Airfix Westland Wessex HC.2 (1:72)

Make the powerful Westland Wessex HC.2 your first model build and you'll be well on your way to hobby satisfaction. This 1:72 scale kit has 134 pieces to assemble and three scheme options - will you model the Westland Wessex HC.2 of the No.2 Flying Training School, the Armada Nacional del Uruguay, or the Royal Air Force Sek Kong?

History

The Westland Wessex HC.2 was a licence-built turbine-powered development of the classic American Sikorski S-58 ‘Choctaw’ helicopter, one of the world’s first truly capable helicopters which established these aircraft as essential for a host of military and civilian applications. 

The continuation of an existing arrangement between Sikorsky and Westland, the Wessex was initially developed for the Royal Navy in the anti-submarine and utility roles but was further developed as the HC.2 for the Royal Air Force, entering service in 1962, a year later than the Navy machines. 

In RAF service, these powerful helicopters performed several roles, including troop and supply transportation, ground support and air evacuation duties. However, it was their use as Air Sea Rescue helicopters which made these some of the highest-profile aircraft in service at that time. 

The Wessex represented the pinnacle of rotary technology when introduced and could operate from, and into places that other aircraft couldn’t.