The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum houses some very rare helicopters, albeit in cramped conditions making photography difficult. Only the ninth Whirlwind to be built by Westland, XA870 first flew in May 1954 and was initially allocated for RN service in the Far East but was found to be unsuitable. It then spent much of its service life in these colours aboard HMS Protector and was notable for the rescue of scientists from Roux Island in Antarctica in 1956. A few days after taking this shot I discovered the wrapper from the 1960s Airfix kit of XA870 during a clear-out, long since forgotten!

Moved to Torbay Aircraft Museum in 1971, and sold to Caernarfon Airport on the closure of the museum for use in a children's play park, before going to the airport's fire training area. Now on long-term restoration at Aeroventure (South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum).

Previously G-AYXT which was cancelled by the CAA in 2000

Ex USAAF serial number 41-911 which is painted in the data block. Based at YPJT.

T-7 departing it's home base Shizuhama

On static display at the 2004 Malta International Airshow.

This Whirlwind was delivered in July 1954 and served mainly with the Royal Navy Ice Protector Ship HMS Endurance. After retirement it was used for ground instruction at Lee-on-Solent as A2543 and is now on display at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum/Aeroventure.