Westland Scout

The light military helicopter built for reconnaissance and support roles.

Overview

AgustaWestland United Kingdom 1960–1968

The Westland Scout was a British light utility helicopter developed for military operations. Introduced in the 1960s, it performed reconnaissance, liaison, and light transport duties. The aircraft saw service with the British Army and other operators.

Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Rolls-Royce Nimbus 101
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
1,050 shp · 783 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
6
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
40 ft 4 in  ·  12.29 m
Tail height
11 ft 6 in  ·  3.50 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 7 in  ·  1.70 m
Wing span
32 ft 3 in  ·  9.83 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
5,300 lb  ·  2,400 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
1,500 lb  ·  700 kg
Fuel capacity
190 gal · 700 L · 600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
114 kt  ·  131 mph  ·  211 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
275 nm  ·  320 mi  ·  510 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
17,700 ft  ·  5,400 m
Rate of climb
1,670 ft/min  ·  8 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Westland Scout at RIAT 2015

Operational Context

Westland Scout — light military utility helicopter

The Westland Scout first flew in 1960 and entered service in 1963. It was derived from the Saunders-Roe P.531 and adapted for British Army use. The helicopter featured a compact fuselage, skid landing gear, and a two-blade main rotor.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce Nimbus turboshaft engine producing approximately 1,050 shaft horsepower, the Scout cruised at around 115 knots (213 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was roughly 5,500 pounds (2,495 kg). The aircraft could carry a small number of troops or light armament.

The Scout saw operational use in several conflicts, including Northern Ireland and the Falklands War. It was eventually replaced by more modern helicopter types. The aircraft remains an example of early British turbine-powered helicopter design.