Westland Aircraft was a British manufacturer originating in the aircraft works established by Petters at Yeovil in 1915. It built fixed-wing military aircraft before specialising in helicopters after the Second World War. The Yeovil manufacturing tradition continued through Westland Helicopters and subsequent successor organisations.[1]1915 onwardsWestland 100 Years of History · westland100.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
From engineering works to aircraft production
The Petter family's engineering business supplied engines for agricultural and industrial applications before entering aircraft manufacture. Wartime contracts included other companies' designs, and Westland's development of the DH.9A helped establish a more substantial aircraft engineering capability. The interwar Wapiti and Wallace provided continued military work. Later fixed-wing programmes included the Lysander army-cooperation aircraft and the Wyvern carrier strike aircraft, the latter becoming Westland's final production aeroplane design.[1]1915 onwardsWestland 100 Years of History · westland100.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Army cooperation and the Lysander
Westland responded to the Air Ministry's requirement for a replacement for the Hawker Hector, which it was already building under licence. The Lysander used high-lift devices to support very slow flight and operation from restricted landing areas. Production deliveries began in 1938. Although its vulnerability became clear during fighting in France, its short-field capability suited clandestine work: aircraft carried agents and supplies between Britain and occupied Europe, landing in fields that could not accommodate conventional military transports.[2]Westland Lysander IIIaSmithsonian National Air and Space Museum · airandspace.si.edu · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The helicopter transition
Westland negotiated a Sikorsky licence agreement in 1946. The resulting Dragonfly flew in 1948, followed by the Whirlwind and the turbine-powered Wessex. These were adapted designs rather than unchanged copies, incorporating British equipment and engineering alterations. Industry consolidation around 1960 brought the helicopter interests of Bristol, Fairey and Saunders-Roe into Westland. Later work included Sea King production and Anglo-French collaboration on Puma, Gazelle and Lynx. Westland led the Lynx design, while both partners shared development and manufacturing across the three programmes.[1]1915 onwardsWestland 100 Years of History · westland100.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details