National Origin: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: Westland Aircraft
Primary Uses: Royal Navy/ Royal Air Force
Produced: 1953-1966
Number built: 360+
Role: Light utility, cargo, personnel carrier The Westland Whirlwind was a British license-built version of the U.S. Sikorsky S-55/H-19. Primarily served with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm in anti submarine and search and rescue. The Royal Air Force used the Whirlwinds for search and rescuing people in distress throughout the UK. These helicopters were painted in overall yellow.
More than 400 helicopters were built. Early models had P&W R-1340- 40 Wasp and Wright R-1300-3 cyclone engines. Later models employed the Bristol Siddeley Gnome 1000hp turboshaft engines. WEDC helicopter was a Royal Air Force craft, repainted to US Coast Guard colors in honor of our local retired USCG Vice Admiral.