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Whirlwind XP355  
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Whirlwind XP355 Whirlwind XP355 Whirlwind XP355 Whirlwind XP355 Whirlwind XP355

 
 

Picture
MANUFACTURER
Westland
TYPE
Whirlwind HAR Mk. 10
SERIAL NUMBER
XP355
COUNTRY
United Kingdom
ROLE
Search and Rescue Helicopter
LENGTH
44 Ft 2 In
ROTOR DIAMETER
53 Ft
HEIGHT
15 Ft 7.5 In
MAX SPEED
109 Mph
MAX ALTITUDE
15,200 Ft
WEIGHT
4,694 Lbs empty
ENGINE
1x de Haveland Gnome H.1000 turbine rated at 1,050 hp
CREW
3.
 		  
 
 
 

HISTORY

First entered service with the Central Flying School in March 1962. By 1965 it joined 22 Squadron in the Air Sea Rescue Role before being transferred to RAF Benson in 1969. At RAF Benson XP355 was painted gloss grey, white and blue and was used in special communications and VIP roles. After a stint with Westland Helicopters for an upgrade in 1970 it moved to RAF Northolt for more VIP duties. November 1973 saw a move back to RAF Benson and 21 Squadron then onto RAF Shawbury in January 1976. Staying at RAF Shawbury until its retirement in 1979, XP355 then moved to Park Aviation Supply Company before moving again to this museum.
The restoration of this aircraft is a long term project. Although the external condition is poor, the amount of panels that have been repainted is steadily increasing.