The Bristol Type 177 Sycamore was one of the first British built helicopters and the first to gain an air worthiness certificate in 1949. It was also the first British designed helicopter to be operated by the Royal Air Force.
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| Sycamore at RAF Museum, London |
| Information |
| Manufacturer: |
Bristol Aeroplane Company |
| First flight: |
1947 |
| Propulsion: |
Alvis Leonidas piston engine |
| Withdrawn: |
1972 (RAF) |
| Number built: |
180 |
The Sycamore was used as a cargo/passenger transport (it could carry up to three passengers) and for air/sea rescue. As well as being used by the British and other militaries it also had success selling to civilian operators including British European Airways.
The Sycamore saw action in the Malaya Emergency with the RAF proving the worth of rotorcraft in being able to deploy soldiers directly to a position in the jungle. It also saw action in Cyrus, Aden and in the Congo (operated by the Belgian government). The Sycamores reached the end of their fatigue life and were withdrawn by the RAF in early 1970s.
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| Preserved Sycamore at RAF Cosford Museum |
