The Rotary Nostalgia Thread
21st SOS - Mildenhall Air Fete 1995
And also on that nice day in May, heres the 21st SOS 'Dust Devils' MH-53H
Cheers
Chief Bottle Washer
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Trilby Titfer
It would appear that the 'safety trilby ' was de rigeur in those days. I cannot see a chin strap so I assume the downwash kept it on! You think you must have seen it all and then something like this appears. Wonderful!
From the Mechanix Illustrated article.
Who would have known? 
Andalusia Man has Patented Helicopter That Is Queer Apparatus”. Patent Number: 1,230,686 Class 172
Chief Bottle Washer
The description 'queer' in the original meaning of the word is not unusual throughout Mechanix Illustrated. But not for this October 1923 article 
Latest helicopter makes flight:
Latest helicopter makes flight:
THE latest in the helicopter type of flying machine made its initial flight a short time ago when it remained in the air for 1 minute 40 seconds and reached a height of 8 feet. In several later ascensions the machine, carrying two passengers, rose 3 feet above the ground. Helicopters continue to attract considerable attention on account of their ability to rise vertically from the ground and to land in a small area. While the height attained by this helicopter may not seem very impressive, it can be argued that the first trial trip of the Wrights lasted only 59 seconds. The machine was built at McCook field under the supervision of the inventor, Dr. Geo. de Bothezat, a Russian scientist. It is equipped with four lifting propellers, each having six blades and a diameter of 10 feet, and it has provision for flying horizontally. The machine measures 60 feet from tip to tip and has a total lifting capacity of nearly 4,000 pounds.
Thread Starter
SP: That was a fine find on Mechanix Illustrated! 
Dixon's 'Heli-Car' does somehow resemble a flying wheelchair though!
LOL! Yes it was a popular accessory during the first half of the 20th century, especially Stateside:
The late great Sir Igor Sikorsky (left and with Trilby
) and Mr Orville Wright standing by a Sikorsky XR-4 helicopter at Wright Field, Ohio, in May 1942 (Photo: Sikorsky Archives)
The late Howard Hughes (with his Fedora) on the flight deck of his H-4 Hercules (aka 'Spruce Goose') seaplane in Long Beach Harbour before his epic flight on 2nd November 1947
US Air Force Sikorsky H-5 Dragonfly waterborne somewhere off the US coast at sometime but most likely mid-to-late 40's
Can anyone take a stab as to what the device below the swashplate might be? Clearly an arm leading to some sort of horizontal stabiliser but a most uncommon accoutrement for this (or indeed any) type!
Dixon's 'Heli-Car' does somehow resemble a flying wheelchair though!
Schinthe wrote: It would appear that the 'safety trilby ' was de rigeur in those days.
The late great Sir Igor Sikorsky (left and with Trilby
) and Mr Orville Wright standing by a Sikorsky XR-4 helicopter at Wright Field, Ohio, in May 1942 (Photo: Sikorsky Archives)The late Howard Hughes (with his Fedora) on the flight deck of his H-4 Hercules (aka 'Spruce Goose') seaplane in Long Beach Harbour before his epic flight on 2nd November 1947
US Air Force Sikorsky H-5 Dragonfly waterborne somewhere off the US coast at sometime but most likely mid-to-late 40's
Can anyone take a stab as to what the device below the swashplate might be? Clearly an arm leading to some sort of horizontal stabiliser but a most uncommon accoutrement for this (or indeed any) type!
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Sycamore helicopter Kimberly
Hi all, I found this Sycamore helicopter the other day west of Turkey ck.
Not in the best of condition. Bush fire has gone through at some stage.
Great to see tho !!
The story I had was tail rotor strike, repaired then main rotor strike on lift off, so they just left it there.... 30+ years
16.82583°S, 127.73383°E
How do I up load pics? I have a few of the Heli
Not in the best of condition. Bush fire has gone through at some stage.
Great to see tho !!
The story I had was tail rotor strike, repaired then main rotor strike on lift off, so they just left it there.... 30+ years
16.82583°S, 127.73383°E
How do I up load pics? I have a few of the Heli
Last saw that thing in August of '93 on a donkey shoot.
Wasn't a lot left of it even then.
Question is which one is it?
Just in case you thought "bird towing" was something "new" like "long lining."
Wasn't a lot left of it even then.
Question is which one is it?
Just in case you thought "bird towing" was something "new" like "long lining."
Last edited by RVDT; 31st Aug 2012 at 19:57.
