The Last by debbielove

Photography • Aviation • posted on Jun 27, 2016

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Description

Hi, And firstly, no politics today....promise! This was taken at RAF Cosfords Airshow, and shows the last Westland Whirlwind airworthy in the world.. Its a HAR Mk 10 version.. She was built in 1956, and went straight to No 22 Squadron at RAF Finningly, at the time she was the most potent SAR Helicopter around, (Sea King having not arrived here). All weather, but only day capable, she in fact under took most night operations anyway, life comes first as the SAR teams say.. She was not withdrawn until 1981, she is now privately owned and based in Somerset.. I remember these flying patrols along the Norfolk coastline, as a youngster.. Then, Sea Kings id the same now nothing does as the Politico's sold it of to Private Companies and they stopped patrols.. Damn, sorry politics lol Bring em back I say... Note, due to new rules not sure if this will be allowed to fly ever again.. Not seen it on any listings this year. Rob

Comments (9)

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Richardphotos

7:19AM | Mon, 27 June 2016

great capture. politics are the scurge no matter what country one is in

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Faemike55

10:57AM | Mon, 27 June 2016

Beautiful capture of the great chopper

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T.Rex

12:53PM | Mon, 27 June 2016

Ah, a Smiley on its face. Probably good thing it isn't flying anymore. I'm thinking of loosing it in some accident. This way you can come back and enjoy it again (and take a LOT more pictures!). Now, go bust some tanks in Thunder country! Keep up the good work! :-)

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Buffalo1

3:16PM | Mon, 27 June 2016

Glad to see a Whirly still able to fly. I wonder if t there are few Sikorsky types like this still up and about over here.

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blinkings

6:23PM | Mon, 27 June 2016

Lovely old girl mate.

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AliceFromLake

8:06PM | Tue, 28 June 2016

Nice to see the last of it's art. Thanks for sharing, Rob.

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RodS

8:38PM | Wed, 29 June 2016

I love the look of these venerable 'copters. This is a beauty, and a great shot, Rob!

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tallpindo

9:42AM | Fri, 01 July 2016

Similar to what the Army gave to county Sherriff's in the US in the late 60's.

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radioham

10:58AM | Fri, 01 July 2016

Where I am you still see the odd Helicopter in the air they do make a lot of noise still when you think who made the 1st design for one all those many years ago while he made so much great art