Westland Wessex

Following closely after the all-embracing monograph on the F-102 this latest Warpaint on the Westland Wessex is again a very comprehensive history of the type. For 40 years the mainstay of Britain's helicopter forces as an anti-submarine, air-sea-rescue and commando carrier, the Wessex was evolved from the Sikorsky S-58 but there the similarity ended. It used newly developed jet power in the Gnome or Gazelle engine which gave it enhanced performance. A veteran of Cyprus, the Middle East, Borneo, the Falklands war and the Northern Ireland troubles the helicopter was both versatile as it was strongly constructed. Wessex helicopters served in every theatre of operations that saw the use of British troops or naval forces taking part. The Wesex was also sold to overseas countries and others were seconded from ex-RAF or RN stocks. Uruguay, Brunei, Oman, Ghana and above all the Australian Navy all had the Wessex on strength. Its most prestigious job was that of the Queen's Flight whose bright overall red colour schemes were frequently seen on Royal occasions. This book written by Charles Starface covers every aspect of the Wessex's career and in addition features each squadron and unit including the research establishments who had it on strength. Richard J.Caruana has produced a great variety of colour side views and 1:72nd scale plans.