RN Whirlwind 1961

[Rugbyref]

I understand I was with my Dad when he took this. No chance of identification of this visit to RAF radar station Charmouth?

Phil

[LM47]

I think it is a Westland built HAS1 or HAS3. That narrows it down to one of ten , XA862 - XA871 or 17 if it's a 3 ,XG572 -XG588. It's not a Sikorsky Whirlwind HAS21 OR 22 which have different engine grills and strakes on the boom.
It was probably out of Portland.
Can you remember the year ?

[Seahawk 11]

Love the photo, thanks for sharing this one,

Rob

[LM47]

I think it is a Westland built HAS1 or HAS3. That narrows it down to one of ten , XA862 - XA871 or 17 if it's a 3 ,XG572 -XG588. It's not a Sikorsky Whirlwind HAS21 OR 22 which have different engine grills and strakes on the boom.
It was probably out of Portland.
Can you remember the year ?

Sorry I meant the month not the year.
I can have a look through the Air Britain tome and try to narrow it down if you wish.

[Rugbyref]

Definitely August 1961. Many thanks for your efforts.

[LM47]

In case anyone is interested , the list got narrowed down with HAR 3. XJ394 being a strong contender. (Yes I had forgotten about that batch) There was one used by 781 Sqn but it turned out to be in the old grey/sky scheme at that time.
It was being operated by A&AEE Boscombe down..
Anyone got a photo of it there ?
I was surprised how many of the HAR3 airframes were at Fleetlands for modifications at the time of rugbyref's photo. I presume this included changing to the drooped tail boom as there are photos of 3s with both types of boom.