Saunders-Roe Skeeter AOP
12
Serial Number:
XM555
Period: Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 84/A/1176
Location: RAF Museum London, Historic Hangars, Whirling Rotors
The Skeeter was the first helicopter to enter British
Army Air Corps service, replacing fixed-wing Auster aircraft. This light
two-seat observation helicopter although underpowered and with a mediocre
payload, gave good service to the Army Air Corps ( and West German Army
and Navy) for a decade. The type only saw limited service with the RAF
as training aircraft with the Central Flying School's Helicopter wing.
The Skeeter was developed from a 1948 design by the Cierva company. Several
development aircraft were built for military and civilian use from 1948
but it was only after the company had been taken over by Saunders Roe
(Saro) in 1951 that the major Skeeter developments took place. The definitive
military version was the AOP12 and deliveries began in June 1958. In the
three years this version was in production a total of 64 were built in
three separate batches. They served in the United Kingdom and West Germany.
Poor hot climate performance prevented service further a field.
Most Skeeters were replaced by Scout helicopters in 1967 and 1968 having
served with four Army Air Corps Squadrons.
The AOP12 enjoyed the biggest production run ever achieved by its makers
with one of their own designs.
