AA27006 Westland Puma HC-1 - RAF No.230 Sqn - NATO Tiger Meet Livery

This versatile medium lift helicopter can trace its origins back to an innovative collaboration between the aviation industries of Britain and France in an attempt to produce a series of three different types for service in both countries, with the other two being the Gazelle and Lynx. Entering Royal Air Force service with No.33 Squadron in 1971, the Westland Puma HC.1 proved to be an exceptional machine, possessing both impressive speed and agility, and was capable of carrying 16 passengers, 12 fully equipped troops, or 2 tonnes of cargo, either carried internally, as an underslung load, or via a combination of the two.

An incredibly versatile and reliable helicopter, the latest variant of this magnificent aircraft remains in service with the RAF today, some 54 years since those first machines arrived at RAF Odiham. Throughout that time, surely no RAF Puma has ever looked as spectacular as XW231 did when No.230 Squadron prepared her for an appearance at the 2005 NATO Tiger Meet event, at Balikesir Air Force Base in Turkey. Resplendent in her new tiger livery, it will come as no surprise to learn that this aircraft came away with the Silver Tiger Trophy award at that prestigious event, later becoming one of the stars of the show at that summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo. 

If you want to make your Puma into an irresistible crowd pleaser, just make it look like a Tiger!