Classic British Aircraft - Westland Wasp

The Westland Wasp was a unique first generation turbine-powered helicopter produced for the Royal Navy. It became famous for being the first helicopter ever to be operated from small ships (frigates and destroyers) and the first helicopter to disable an enemy vessel at sea.

[@jimmacpherson8706]

As FDO on frigates, I had the opportunity to fly in the wasp many times-loved it!

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

What a lovely little helicopter

[@emmascully9850]

Thank you all for helping to keep our memories alive - Bravo Zulu.

[@davewood6339]

Brilliant, thanks for sharing especially seeing the footage of the wasp on HMS Plymouth, my 1st sea draft 1980

[@television1066]

So glad you enjoyed it. It was such a thrill to be able to fly in one.

[@davidmurphy8190]

The WASP HAS1 is an excellent example of putting a pint in a quart pot.

[@potusuk]

Always love the sound of that turbine winding up.

[@55snakebite]

was flight deck crew on Achilles flew in zebedee (430) many a time , loved it

[@bigdmac33]

Marvellous aircraft.

[@peterfinucane8122]

New Zealand Navy operated these. I spoke to an ex RN guy at Yeovilton air day in 2014 who had delivered then to NZ.

[@jeremyrorich1902]

Completed my apprenticeship (Avionics) on them in 1975, then attached to 22 Squadron SAAF, did plenty sea trips with SAN up and down the Southern African Coast. Loved these aircraft

[@richardscovell6620]

Superb..many thanks

[@Achilles22]

I flew the scout for the British AAC, including the Falklands

[@allgood6760]

Thanks mate ✈️👍🇳🇿

[@adrianrosenlund-hudson8789]

Your channel is definitely worth a subscription 😎 I'm seeing aircraft I used to see a lot during my childhood. Fantastic 😊 keep up the good work

[@television1066]

Many thanks Adrian very much appreciated. It's early days. There will be some more content from the archives over the coming weeks about all sorts of things. Long term the plan is to create some new content. Really glad you are enjoying it

[@zenzen9131]

Probably the smallest aircraft ever to carry a nuclear weapon !

[@billpugh58]

Ah yes, the nuclear rated Wasp!

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Just a ? That's most likely been asked many times It's a fantastic Aircraft no doubt. Why wheels ? When most Helicopters have skids

[@LouiseBrooksBob]

Its explained in the video - it can be turned into wind for take off on the very small deck.

[@rutherfojr]

Wheels allowed it to turn into the wind for take off. The wasp could rotate on its axis when on deck. This afforded it easy stowing and take off on small landing decks of frigates and destroyers.Leander.Class Particularly

[@DeanPattrick]

Always sound like Harry Enfield does the narration

[@television1066]

It is indeed Harry's voice.

[@mothmagic1]

An oil rig with rotors.