Model of the Westland S.55 helicopter, scale 1:24.

This is a model of the Westland-Sikorsky S-55 Whirlwind helicopter. The original was designed by Sikorsky in the USA and first flew in 1949. In 1950, Westland Aircraft Ltd. secured the rights to build the S-55 under licence in Britain. The prototype first flew in 1953, underwent much development and eventually, between 1953 and 1966, Westland built 364 S-55 Whirlwinds. They were used by civilian operators, carrying two crew and up to seven passengers, and by the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force in various front-line and support roles. This 1:24 scale model was commissioned by Westland Aircraft Ltd. in 1954 for display at the Science Museum.