Bristol Sycamore
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The Bristol Sycamore was the first British designed helicopter to fly and also to serve with the Royal Air Force. Created by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, it was used for search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare.
The Sycamore also has the distinction of being the second helicopter type to be used by the Australian Defence Forces.
Bristol set up their helicopter department in 1944 when engineers working on helicopter projects were released from the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment.
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Military service
The Sycamore joined the RAF in 1953, serving with 9 squadrons in total. It was used during the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) for putting patrols into the jungle.
Variants
Variant and number produced
Type 171
- Mk 1 : Prototype. Only 2 were built.
- Mk 2 : Second prototype, only 1 was built.
- Mk 3 : Production model. 7
- Mk 3A : Civil version, 2 were built for BEA.
- Mk 4 : The main production model. 12
Sycamore
- Sycamore HC 10 : Only 1 was built for the RAF.
- Sycamore HC 11 : 4 were built for evaluation by the Army Air Corps, as air ambulance and communications aircraft.
- HC 12 : 4 were built for the RAF.
- HC 13 : 2 were built for the RAF.
- Sycamore HC 14 : 65 were built for the RAF, as search and rescue aircraft.
- Sycamore Mk 14 : 3 were built for the Belgian Air Force, for use in the Belgian Congo.
- Sycamore Mk 50 : 3 were built for the Royal Australian Navy, for search and rescue, and plane guard duties.
- Sycamore Mk 51 : 7 were built for the Royal Australian Navy, for search and rescue, and plane guard duties.
- Sycamore Mk 52 : 50 were built for the German Army and Navy.
General characteristics
- First flight: 27 July 1947
- Powerplant: Alvis Leonides 550 hp (410 kW)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft 7 in (14.8 m)
- Length: 42 ft (12.8 m)
- Height: 14 ft 7 in (4.4 m)
- Empty weight: 3,810 lb (1728 kg)
- All-up weight: 5,600 lb (2540 kg)
- Maximum cruising speed: 132 mph (212 km/h)
- Cruise range: 330 miles (531 km)
- Endurance: 3½ hours
- Crew: Two, plus accommodation for three passengers
Operators
External links
References
- Chaz Bowyer: The Encyclopedia of British Military Aircraft, Bison Books Limited, ISBN 0-86124-258-0
See also
Comparable aircraft:
- Sikorsky H-5 Dragonfly
Manufacturers design sequence
Type 164 (Brigand) - Type 167 (Brabazon) - Type 170 (Freighter and Wayfarer) - Type 171 (Sycamore) - Type 173 - Type 188 - Type 192 (Belvedere)
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