Westland Whirlwind HAR10

The Westland Whirlwind is a licence-built version of the Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw. The type was primarily built for the Royal Navy who adopted the Whirlwind as an anti-submarine and search and rescue helicopter. Later versions also served with the Royal Air Force as a training helicopter and in the SAR role. Over 400 Whirlwinds were produced with around a quarter being exported worldwide to one of 11 export customers. The Whirlwind enjoyed a distinguished service career lasting from 1954 to 1981 which eventually included a pair of helicopters joining the Queen’s Flight.

Historic Helicopters were set up near Chard in Somerset in 2013 with a mission goal to preserve, restore and operate a fleet of vintage military helicopters. The fleet has grown to a total of twelve helicopters which were all built by Westland and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fleet was offered to the Government for assistance flights. Whirlwind HAR.10 XJ729 was originally built as a HAR.2 in 1956 and served as a SAR helicopter with the RAF for the entirety of its career. After initial restoration, XJ729 was made airworthy again and appeared at airshows including RIAT 1995. The helicopter was once again restored and returned to flight once more with Historic Helicopters in 2013.

Representing RAF Search and Rescue as part of our Eyes in the Skies theme, Historic Helicopters will be providing XJ729 for static display at RIAT25.

If you would like more information on this fascinating collection of helicopters, please visit their website here: www.historichelicopters.com

Photo Credits: Kev Wills