- Yes
- No
Introduction: The Wessex is an icon of British helicopter history, representing a well-respected workhorse which served well in the many roles it served in. One of the roles was Commando assault, with the HU.5 being quite famous in this role. However, it was preceded by a little-known, and often forgotten variant.
Description: The Wessex Commando Mk.1 is essentially an HAS.1 which had its ASW equipment removed to make space for troops. These helicopters were mainly used in the commando assault role, providing Royal Marines with the ability to be inserted and removed from locations quickly, in addition to allowing for deeper penetration into enemy territory. These helicopters were a step-up from the generally unarmed helicopters previously used for insertion, and were a much more mature example than the rather experimental armed Whirlwinds which had been tested out in combat in Southeast Asia. Despite this, they were still an interim option until the more capable Wessex HU.5s would enter service. The Commando Mk.1 and the HU.5 differed mainly in their engines, with the HU.5 using of two Rolls-Royce Gnomes instead of the single Napier Gazelle engine the Commando used, which gave more power, which allowed for heavier loads and greater performance compared to the Mk.1. This is one way to distinguish between the two types, with the two smaller exhaust pipes signifying the Commando Mk.1, and a single, larger exhaust pipe on either side denoting an HU.5. Although not in service for long, the Commando Mk.1s would ultimately still see combat in Borneo. The Mk.1s were able to carry a variety of weapons, including gun pods and rockets, as well as AS.11 anti-tank missiles. This gave a huge capability boost to the Royal Marines, whose helicopters could now directly respond to rapidly changing threats on the ground, thus allowing for more flexible operations.
Performance:
Spoiler
Rotor diameter: 17.07 m
Length: 20.04 m
Weight: 3446 kg - Max.5715
Speed : Max. 212 Km/h
Power: 1 Napier Gazelle 161 (1450 hp)
Range: 1038 Km
Accommodation:
Pilot, plus 3 (ASW)
Armament: 4x AS.11, 2x AS.12, 2x 14x2in rocket pods, 2x GPMG pods
Footage of a Whirlwind testing out rockets, and a Wessex firins AS.11s:
Conclusion: In conclusion, I believe that this would make for a good lower-tier helicopter for the UK, which is currently something that is lacking in the tree, and would be a welcome addition to help bolster up lineups.
Sources:
Spoiler
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205164673
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205164672
https://www.aviatorsdatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Westland-Timeline.pdf
WESTLAND WESSEX Mk.31 B - AIRCREW NOTES - RAN - 1967. DOWNLOAD or DVD | eBay
Helicopters of the Royal Navy – Royal Naval Association Wrexham Branch
Westland “Wessex” helicopter - development history, photos, technical data
James, Derek N. Westland Aircraft since 1915. Putnam, London 1991. ISBN 0-85177-847-X.
Taylor, John W. R. Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft 1965-1966. Sampson Low, Marston & Co, London 1965.
Thetford, Owen. Aircraft of the Royal Air Force since 1918. Putnam Aeronautical Books, London 1976. ISBN 0-37010-056-5.
Thetford, Owen. British Naval Aircraft since 1912. Naval Institute Press, Annopolis 1991, ISBN 1-55750-076-2.
Hancock, Terry. Directory of Britain’s Military Aircraft Volume 2. The History Press, Stroud 2010. ISBN 978-0-7524-7532-8.
