Aerial Forum

I was interested to see the photo of the Westminster in the recent issue.

Your correspondent referred to the competition that was held after the amalgamation of the British Helicopter industry in 1960, between the Westland Westminster, the Fairey Rotodyne and the Bristol Type 194. A decision had to be made as to which of these three types should be continued under the Westland banner.

I took part in the small working group that advised the Board in the matter. The group concluded that the Bristol 194 (with the proposed name "Baron") was the preferred aircraft with its superior economics and cruise speed (200kt). The Rotodyne came next and the Westminster last. The Baron was also seen as presenting fewer risks in development than the first two...