The Whirlwind was a helicoptor made under license by Westland as a militarised version of the Sikorsky S-55. The first flight of the Westlnd HAR 1 was on the 15th of August 1953 and was subsequently delivered to the the Royal Navy. Whirlwind (HAR 2's) for R.A.F. service were delivered during 1955. Approximately 60 HAR 2 aircraft were manufactured for S.A.R. an communications duties with Coastal and Transport Commands. The final aircraft to enter service (XK991)was delivered on the 16th of November 1957. HAR 2 Whirlwinds initially equipped No. 22 squadron at Thorney Island in February 1955 for use in the Search and rescue role. In the Search and Rescue role Whirlwinds adopted the bright yellow paint scheme now so familiar on SAR helicoptors. An HAR 4 version for the R.A.F was produced in 1954. This had a modified engine and was equipped for operation in tropical climates. In September 1954 this version entered service with No. 155 squadron in the far east for jungle rescue and troop transport in Malaysia. Approximately 30 HAR 4 aircraft were received, with the last delivery being made on the 4th of December 1956. The final Whirlwind variant was the HAR 10, this was powered by a gas turbine engine, the Bristol Siddeley Gnome. This engine replaced the earlier Pratt aand Whitney piston engine. The prototype Gnome powered Whirlwind first flew on the 28th of February 1959. It entered service at R.A.F. Odiham on the 4th of November 1961.
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