Home > Services > Royal Air Force
Belvedere HC. 1
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Air Force
Belvedere HC. 1
Westland Belvedere HC.1 helicopters (XG459 A, XG461 G, XG462 H, XG463 B, XG458 E & XG457 D) of 66 Squadron at RAF Odiham, 1961
The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation
Media ID 1110590
© RAF Museum 2008 - All Rights Reserved
Helicopters Postwar Royal Air Force
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum
> Royal Air Force
> Helicopters
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken by Charles E. Brown for the Royal Air Force Museum, showcases the Westland Belvedere HC.1 helicopters of 66 Squadron at RAF Odiham in 1961. The image presents a striking tableau of postwar aviation history, with six Belvedere helicopters (XG459 A, XG461 G, XG462 H, XG463 B, XG458 E, and XG457 D) arranged in a neat formation on the tarmac. The Westland Belvedere HC.1 was a versatile and powerful heavy-lift helicopter that served the Royal Air Force from the late 1950s to the 1980s. Its distinctive twin-boom design and large, powerful engines made it a formidable presence on the airfield. The Belvedere was primarily used for search and rescue, troop transport, and cargo lifting missions, and its capabilities proved invaluable during various military operations. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, when the Royal Air Force was in the process of modernizing its helicopter fleet. The Belvedere was a crucial part of this transition, and its presence at RAF Odiham represented the cutting edge of aviation technology at the time. The helicopters are seen here in their pristine condition, with their rotor blades at the ready and their engines idling quietly in the background. The scene is completed by the uniformed personnel in the foreground, who seem to be engaged in a discussion, adding a sense of activity and purpose to the image. Overall, this photograph is a testament to the rich history of the Royal Air Force and its commitment to innovation and progress in the field of aviation. It serves as a reminder of the important role that helicopters played in the postwar era and the critical contributions they continue to make to military operations today.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.