Sikorsky Whirlwind S55 WV198
History & Specifications
| Engine | 1 Pratt & Whitney Wasp |
| Max Speed | 109 mph / 175 Km/h |
| Max Range | 334 miles / 537 Km |
| Length | 41 ft 8 ins / 12.71 m |
| Height | 15 ft 7 ins / 4.76 m |
| Rotor Diameter | 53 ft / 16.15 m |
The Sikorsky S55 is an American designed and built helicopter.
The helicopter was used by many countries throughout the world in both military and civilian roles.
Our helicopter was acquired under the Major Defence Acquisition Program (MDAP) in 1952, and then transferred to the UK Royal Navy as a Whirlwind HAR 21, registration WV198, first flying in October 1952.
Whilst on operations in Malaya it suffered engine failure, and had to crash land in a paddy field at Kuala Pilah, sinking deep into the mud.
The helicopter was salvaged and the dismantled parts of the aircraft were loaded onto trucks and conveyed by road to Singapore. The helicopter was rebuilt in less than two months and put back into the air.
It was purchased by the museum in November 1992, and is the last surviving example of this variant.
The aircraft is currently undergoing restoration in our workshops and is not on display.
