RAF Chinooks and S65s

[uk 75]

Another 60s 70s what if was the RAF "Medium Lift Helicopter" programme. The RAF had several attempts in the 60s and 70s at trying to place orders for the Chinook before it finally did so.  The other main contender in the competition was the S65 Stallion (used by the German Army as the CH53), which had many supporters in the UK.  Scope for some S65/CH53 versions in UK colours?

I also heard that the French tried to get in on the act in the mid-60s at the time of the UK/France helicopter deal by offering the Super Frelon to meet the MLH requirement. Fortunately they did not get anywhere, though the South Africans and the Israelis both used the type to good effect (the Israelis replacing it with the S65).

I thought this would make an interesting change from the usual Fairy Rotodyne proposals, especially as there are models of the S65 and Frelon available (though the latter may now be out of production).

Another type which could come into the frame if the UK had gone "Red" would have been the big Mil MI10 and later Mi26 types.

UK 75

[Hobbes]

Of course, there's also the HS681 VSTOL transport...

[Leander]

The Serial codes were actually allocated for the earlier batch of Boeing Chinooks.

Tsrjoe found some reference and drawings indicating the intial RAF version required in the 60's to replace the Belvedre had twin engines on each side rather than the single larger ones we all know.

[Mike Wren]

one of the first what ifs I planned was for an RAF Stallion HC.1 in grey/green over black, followed by a HC.2 which would have been based on the 3 engined CH-53E... this one will be in gulf war pink...

[harrier]

Next edition of Air Enthusiast magazine (out June 23rd it says) will feature the HS681. Look forward to seeing what they print, especially as I wrote the article, sent it off with the pics and have heard nowt since. Hope they remember to pay!

Anyway, has full story, GA of version being built and other model-friendly info. TsrJoe was working on a model of it, I understand.

[GTX]

Chris,

In the film ''The Day After Tomorrow'' I'm sure 3 ''RAF'' CH-53's crash, even though the RAF has never operated the CH-53.

I thought they were Merlins in the movie - will check it later.

Regards,

Greg

[Iranian F-14A]

No,those were S-61Rs or HH-3 Jolly Green Giants,whichever name you prefer.Looks like a smaller S-65,same layout,but based on the Sea King.Although,it is too bad Westland didn't make them as well as the Sea King,they'd have been better in the transport role then the Commandos.