The Army Air Corps Historic Aircraft Flight

Associated sites:
The Blue Eagles | The Museum of Army Flying | Army Air Corps Recruiting

XL814 – Saunders-Roe Skeeter

XL814 - Saunders-Roe Skeeter In 1945 the Army’s attention was attracted to the possibility of the helicopter for AOP duties and on 1 September 1947 Captain P R D Wilson RA made history by conducting the first AOP shoot from an Army helicopter. The inadequacies of the in-service R6B (Hoverfly 2) and the shortage of spares were such that it was abandoned. It was a further ten years before the helicopter was to enter Army service in the observation role.

During the 1940’s Cierva developed a light, two seater, piston engined helicopter as an aerial observation platform. However, the Cierva company merged with Saunders-Roe Ltd and the aircraft became known as the Saunders-Roe Skeeter. 1957 saw the Skeeter chosen as the first operational helicopter for the AAC. Saunders-Roe Ltd were soon taken over by Westland Helicopters and the Skeeter was renamed the Westland Skeeter. However, despite being a delight to fly, the aircraft’s service was short-lived owing to limited engine performance and no external load capability. The aircraft left AAC service in 1967.

XL 814 was built in 1959 and delivered to 651 Light Aircraft Squadron as part of 2 Wing AAC. She served in the UK until 1964 when she was transferred to 1 Wing AAC in July 1965. She remained in BAOR until July 1968 when she returned to Middle Wallop prior to being transferred to the Museum of Army Flying in December of that year. XL 814 was then flown only occasionally by the Development and Trials Squadron until she officially joined the AHAF in 1980.

Saunders-Roe Skeeter Specifications

Engines:
de Havilland Gipsy Major Type 140

Speed:
105 (Max) 78 (Cruise)

Endurance:
23 Imperial gallon fuel tank giving 2 hours of duration

MAUW (Max all up weight):
2350 lbs

Display Weight:
2000 lbs

Dimensions:
40′ (Length) 32′ 4 1/4" (Rotor Span)

Capacity:
Pilot + 1

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