The first British-designed turboshaft engine to enter service, the 1600shp Gazelle was installed from the late 1950's in the Bristol Belvedere, built at Weston-super-Mare, and the early Westland Wessex helicopters, but was rapidly succeeded by lighter and smaller engines developed to provide similar power. One of these, the Rolls-Royce Gnome replaced the Gazelle in the Wessex, being small enough for two to be installed side by side in the same area as the previous power plant.
The Gazelle remained in service with the Belvedere until 1969 and with the Wessex Mk.3 until the mid 1980's.
The museum is extremely proud to now have on display the first of three Gazelle engines which provide the focus for a partnered project between us and the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust in nearby Filton, Bristol. Here are some images of it being unloaded when it was recently returned.
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