Westland Wessex HU.5 – 1:72

Brief Westland Wessex HU.5 Helicopter History

Westland Wessex Helicopter has become the longest-serving helicopter in the British armed forces. The model in question, the HU.5 It is the most prolific of the English helicopter. The Wessex is a derived version of the Sikorsky H 34 whose main difference from the Seahorse lies in its engine plant. The Wessex arises from the replacement of the radial engine of the H-34 by two turboshafts. This gives the Wessex increased power and cargo capacity. This helicopter entered service with the British armed forces from the 1970s and still today, in small numbers, can be found at work.

Wessex’ fuselage is exactly the same as that of its predecessor, the H-34, and this helicopter was adopted by both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. He has served in all the theaters of combat in which British forces have been involved. This model even found a place in the civil market. Even today, many private companies use variants of the Wessex for logistical support work to oil rigs in the North Sea.

The Wessex HU.5 model served with excellence during the Falklands or Malvinas war. Whether as a troop carrier, quartermaster, antisubmarine or rescue, the Wessx always did its job both effectively and efficiently. During the conflict, several HU.5 pilots have received medals and recognitions for their brave participation.

During the aforementioned war, he transported SAS troops, evacuated wounded soldiers from the battlefield, helped rescue Marines trapped in burning ships, transported supplies and provided perimeter surveillance to British naval formations. In this case we have the article of a beautiful specimen of the Italeri brand, in 1:72 scale. Its camouflage corresponds to that used during the Falklands War by the Royal Air Force.

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