is accessible. This was also a great place to get up close with the Wasp.
Lynx - Duxford
A later AH Mk 7 version than what we have in game. But still useful to see for the many similarities between the variants.
G-LYNX - The Helicopter Museum
The record breaking airframe still exists, restored by apprentices and other staff. Presented in its later configuration where it was used to break the world speed record.
Apache - Duxford Air show and Yeovilton Air Display
Apaches are slightly harder to find as they are still in service. They do however frequently visit Air shows and air displays all over the UK. This was a good chance to see some of the finer details like the rocket pods, countermeasure pods and other details not so easy to reference when making the model.
Frequently asked and already answered questions:
Q. Why does G-LYNX not have its engine exhaust covers and other visual elements it received?
A. G-LYNX was a Westland AH-1 used as a demonstration platform by the company. They modified it over time, but the base was still an AH-1. All of the mentioned weapons systems could be fitted to G-LYNX and thus AH-1 standard. Of course they were not all adopted, but they could be used. This model was used in air shows to show what this model could do and mount. There is also some confusion about many of the “upgrades” G-LYNX should / should not have.
Our G-LYNX is modelled as the standard base variant before it received other modification such as exhaust changes, new tail stabilizers and other visual and internal changes.
This is the configuration represented in game:
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Q. Why is the Gazelle not included in the British tree when they operated it?
A. Currently to the best of our information, the Gazelle AH-1 was never armed beyond SNEBSs as a makeshift modification in the Falklands. The Gazelle was mainly used as a Scout, in conjunction with the Lynx to work together in combat. With the Lynx handling the Anti-Tank role. There have been several mentions of armed trials and uses of ATGMs, but sadly a lack of any real evidence directly on British Gazelles.
The only information we currently have on Gazelles being tested (Aside from unguided rockets in the Falklands) is F-ZWRI, which now resides at the Newark Air Museum. This early variant was tested with TOW launcher tube test racks, as well as some other weaponry during its lifetime by Westland at Yeovil for the British military services. But again, its still not clear to what extent:
If there is anything factual (photographic or sources) to show otherwise, it would be useful to share. However beyond SNEBs and a singular test of a missile, there is nothing currently worthwhile to add it to the game for.
