Yes, the RAF's HC1 version is similar to the J model.
Yes, she does have a loyal following, she still can hold her own, performance wise, against much more modern types. She is fast and really quite agile for her size, not that today's pilots are allowed to show her off so much in that way. She is capable of a barrel roll, albeit somewhat restrained by her lateral cyclic stick mechanical stops and would certainly loop if allowed.
And yes, she will bite (very badly) if mishandled, as quite a few have found, in the 32 years or so she has been in RAF service.
One favourite trick in NI was to get the mutual support Wessex pilot to call "Buster" (slow down, can't keep up) - whilst the old girl was carrying an underslung load that was heavier than the Wessex could lift.
