Boats - Sailing - Ships

Dec. 12, 1952 - The Bristol type 171 Mk. 50 Helicopter. Air/.Sea rescue and communications version: Details are now released of the Bristol Type 171 Mark 50 helicopter, which is the air /sea rescue and communications version now being produced for the Royal Australian Navy. To meet the specialised requirements of naval operations, various modifications have been introduced. For air/sea rescue work a hydraulically operated winch is incorporated on the starboard side of the fuselage, power being provided by a pump on the main motor gearbox. The rescuer, who is lowered in a special harness of Bristol design, his armpits, and throughout the operation keeps in touch with the cabin by means of inter-comm extension. The winch is mounted abaft an open doorway which is cove by a quick release curtain while the aircraft is flying to and from the scene of rescue operations. The aircraft has a new type of under carriage which gives a n additional nine inches ground clearance, and a side exhaust is fitted to avoid burning or scorching when landing in scrub or on a deck. For operating the aircraft in the communications role, the winch is easily removed and the fuselage starboard sperture covered by a metal panel containing knock out Perspex escape hatch. Photo shows first stage of an air/sea rescue operation during recent trials with the Type 171 Mark 50. The rescuer lowered by winch in a special harness, has passed the bandolier round the casualty's armpits and the ascent to the cockpit has begun

Restrictions Only for United Kingdom

Armpits Ascent Avoid Bandolier Begun Clearance Cockpit Containing Cove Details Easily Exhaust Extension Fitted Fuselage Gearbox Harness Hatch Hydraulically Inches Incorporated Introduced Keeps Knock Lowered Means Modifications Operated Operating Passed Perspex Provided Quick Recent Removed Requirements Rescuer Scorching Scrub Specialised Starboard Throughout Winch

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