Corgi AA39103 | Westland Whirlwind HAR10 XP330 'Z' 230 Sqn RAF Wittering 1969.

General Background:

Designed as a British-built version of the Sikorsky S-55 Chickasaw, the Westland Whirlwind was licensed in 1950 and first flew in August 1953. Used by the Royal Air Force's Fleet Air Arm, early models served as search and rescue aircraft, or in other non-combat roles such as communications. Equipped with more powerful engines, Whirlwinds also served as anti-submarine aircraft; they could either by equipped as "hunters" (carrying submarine detecting dipping Sonar) or as "killers" (carrying a single torpedo). The Whirlwind can carry six stretchers or 10 passengers, and can also be used to carry freight. Westland built 400+ Whirlwinds, 100 of which were exported.

The Helicopter:

As well as being used extensively by both the Royal Navy and the RAF in Search and Rescue roles, the Whirlwind was also used by the RAF and the British Army as a general transport helicopter, dropping men and supplies into conflict zones and moving items between bases. This particular Whirlwind, XP330, was used in this capacity during the insurgency in Borneo, moving men of the Australian SAS around the jungle to combat patrols by Indonesian forces. It is in roles like this that the helicopter is vital and the Whirlwind excelled. 230 Squadron RAF operated the Whirlwind from the early 1950s until 1971 whereupon it converted to the then new Puma, of which it continues to fly today from its base at RAF Benson. XP330 ended its days being used for fire training before being scrapped.

he Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
• Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
• Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.