History of the Whirlwind
Originally designed in the late 1940’s, the Sikorsky S-55 was the first helicopter to
achieve significant results as a combat/rescue transport. The S-55 was produced by
Sikorsky in America and Westland in Great Britain. Known as the Whirlwind in the
UK and the Chickasaw in the US, the original S-55 helicopter could handle up to 10
passengers/troops or 2,260kg (5,000 lbs) of freight.
Both Sikorsky and Westland produced civilian versions of the S-55 which were adopted
by commuter airlines, offshore oil companies, crop sprayers, survey operations, and
logging contractors.
The Whirlwind entered RAF service in 1954, being deployed to Seletar and Kuala Lumpar in the
jungle rescue and transport role. The Mk2 became operational with No 22 squadron, Coastal
Command, based at Thorney Island.
The series Mk2 Whirlwind was the pioneer rotary wing, anti submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter
in British service. This Whirlwind was produced in two variants: the ‘Hunter’, equipped with a
dipping sonar and the ‘Killer’ which could carry a lightweight homing torpedo.
The final variant, the
Mk10 entered service
with No.225 Squadron
at RAF Odiham in
November 1961. The
bright yellow search and
rescue paint scheme
became a familiar
sight around British
coastal waters and in
mountainous regions
saving numerous lives,
the aircraft and crews
often flying missions in
treacherous weather
conditions.
