The RNLI Air Wing

[PR19_Kit]

During the late 50s and early 60s the RNLI became interested in the use of small helicopters to carry tow ropes from their lifeboats to craft in distress which needed towing to safety. This required a very small helicopter in order to operate from the limited space on the lifeboat's deck, but luckily one such aircraft became available almost by accident.

This was the Fairey Ultra Light Helicopter, a two seat machine powered by a Blackburn Palouste turbine of some 190 hp, all of which was used to power the tip jets of the ULH. The aircraft had a length of only 14 ft with double that for the rotor diameter, making it ideal for the RNLI's intended tasking.

[Rheged]

I assume that it will be orange and blue.   But is it self-righting?  Seriously, this is an imaginative idea and worth pursuing.  It's more likely than an RNLI  Shackleton.

[tigercat]

I don't know Their were air dropped lifeboats in WW2

Maybe just develop the idea and create the RNLI air landing squadron

[scooter]

I assume that it will be orange and blue.   But is it self-righting?  Seriously, this is an imaginative idea and worth pursuing.  It's more likely than an RNLI  Shackleton.

An RNLI Sunderland/Sandringham might be just as plausible.

[jcf]

Fairey Ultra-Light?

Nah, go big or go home. 

[PR19_Kit]

But a Sea Knight won't fit aboard an RNLI lifeboat.................

[Captain Canada]

Neat idea for sure !

Reminds me of that CH-46 pic :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMwm9BJYh2I

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Here's one I made earlier (2020 one week build):
P1200854 by Glenn Gilbertson, on Flickr
P1200858 by Glenn Gilbertson, on Flickr

Feel free to copy the roundel that I designed, if it helps:
UKCG roundel3 by Glenn Gilbertson, on Flickr

[Weaver]

But a Sea Knight won't fit aboard an RNLI lifeboat.................

But an RNLI lifeboat might fit aboard a Sea Knight.................

[PR19_Kit]

I like that RNLI Gannet Glenn, and would be quite handy when trying to find a boat lost in a storm too. 

I love the roundel, thanks, but I'm not sure there's enough side area on a Fairey ULH for one to go ANYwhere! 

[jcf]

But a Sea Knight won't fit aboard an RNLI lifeboat.................

But an RNLI lifeboat might fit aboard a Sea Knight.................

Plus the Vertol could tow the lifeboat while trolling for survivors. 

[Mossie]

I assume that it will be orange and blue.   But is it self-righting?  Seriously, this is an imaginative idea and worth pursuing.  It's more likely than an RNLI  Shackleton.

Could be grey and blue in the Ultralight's timeframe:
https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/register/2027/city-bradford-iii

[Nick]

I'm getting some good ideas from this... 

[scooter]

But a Sea Knight won't fit aboard an RNLI lifeboat.................

But an RNLI lifeboat might fit aboard a Sea Knight.................

Plus the Vertol could tow the lifeboat while trolling for survivors. 

Just make sure its the right vintage Vertol/Sea Knight.  It wouldn't do for the RNLI to have their H-46s turn into a pair of H-23s

[PR19_Kit]

It's going to be a Fairey ULH, OK!