Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Aircrew Forums > Rotorheads
Reload this Page >

Mystery Wessex Helo

Rotorheads A haven for helicopter professionals to discuss the things that affect them

Mystery Wessex Helo

Old 25th Feb 2021, 10:09
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Carrickfergus
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Mystery Wessex Helo

Hi. In the grounds of Belfast International Airport ( Aldergrove ) there is a carcass of an ex-RAF Wessex helicopter. Can anyone shed some light on this aircraft, for example, its registration, history etc. I would assume that it was active during Operation Banner, but I could be wrong. I'm particularly interested in how it came to become a derelict at the airport. Any information would be welcome. Thank you.
BigDMac62 is offline  
Old 25th Feb 2021, 11:23
  #2 (permalink)  
Gnome de PPRuNe
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Age: 60
Posts: 12,535
Received 219 Likes on 133 Posts
Apparently it is XT456...

It was delivered there in 1987 and used for Battle Damage Repair Training, ex Royal Navy rather than RAF.
treadigraph is offline  
Old 25th Feb 2021, 11:30
  #3 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Ayrshire
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Probably XT456 Wessex HU5 Retired November 87 and allocated 8941M.

707 Squadron Culdrose 1965. 845 Squadron Culdrose 1968. This can has a long colourful history of accidents and repairs, too long for here.
Went to the South Atlantic on RFA Engadine returned to Devonport 3rd December 82. Stored at Wroughton until issued to 72 Squadron Aldergrove for BDR training. Derelict on Aldergrove dump by March 98. Total hours 3364.40
134brat is offline  
Old 25th Feb 2021, 16:15
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: EGDC
Posts: 10,289
Received 608 Likes on 266 Posts
It must have had a hard life if it went to the knackers yard with just over 3000 hrs - I guess that's what happens when you let the Navy fly helicopters
crab@SAAvn.co.uk is offline  
Old 26th Feb 2021, 09:17
  #5 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: England
Posts: 120
Received 4 Likes on 2 Posts
Crab - you probably remember this!!


Georg1na is online now  
Old 26th Feb 2021, 18:18
  #6 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 32,467
Received 2,594 Likes on 1,098 Posts
Judging by the state of it 72Sqn were sh*t at BDR, not a patch in sight, I’m assuming all the speed tape has long since fallen off
NutLoose is online now  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.