MKM14403 Westland Wessex HAS.1/HAS.31 (Royal Navy, A&AEE, Royal Australian Navy)
A British licence development of the Sikorsky
S-58, the Westland Wessex was a multi-role all-metal helicopter produced by Westland
Aircraft Ltd. The Wessex HAS.1, powered by a Napier Gazelle turboshaft engine, first
flew in June 1958 and the type began performing anti-submarine duties three
years later, operated by the Royal Navy. A more powerful version, the HAS.3, with
improved avionics and a radome on the rear fuselage, was introduced in 1967. In total, 140 HAS.1 helicopters
were built, while 45 HAS.3 machines existed (all but three were conversions
from HAS.1s).
In 1963 the Royal Australian Navy acquired a
total of 27 Wessex helicopters designated the HAS.31A, of which 23 were later
upgraded to Mk.31B standard, similar to that of HAS.3.
The RN Wessex HAS.1 and HAS.3s continued in
service until 1979 and 1983, respectively, while the RAN’s HAS.31Bs served in
ASW, SAR, utility and ambulance role until the end of 1989.
Colour schemes included in the kit:
1) Wessex HAS.1, White
XM840/300-R, No.815 NAS, Royal Navy, HMS Ark Royal, mid-1960s
2) Wessex HAS.1, White
XM841/510-PO, No.771 NAS, Royal Navy, RNAS Portland (HMS Osprey), Dorset, 1973
3) Wessex HAS.1, White
XS863, Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE), Boscombe
Down, Wiltshire, 1973
4) Wessex HAS.31A,
White WA215/825, No.723 Sq. Royal Australian Navy, RANAS Nowra (HMAS Albatross),
New South Wales, Australia, 1963
This injection-moulded
kit contains 38 parts and 6 clear parts (the cockpit canopy and the fuselage
windows). A comprehensive instruction leaflet and a decal sheet are included.
A review of this kit will be available later this month.
