Aircraft of the ADF — N5 Bristol Sycamore

N5 – Bristol 171 Sycamore

Acquisition of the RAN’s first rotary wing aircraft was announced in February 1952, when three Bristol Sycamore helicopters were ordered for search and rescue (SAR), photographic reconnaissance and general communication duties.

The sole Sycamore Mark 1, serialled VL958 (c/n 12835), had first flown at Filton aerodrome, Bristol, on July 27 1947, powered by a 450hp (835kW) Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior radial engine. The Mark 2, powered by a 550hp (410kW) Alvis Leonides, was shown on static display at the Farnborough Airshow in September 1948. This sole Mark 2, VW905 (c/n 12869), subsequently served as a test aircraft with the Royal Aircraft Establishment until 1962.

Experience gained from the prototype development led to the first production variant, the Mark 3, in 1949. Fifteen of this type were produced (c/ns 12886 to 12900). The Mark 3, which seated five people, led to several variants for the RAF and British Army: the RAF HC.10 ambulance version, the Army HC.11 for communications, the HR.12 for air sea rescue with RAF Coastal Command, and the winch-equipped HR.13 for SAR with RAF Fighter Command.

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