The Sycamore was developed from the Bristol Type 171 Mk1 first flown in July 1947 and was the first British-designed helicopter to go into service with the RAF. This aircraft was equipped for air-sea rescue duties and initially assigned to the Middle East Air Force.

The HR.14 was the major production variant of the Sycamore and the RAF received around 90. The aircraft joined the Joint Experimental Helicopter Unit (JEHU) at Middle Wallop in January 1956 and was used for navigation, homing and landing aids training, as well as for casevac (casualty evacuation) and troop carrying. It was coded 5 and later V. It is now configured as a helicopter simulator, do you think you could fly it?

The Whirlwind was the British-built version of the Sikorsky S-55. One of 89 HAS.7 built. Used by the Royal Navy for anti-submarine duties and the Royal Marines as transports. The Navys HAS.7 (H=Helicopter, AS=anti submarine) variant was specially equipped for ASW operations. This aircraft first flew in December 1959 and joined 848 Squadron of the Royal Navy for Commando operations. It arrived at Flixton in 1982.

Built by Westland Aircraft, XR485 was part of the final and most capable iteration of the Whirlwind series. This aircraft made its maiden flight in May 1963 and was displayed at the 1963 París Air Show. XR485 served with the Royal Air Force in the search and rescue (SAR) role from the early 1960s through to the 1980s.