Aeroplane Monthly 1982-05
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J.Sproule - Pioneering Search and Rescue
Sikorsky Hoverfly I KK995 flying over Thruxton from RAF Andover in July 1945. Note the rows of Airspeed Horsa gliders below. Parts of KK995 and KK110 were used to construct the RAF Museum’s Hoverfly I, currently displayed at Hendon.
Parts of this aircraft and KL110 were used to construct the RAF Museum's Hoverfly, currently displayed at RAF Hendon.
Westland WS.55 XG588 about to lift a “survivor”, complete with dinghy, using the author's net.
Британские ВВС и авиация ВМС эксплуатировали около 50 R-4, став вторым оператором после ВВС Армии США. Британцы присвоили ему обозначение Hoverfly Mk 1, в январе 1945 года машины поступили на вооружение первой британской вертолетной эскадрильи.
The British version of the Sikorsky VS-316, designated R-4 by the USAAF, was called the Hoverfly I. It was operated by No 529 Sqn RAF, No 705 Sqn FAA and No 771 Fleet Requirements Unit. Seen here are R-4s KK990 (D), KK995 (E), KK994 (B) and KL103 (J).
A 705 Sqn Hoverfly I fitted with floatation gear being flown by Lt K. Reed RNVR c.1948.
The author's specially designed carrycot stretcher being hoisted up to a Ford S.51. This method of recovering injured personnel from ships proved successful.
A RNAS Ford S.51 lowers the trawl, designed by the author to scoop up the "inert" victim
The "inert" victim is winched up and carried in situ back to the mainland
The author, together with No 2 crewman, seen inside the S.51, together with the net.