Assigned HMS Protector

Part of the external display at the FAA Museum. Current in 2022 with the FAA Museum Reserve Collection in Cobham Hall.

The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum houses some very rare helicopters, albeit in cramped conditions making photography difficult. Only the ninth Whirlwind to be built by Westland, XA870 first flew in May 1954 and was initially allocated for RN service in the Far East but was found to be unsuitable. It then spent much of its service life in these colours aboard HMS Protector and was notable for the rescue of scientists from Roux Island in Antarctica in 1956. A few days after taking this shot I discovered the wrapper from the 1960s Airfix kit of XA870 during a clear-out, long since forgotten!

Code 920 was allocated in Sept 1963

One of several aircraft resident at Lee-on-Solent with the Air Engineering School.

Resident with the RAE at Farnborough at the time. Current with the FAA Museum Reserve Store at Yeovilton in 2020.

This helicopter was broken up as long ago as 1985 with some parts used in the restoration of another aircraft. This tail-boom survives in the museum

Ex 9K-BHB ex G-APXB. G-APXB carried on inside of cockpit

This Whirlwind was delivered in July 1954 and served mainly with the Royal Navy Ice Protector Ship HMS Endurance. After retirement it was used for ground instruction at Lee-on-Solent as A2543 and is now on display at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum/Aeroventure.

This helicopter was built in 1963 and was the second Whirlwind to fly. It was taken on Naval charge in 1954 but spent virtually her whole serviice life as a test aircraft with the RAE or A&AEE. She was transferred to the FAAM in 1970 with total hours of 1393 and is now held in the Reserve Collection at Cobham Hall.

Stored in Cobham Hall, the Fleet Air Arm Museum Reserve Collection

Seen in the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, Aeroventure which is well worth a visit

Early production Whirlwind wearing the ships code of HMS Protector. Built in 1954, scrapped in 1984.