FighterControl

During a visit to the International Helicopter Museum in 1990 I read a Wasp XS463, however there are reports this was really XT431 with the boom of XS463. I read the plate mounted horizontally in the lower cockpit window (port side I think) as F8/565. These plates are difficult to read due to reflections and the fact they are vibro-etched but I have read others but attached to a very substantial piece of structure in the cab.

For the XS... machines I have personally read F8/580 (XS539) and F8/593 (XS568) suggesting F8/565 is before these. In the XT range I have read F8/2895 (XT434), F8/2598 (XT437), then F8/4992 (XT778) suggesting XT431 would be something like F8/2892 IF they ran in sequence so unconfirmed.

1/ Can anyone confirm the aircraft at IHM in 1990 was XS463 or XT431. (Wrecks and Relics 12 say XT431 with parts of XS463. As the plate is attached to the cab is this the right way around?)
2/ The museum at Hurn should have XT431 (with the boom of XS463). Has anyone read the plate of this machine?

Thanks Bob

I visited the IHM in 1989 and 1991 and noted this Wasp carrying XS463 on the boom, as stated. But I've always followed the guidance that it's XT431 with a different boom. I suppose it wasn't unusual for parts to be swapped when undergoing maintenance or overhaul. I know that at Fleetlands there was a hangar where booms were dealt with separately, it was always full of Gazelle booms when I attended Open Days. I've tried to look for my guide book for the museum, but cannot find it. Hopefully someone can confirm a c/n. I've not been to Hurn yet though.

The Wasp currently on display is XT443.
XT431 was at the museum and had the tail from XS463.

As you say it’s not unusual for tail booms to be replaced during maintenance especially is the tail boom was damaged or needed modification. I can remember changing a Lynx AH7 tail boom after damage was found to a bracket that was part of the tail rotor controls.

Tailbooms should be considered as a component which can be replaced like the engine and main rotor gearbox.

Agree booms can be swapped hence the question. The plate in the pod suggests the ID of boom and pod were the wrong way around but happy to be corrected if someone knows for sure.

Bob