And this time .. the Dragonfly which became a Widgeon!
Westland WS51 Mk 1A Dragonfly c/n WA/H/1
On 10th January 1947 Westland Aircraft signed an agreement (a licence in fact) to build Sikorsky's S-51 helicopter. The agreement gave Westland the power to 'improve' Sikorsky's design and was assigned the designation WS.51. The name Dragonfly seems to have been added later.
The arrangement included the supply of six US-built aircraft to assist Westland during their learning curve in constructing the 51 and to allow for demonstrations to customers while production was ramping up. Westland were assigned sales rights in all markets except North America.
The aircraft incorporated some noteable changes to the US-built versions as most production drawings were modified to suit British engineering practices and local materials. Among the changes included substitution of the 450hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior for the 520hp Alvis Leonides 50.
The WS.51 was produced in two variants, the Mk.1A with the Alvis Leonides engine and the Mk.1B with a Pratt & Whitney R-985-B4 Wasp Junior.
The prototype Mk.1A (c/n WA/H/1) first flew on 5th October 1948 with the registration G-AKTW. While awaiting the arrival of the six aircraft from Sikorsky, this aircraft was evaluated by the RAF and was given the registration XD649. In 1955 this aircraft was converted to become one of three prototypes for the civilian market and which became known as the Westland Widgeon.
WA/H/1 became the first 'Anglicised' version of Sikorsky's S-51. On 3rd November 1958 the aircraft was re-registered as G-APPR and three years later, on 6th November 1961, was registered to Bristows. On 20th June 1962 the aircraft was sold to Nigeria where it became 5N-AGA.
Westland WS.51 Mk.1A Dragonfly c/n WA/H/1 G-AKTW makes its maiden flight from Yeovil on 5th October 1948
c/n WA/H/1 is given the RAF designator XD649 during trials with the service in the late 40's
G-AKTW goes for a swim in Findhorn Bay, Scotland, in 1960 (Photo: The Dave Welch Collection)
For an image of G-AKTW as a fully fledged Westland Widgeon, check out post #966 on page
49 of this thread.