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The Squirrel HT1 is a single-engine light training helicopter operated by the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury. The HT2 variant is used by the DHFS at Middle Wallop for training Army Air Corps pilots. It has minor differences in instrumentation and radio equipment, is fitted with cockpit lighting compatible with night-vision goggles (NVG) and carries an underslung-load hook. Both versions are powered by an Arriel 1D1 gas-turbine engine driving a three-blade main rotor and a twin-blade tail rotor. The Squirrel entered service at RAF Shawbury in April 1997 as a replacement for the Gazelle. As a basic trainer, flown by No 660 Squadron, the Squirrel provides an excellent lead-in to helicopter flying for pilots of all three Services, who must have already completed their elementary fixed-wing flying training. After mastering basic helicopter piloting skills, students move on to No 705 Squadron to learn more advanced techniques on the Squirrel in preparation for the complexities of twin-engine helicopter training and operational flying. The HT1 is also used at RAF Shawbury to train qualified helicopter aircrew to become instructors. |
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Powerplant: Arriel 1D1 turboshaft of 732 shp Rotor Diameter: 35 ft 0.75 in (10.69m) Length: 42 ft 5.5 in (12.94m) Max Speed: 178 mph (287 kmh) Accommodation: Two pilots seats and three or four seats in the cabin Recognition: A smoothly contoured cabin emphasises the large cabin and cockpit windows, the cabin fairs into a tapering boom with a small swept fin above and below the extreme end of the boom. The engine fairing above the cabin has a small frontal area, which becomes deeper and more squared off toward the back. The rotor head is prominent and well raised in the centre of this. |
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