Summary
History:
The Bristol Sycamore was the first commercially successful British helicopter design and was also the first British helicopter to receive a certificate of airworthiness following its first flight on 24 July 1947. The Sycamore was produced in civil and military versions both powered by the Alvis Leonides radial engine driving three wooden rotor blades. The Royal Australian Air Force operated two Sycamore helicopters from the Woomera Rocket Range between 1951 and 1965. One of these machines (A91-1) survives at the Moorabbin Air Museum in Melbourne. The Royal Australian Navy operated 13 HR50/51 Sycamores in training, communication and search/rescue roles. In the later capacity they were used in flood rescue operations at Maitland and Narrabri, NSW in 1955. Between 1956 and 1960 Australian National Airways operated a Sycamore (VH-INO) named 'Yarrana' in a wide variety of roles. 'Yarrana' was the first helicopter to cross Bass Strait and made the world's longest helicopter flight to that time in 1957 flying from Sydney to Western Australia (2040 miles).
Model History:
This 1:32 scale model was purchased by the Museum in 1955.
Physical Description
Metal model helicopter painted silver with three propellers and three wheels.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Modelmaker (Probable)
Westway Models, East Acton, W.3., England, Great Britain, 1955
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Inscriptions
On each side: WARNING - KEEP CLEAR OF TAIL ROTOR / XE 306 Sticker on base of model: WALKERS WESTWAY MODELS. / EAST ACTON W.3.
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Model Name or Number
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
414 mm (Width), 575 mm (Depth), 140 mm (Height)
Dimensions include propellers. Dimensions of main body of helicopter: W: 105mm; H: 100mm; D: 405mm
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Model Scale
1:32
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Keywords
Helicopters, Military Aircraft, Model Helicopters, Rotary Wing Aircraft, Scale Models
