Q&A ยท 1:51:59-1:52:49

Why a Westland Wasp would need sensors for Short Hellcat

A Wasp could carry the hypothetical missile only with suitable tracking data, while its overlap with Sea Skua would need justification.

Question

Why would a Westland Wasp carrying Short Hellcat need an antenna and tracking sight?

Short answer

Its existing sensors might not provide the required guidance data, although the panel also questions whether the missile offers enough beyond Sea Skua.

Notes

The question proposes fitting the hypothetical Short Hellcat anti-fast-attack-craft missile to a Westland Wasp. The panel first corrects the suggested tracker location, recalling an underside rather than roof-mounted installation. It then asks why a new weapon is necessary when Sea Skua already covers a similar role, though greater speed or range might distinguish it. A separate tracking arrangement would still be needed if the helicopter's existing sensors could not provide the guidance data.