British Helicopters History

This channel contains an incredible collection of moving images of a significant part of recent British industrial archaeology, using footage produced by the companies’ own film units.

The films, which follow the evolution of the British Helicopter Industry have not been enhanced or edited. They retain their wonderful charm and nostalgic quality of a bygone time, where pioneering men and machines were always pushing the boundaries of materials and technology.

The archive extends from the earliest film found so far of a very busy and successful Westland Aircraft in the 1930’s, where fixed wing aircraft were being built . 

Not only Westland types can be seen. In 1960 the British aircraft industry underwent a major upheaval. The helicopter interests of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, Fairey Aviation and Saunders Roe were rationalised and merged into Britain’s sole helicopter company – Westland.

Our channel will be added to with regular content for your viewing pleasure.