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A very interesting photo RVDT, do you have any more details? Is the load suspended from a hoist/winch or a cargo hook? I'm a little puzzled that the cable is well forward of the main rotor mast despite the load looking rather heavy. Obviously no CofG problems.
Abovethetreeline,
How to post photographs
Saint Jack
Looks like they figured it out OK.
Adastra Aerial Surveys
How to post photographs
Saint Jack
Looks like they figured it out OK.
Adastra Aerial Surveys
Sycamore VH-INO with the magnetometer "Bird" in tow.
Taken at Queenstown, Tasmania in 1957.
Taken at Queenstown, Tasmania in 1957.
Last edited by RVDT; 1st Sep 2012 at 07:01.
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Later generation machine S55 Series III, looking for copper around the Hajar mountains in the UAE circa 1978-79
Same machine VR-BDL, shorter strop this time loading cement to build a prison in a village up on the 'Green mountain' Nizwa Oman, yours truly underneath risking life and limb!!
#
Stace
Thread Starter
Great stuff Stace!
Chopper2004; Some more CH53 memorabilia for you:
USMC CH53 with 'special' camouflage
USMC CH53 flies over Tower Bridge. Most likely from one of the bases where the USMC kept their 53's, ie: Woodbridge, Bentwates, Alconbury or Mildenhall.
Chopper2004; Some more CH53 memorabilia for you:
USMC CH53 with 'special' camouflage
USMC CH53 flies over Tower Bridge. Most likely from one of the bases where the USMC kept their 53's, ie: Woodbridge, Bentwates, Alconbury or Mildenhall.
Savoia,
Many thanks for the pics, though the last picis of the then 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron HH-53H Super Jolly Green Giant not USMC CH-53!
In the 80s the 601st Tactical Air Control Wing at the former Sembach AFB now Sembach-Kasserne USAREUR base operated the cargo CH-53H and OV-10 Bronco (FAC) . The H-53 of the 601st had a role of carrying battlefield radar and mobile ATC and surveillance radars.
Originally at Woodbridge and post Desert Storm and closure of bases as the 21st SOS Dust Devils as part of the old 39th Special Ops Wing then moved to Alconbury and in 93 to 95 relocated to Mildenhall as Alconburys airfield would cease ops and that part of the base given back to the MOD. 39th was re designated 352nd Special Operations Group then in 2007 the MH-53M Pave Low I'VE retired from USAF inventory and 21st SOS disbanded. But it will reform with cV-22 late or early next year at Mildenhall.
USMc don't have helos in UK unless on exercise or attending airshows such as RIAT or Farnborough
Many thanks
Many thanks for the pics, though the last picis of the then 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron HH-53H Super Jolly Green Giant not USMC CH-53!
In the 80s the 601st Tactical Air Control Wing at the former Sembach AFB now Sembach-Kasserne USAREUR base operated the cargo CH-53H and OV-10 Bronco (FAC) . The H-53 of the 601st had a role of carrying battlefield radar and mobile ATC and surveillance radars.
Originally at Woodbridge and post Desert Storm and closure of bases as the 21st SOS Dust Devils as part of the old 39th Special Ops Wing then moved to Alconbury and in 93 to 95 relocated to Mildenhall as Alconburys airfield would cease ops and that part of the base given back to the MOD. 39th was re designated 352nd Special Operations Group then in 2007 the MH-53M Pave Low I'VE retired from USAF inventory and 21st SOS disbanded. But it will reform with cV-22 late or early next year at Mildenhall.
USMc don't have helos in UK unless on exercise or attending airshows such as RIAT or Farnborough
Many thanks
Last edited by chopper2004; 9th Sep 2012 at 21:42.
Thread Starter
Chopper, thanks for the clarifications!
US Navy S-51 as captured during night time operations at the US Naval base in Anacostia, Washington DC, in February 1949 (Photo: Andreas Feininger)
This US Navy S-51 Dragonfly was fitted with tip lights and photographed lifting from Anacostia naval base at night (aided by a full moon) in February 1949. Andreas Feininger used time-lapse photography to capture the 51's dpearture which, as one can see, has created this impressive 'slinky' effect. Not bad for '49, so I think.
A Sea King from 771 NAS RNAS Culdrose noses forward in front of St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall
The Mount as seen from the Sea King's door
US Navy S-51 as captured during night time operations at the US Naval base in Anacostia, Washington DC, in February 1949 (Photo: Andreas Feininger)
This US Navy S-51 Dragonfly was fitted with tip lights and photographed lifting from Anacostia naval base at night (aided by a full moon) in February 1949. Andreas Feininger used time-lapse photography to capture the 51's dpearture which, as one can see, has created this impressive 'slinky' effect. Not bad for '49, so I think.
