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The Wessex is a development of the of the Sikorsky S-58 helicopter
that first flew in 1952. The Wessex replaces the S-58s radial
piston engine with a Napier Gazelle turboshaft. The type was
initially developed for the Royal Navy as an ASW platform
and in the initial HAS.1 from was fitted with a dunking sonar
and carried ASW torpedoes. The improved HAS.3 had an uprated
engine and an automatic flight control system. The Royal Navy
has now retired all of its Wessex's but the RAF still operates
a number of HC.2 transports. These differ from the RN versions
in their lack of ASW gear and the twin Rolls-Royce Gnome powerplants
in place of the single Napier.
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