Westland Wessex HU.5

Military transport version of the Wessex HC.2 for the Royal Navy.

The Wessex HU.5 was a development of the HAS.1, replacing its single Gazelle engine with a pair of coupled Gnome turbines (similar to the RAFs HC.2). The HU.5 introduced the AS.12 wire-guided, anti-ship missile and GPMG door guns. In 1964, the more powerful Wessex HU.5 replaced the HAS.1 as a Commando Support Helicopter. The HU.5 was itself replaced by the Sea King HC.4 between Dec 1979 - Oct 1986 as a Commando Support Helicopter. The HU.5 was re-tasked for Search and Rescue operations and was eventually withdrawn from RN service on 31 Mar 1988.