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| Westland Aircraft Company's giant helicopter of the future would have a single rotor of 60m diameter powered by tip-mounted turbo-jets. Designed to carry troops, guns, jeeps, and ammunition, it has entry ramps at both ends of the fuselage. Typical load might consist of 450 troops or three 15-ton tanks. Hiller Aviation Museum
| Trevor Stuckey, trevorstuckey(@)eircom.net, 18.10.2008 I was an Engineering apprentice at Westland AC and I lived close to Ham Hill, in Stoke under Ham. As a lad in 1950 I used to visit ham hill where Westland’s had an experimental base in a quarry (the base is still visible in a quarry known as 'Jackers Quarry' due to the abundance o jackdaws) which was securely fenced off and the ram or pulse jets were tested. Te tests were sometimes continuous day and night the sound could be heard for at least 3 miles, occasionally the engines would belch out huge flames. I remember them starting the engine by connecting large hose to one end. A person heavily involved in this project was known to us as 'Tiger Toon' who worked in the design/ experimental office on the later S51,S58.Westminster, all of which I worked on, at this time late 50's I worked in Experimental and the Wyvern was just finishing and the first of the gas turbines were being tested. A person 6-8 years my senior was Chris Russell worked with Toon and another person in that department still lives in Montacute was married to very good friends of ours. I would very much appreciate more info on this aircraft, only today did I realise the aircraft for this engine. Regards Trevor Stuckey. |
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Do you have any comments concerning this aircraft ?
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