Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA37611
Westland Wessex HC.Mk 2 Diecast Model
RAF No.78 Sqn, XR500, Sharjah, Trucial States, 1970

1:72 Scale		Length		Width
Westland Wessex HC.Mk 2		11"		9.25"

The Westland Wessex HC.2 was a licence built turbine powered development of the classic American Sikorski S-58 Helicopter, one of the world's first truly capable helicopters and one which finally established these aircraft as amongst the most useful for both military and civilian applications. XR500 was one of a batch or 4 HC.2 helicopters delivered in advance of the type's acceptance into RAF service and was used by the Wessex Intensive Flying Trials Unit at RAF Odiham, in preparation for its squadron introduction. It was later one of the founding aircraft of the re-forming No.18 Squadron, the first operational unit to receive the Wessex HC.2, in January 1964. It would later join No.78 Squadron and from 1967, operate from the vital overseas base at Sharjah in the Trucial States (now part of the United Arab Emirates) where, in conjunction with other RAF units, it would help to ensure the ongoing stability of the region. Wearing this particularly attractive scheme, these hard working helicopters would transport troops and supplies around the region, whilst also being on hand to provide flexible airborne support whenever called upon. XR500 was written off in April 1979 when it crashed into Hong Kong harbour, whilst undertaking a winching exercise in poor weather - thankfully, the crew all survived the experience.

Westland Wessex HC.Mk 2

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi's 1:72 scale CH-34/Wessex helicopters are wonderfully detailed with two sets of rotor blades - one with drooping blades for ground display and another with blades that are curved upwards for in-flight display. The main and tail rotor heads spin and the "green-house" canopy with separately applied photo-etched metal wiper blades is large, allowing for easy viewing of the cockpit interior and crew figures. The sliding cargo door opens effortlessly to reveal additional crew figures and the interior of the cargo-hold. Each release highlights one of many nose mounted engine configurations and lower fuselage details.

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
• Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
• Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.