The high downwash in the hover is explained by dividing the rotor disc swept area by the AUM of the aircraft to give disc loading in lbs/sqft
For the previous examples, 189 and 92 come out at just over 10 lbs/sq ft compared to the Sea King at 7 lbs/sq ft.
The downwash of the Sea King could be problematic in light winds so it is no wonder the newer helos have issues.
Back to the Wessex for coastal and inland SAR
56 ft rotor, 13,600 bs MTOW, 5.5 lbs/ sq ft disc loading
