Bristol Belvedere
The Bristol 192 Belvedere was a heavy tandem helicopter in the Bristol Aircraft Company. After the acquisition, the helicopter division of Bristol by Westland in 1961, the machine was marketed as Westland Belvedere.
Development
Based on the model 173 had the Belvedere two joined together by a long wave rotors, so that the helicopter at the failure of one engine was still able to fly further. The first prototype made on July 5, 1958 its maiden flight. He still had three-bladed rotors made of wood, which were replaced from the fifth prototype by four-leaf metal rotors.
The Belvedere was originally intended as zehnsitziger faster connection helicopters. The Royal Air Force but was interested in a transport helicopter that could carry up to 18 fully equipped troops or two and a half tons of cargo and therefore initially ordered 22 machines. The contract was later extended to 26 Belvedere. The machines were used from 1961 to 1969 in various units.
A civilian version as an intercity commuter aircraft for 23 passengers was projected, but was not built.
Machines in the museum
- XG452 International Helicopter Museum, Weston -super- Mare
- XG454: Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
Military use
- Royal Air Force