Back Westland "Wisp"
1973

Westland "Wisp" in British Helicopter Museum, 11.03.2001

Built in 1976 at Yeovil, Somerset as a remotely piloted observation helicopter, the "Wisp" was powered by two Korba 2-stroke 2-cylinder piston engines. Following the development success of the "Mote", Westland began construction in 1976 of a larger version of a airborne surveillance system that could send live TV and infra-red pictures to a portable control station day or night.

The first of three prototypes was completed in August 1976 with a first flight on 2nd December 1976. Trials were carried out in 1977 but the payload was considered limited and the project had already been succeeded by the larger "Wideye".

British Helicopter Museum

Westland "Wisp"

Comments
Mel Bennett, e-mail, 16.07.2017reply

I have written up my involvement in the development of the Army need for remotely piloted helicopter and beyond, if you contact me I will forward article on, Mel

Roy Margetts, e-mail, 24.10.2016reply

I worked in the Wind Tunnel model shop at Westlands I made the moulds for the shell of the Wisp and made the fibre glass components.Yes the Wisp appeared on Blue Peter with two security guards standing by ,but what John Noaks didn't know when he said even I can't look inside was all he would see was two light weight concrete blocks we had made sure the exhaust covers were very securely fixed on to make sure nobody could take a peak 😀

Tony Ives, e-mail, 16.09.2020 Roy Margetts

Hi, Roy, Over night some joker put a load of alien robots exiting the mock up.

reply

Laxmi narayanha, e-mail, 25.11.2008reply

i want more detials full data

Iain Lynam, e-mail, 07.03.2008reply

I remember the Wisp being featured on Blue Peter. Two security guards were present during the programme because it was "top secret".

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