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Aviation History
1964
1964 - 1028.PDF
FLIGHT International, 9 April 1964 581 TACTICAL TROOP LIFTERS The RAF's New Short-range Transport Unit, Wessex-equipped 18 Sqn, Shows its Capabilities THE ILLUSTRATIONS: With the exception of that at the foot of page 583, all the pictures accompanying this article are "Flight International" photographs, taken by Michael Barnes N OW nearing the end of a rapid build-up from formation tofull operational capability is the RAF's newest transportunit, No 18 Sqn, equipped with Westland Wessex HC.2 helicopters. As part of 38 Group, the tactical element of Transport Command, the squadron is stationed at RAF Odiham, Hants, 38 Group's headquarters. This is likely to be its base in name only at any time, as the squadron supports the Strategic Reserve and therefore stands ready for short-notice deployment overseas. Within weeks it could be operating in some hot little tropical war, as 38 Group's other rotary wing squadron, No 225, is already doing with its Whirlwind HC.lOs in Borneo. The 13,1001b gross weight Wessex, with its ability to lift up to 16 troops or 4,6001b slung or internal loads, is a considerable advance in VTOL transport and assault capability over anything the RAF has had before. It is undoubtedly the least tiring, most easily flown helicopter the Service has had. Smooth turboshaft power combined with full three-axis autostabilization and an autopilot result in a pilot's aircraft, one in which he is able to devote far more of his attention to the actual tactical use of his machine than he could in the unstable, deafening, vibro-massage machines called piston-engined helicopters a few years ago. It will normally be flown by a single pilot, but full dual control is fitted, for two pilots to be carried on night sorties or particularly long-range missions. A fully automatic, computer-controlled fuel system obviates completely the exhausting syncronous juggling of collective pitch and throttle setting which helicopters have hitherto demanded— in the Wessex HC.2 the pilot simply moves the collective-pitch lever up and down, to climb or descend, and the computer adjusts the fuel flow to give the required power to keep the rotor turning at the almost constant speed of 225 r.p.m. maintained through all phases of flight. An impressive demonstration of Wessex docility was given during the photographic sortie which resulted in some of the accompanying illustrations. After the squadron commander, Sqn Ldr T. Browning, had disported a Wessex over Guildford and its environs for the benefit of Flight International's photographer the pilot of the photographic machine, Fit Lt Alan Brew, set course for Odiham, engaged the autopilot and calmly removed hands and feet from the controls. The Wessex thenceforth flew itself almost all the way home through fairly turbulent air, without discomfiting in the slightest the photographer, still working away at the main door Initial climb away after take-off in the Wessex HC.2 is made at approximately 60kt i.a.s.
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