A Sea King from 771 NAS RNAS Culdrose noses forward in front of St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall
The Mount as seen from the Sea King's door
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A lot of RM's mans & machines in the Gallery part!
Flying Marines Introduction Page
Please remove if the link was already here.
Flying Marines Introduction Page
Please remove if the link was already here.
Thread Starter
Zis, great to see you back, nice find!
City of New York Police Department Bell 47D-1 N235B (cn 176) accompanied by two additional float equipped sister ships prior to their delivery to the NYPD in 1950 (Photo: The R.A. Scholefield Collection)
Another gem from R.A.'s black and white collection. The airfield isn't mentioned but R.A. has said it was taken in New York and my guess is that these craft may have been photographed at Buffalo Municipal Airport (now Buffalo Niagara BUF).
City of New York Police Department Bell 47D-1 N235B (cn 176) accompanied by two additional float equipped sister ships prior to their delivery to the NYPD in 1950 (Photo: The R.A. Scholefield Collection)
Another gem from R.A.'s black and white collection. The airfield isn't mentioned but R.A. has said it was taken in New York and my guess is that these craft may have been photographed at Buffalo Municipal Airport (now Buffalo Niagara BUF).
Thread Starter
More Dragonflies & Widgeons ..
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.
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.
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Speaking of S-51s, the Dragonfly was the first helicopter in former Yugoslavia! Ten S-51 Mk.1B went into YUAF over Mutual Defence Aid Programme during 1954. C/ns WA/H/95-WA/H/104 allocated JRV serials from 11501 to 11510.
Thread Starter
Bell 206B III G-BKBY at Leavesden in 1983 (Photo: Adrian Batchelor)
Adrian Batchelor has shared another sample of his great collection of 80's 'Brit-Rotary-Nostalgia' .. this time in the form of G-BKBY.
This was craft was imported by CSE in 1982 and sold to Real Time Control of Watford in August the following year just prior to the Business and Light Aviation Show at Cranfield.
At Cranfield ('83) I met her owner who at the time was being taught to fly by a slighty tall and grey-hairer gentlemen who's name escapes my memory - as does the name of the owner. But, her owner was most gracious and sent me (through CSE) an oversized photographic print of BKBY. It was a smashing shot of BKBY in the hover (at Kidlington I am sure) and looking resplendent in the brilliant sunshine.
From Real Time Control she moved on to ADT Aviation of Hindhead in Surrey where she was re-registered as G-OSUE.
As OSUE this craft was to meet her tragic demise on 14th August 1992 near Crowthorne in Berkshire.
An excerpt from the accident report reads:
AAIB INVSTGN REVEALED THAT A NUT SEPARATED FROM ONE OF THE THOMAS COUPLING BOLTS ON THE AFT SHORT SHAFT OF THE TAIL ROTORDRIVE, ALLOWING THE ASSOCIATED BOLT TO DISENGAGE & INDUCING SEPARATION OF ASECOND NUT FROM THE SECOND BOLT ON THE SAME DRIVE COUPLING DUE TO OUT-OF-AXIS "WHIRLING" FORCES, WHICH ALSO CAUSED FAILURE OF THE AFT SHORT SHAFT.
THE PILOT ENDEAVOURED TO CARRY OUT AN EMERGENCY LANDING CLEAR OF THE BUILT-UP AREA OVER WHICH HE WAS FLYING WHEN TAIL ROTORDRIVE FAILURE OCCURRED, BUT LOST CONTROL DURING THE FINAL STAGES OF DESCENT & CRASHED. THE PILOT & ONE OF THE FOUR OCCUPANTS DIED IN THE ACCIDENT & THE THREE SURVIVORS WERE SERIOSLY INJURED. REASON FOR THE FIRST NUT SEPARATIONWAS NOT ESTABLISHED.
AAIB BULLETIN 02/93 & ADDENDUM REF:W/C92/8/2. SEE ALSO 93/00309. CAA CLOSURE: JOINT CAA/MOD COMMITTEE ESTABLISHEDTO RESEARCH & IMPROVE LEVEL OF ADVICE GIVEN IN FLIGHT MANUALS ON ACTION INEVENT OF TAIL ROTOR MALFUNCTIONS. LTO 1361 ISSUED RECOMMENDING REPLACEMENT OFCOUPLING NUTS & BOLTS BEFORE 1200HRS TSN, CHECK VISUALLY EVERY 10HRS ANDINSPECT TORQUE PAINT EVERY 100HRS.