12 October 2009

Whirlwind unveiled after 10 year restoration

Following completion of an extensive ten year restoration which has taken around 40,000 man hours, Westland Whirlwind HAR10 - XP345 - was rolled out at the Yorkshire Helicopter Preservation Group's home at Aeroventure, Doncaster on Saturday 26th September.

The event was witnessed by around 150 guests including a large contingent from the 84 Squadron association. It was with 84 Squadron that XP345 spent the longest period of its service life, operating with 'B' Flight at Nicosia in Cyprus supporting the United Nations peacekeeping force there.

Early in its life it operated in the training role at RAF Tern Hill and with 202 Squadron at RAF Leconfield in the search and rescue role. Details of '345's history can be found on the website www.helicopter-preservation-yhpg.org.uk, this will be updated with the story of its restoration shortly.

The group are always interested to hear from former air and ground crews who have worked with and flown XP345 we can be contacted through the website.

Photographs: by Paul Dresser