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Westland PUMA HC Mk1
Manufacturer: Westland
Model: Puma HC Mk1
Registration: XW222
"Trembling Triple Two"
Operating Life: 1970-2009
UAS Location: Hangar 2
Served with: 230 Sqn
Maximum Speed: 159mph
Cruise Speed: 154mph
Engines: 2 × Turbomeca Turmo IVC turboshafts, 1,175 kW (1,575 hp) each
Service Ceiling: 15,750 ft
Length & Height: 18.15m x 5.14m
Rotor Diameter: 15m
Range: 360 miles
Production: SA.330E equivalent assembled by Westland Helicopters for the RAF, first flown on 25th November 1970
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Video: MARK J. CAIRNS
Westland Puma HC.1 helicopter XW222 — known to crews as “Trembling Triple Two” — is a Royal Air Force tactical transport from the Puma SA.330E family, powered by twin Turbomeca Turmo IVC turboshaft engines.
It represents the workhorse period when medium-lift helicopters kept Northern Ireland’s bases supplied and connected.
XW222 carries 230 Squadron markings, reflecting the unit most associated with RAF Puma operations in the province.
Developed in France in the 1960s, the Puma joined the RAF in 1971 under a joint Aérospatiale/Westland programme as the Puma HC.1.
It was sized to lift a full section of troops, land on improvised pads, and keep flying in poor weather. Typical loads were up to 16 personnel (around 12 fully equipped) or roughly two tonnes of freight internally or underslung.
The airframe’s compact footprint, high rotor clearance and strong power-to-weight ratio made it effective for short-leg logistics, liaison and casualty evacuation.
From 2012 the RAF modernised part of the fleet to HC.2 with new engines (XW222 didn't get that upgrade), avionics and defensive systems; the type retired from RAF service in March 2025.
From the 1970s, threats to road movement in areas such as South Armagh shifted routine transport to the air. Pumas, alongside Wessex and later Lynx and Gazelle, moved soldiers, police, mail and spares between fortified sites and small landing zones.
RAF Aldergrove served as the Puma hub; Bessbrook Mill handled much of the Army’s rotary traffic. The result was a constant pattern of short flights that sustained patrol bases and enabled rapid reinforcement and medical evacuation.
The Puma's spacious rear cabin, capable of accommodating up to 16 personnel, to its then advanced avionics and navigational systems, as well as offensive and defensive systems, the helicopter showcased the technological advancements of its day.
The cabin benches and wide sliding doors show why Pumas were chosen for short-range logistics around the province.
While capable alone, the Puma commonly operated as a pair for mutual support and to share lift on busy circuits.
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
‘The Last Rifleman’ MOVIE
The Puma helicopter type in brief
Northern Ireland — how Puma operations worked
Why helicopters became essential
230 Helicopter Squadron at Aldergrove
230 Squadron re-formed at RAF Aldergrove in May 1992 with Puma HC.1 after years of rotating detachments with 33 Squadron, flying day and night, often at low level in poor weather, until moving to RAF Benson in 2009.
Tactics, fit-outs and tasks within NI Troubles
Crews varied routes, heights and timings to complicate hostile planning, and often flew in pairs.
A door-mounted GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), armour kits and defensive-aids were standard in the Northern Ireland fit-out.
Routine tasking included:
• Troop Shuttles between towers and bases
• Underslung loads
• Prisoner and VIP moves
• Urgent Casevac
• Escort duties during low-speed phases such as load approaches and landings
XW222 “Trembling Triple Two”
Identity and nickname
The “Trembling Triple Two” nickname dates back to RAF service; veterans recall an early vibration that made it 'memorable'.
In 2022, the UAS hangars doubled as a set for renowned James Bond and TV's Remington Steele actor, Pierce Brosnan’s film ‘The Last Rifleman’.
Production staged sequences around and inside XW222, including a landing scene (FUN FACT: the Puma pilot was UAS Chairman Ray Burrows and fellow volunteer Georgie Magee in the Puma's Co-pilot's seat) and interior shots.
Brosnan signed the Society’s visitors’ book after filming completed, as well as posing with our famous '007' Phantom FG.1 jet.
The film production presented the Society with the specially-built, wide metal steps up into the aircraft after filming was completed.
Visiting XW222 — what to look for!
• Nose art: 230 Squadron tiger head (NATO Tiger Association).
• Rear Cabin: bench seating for up to 16 personnel; wide doors for quick loading; removable GPMG mount.
• Powerplant: twin Turbomeca Turmo IVC engines on the gearbox deck.
• Footprint: compact tricycle undercarriage and short overall length suited to confined pads.
• Cockpit: analogue HC.1 instrument panel; contrast with later HC.2 glass-cockpit updates.
Irish-American actor, PIERCE BROSNAN (ex-James Bond '007') filmed within and around our hangars for the movie 'The Last Rifleman', filmed at end of the Covid period in 2022. MOVIE TRAILER HERE
The Puma — operations beyond N. Ireland
Cold War and post-Cold War deployments
RAF Pumas supported the ceasefire in Rhodesia (1979–80), moved troops and supplies during the 1991 Gulf War, and deployed across the Balkans through the 1990s.
They returned to the Middle East for Iraq operations from 2003 to 2009, and the upgraded HC.2 later provided coalition lift in Afghanistan.
The medium-lift niche—between small scouts and heavy transports—kept the type in demand.
Humanitarian and civil support
Pumas were frequently used on disaster relief and urgent medical tasks where cabin volume and sling capability mattered, including major flood relief operations and ad-hoc support to UK civil authorities.
The helicopter’s ability to land close to the incident reduced transfer times when minutes counted.
From HC.1 to HC.2
The Puma HC.2 modernisation added more powerful engines, updated avionics and improved defensive systems, boosting hot-and-high performance and reducing crew workload.
The update extended service life and underscored what the original Puma HC.1 design brought to UK rotary capability.
Puma XW222 featured in Hollywood movie
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Pierce Brosnan speaking with UAS Chairman, Ray Burrows and Georgina Magee during a break in filming
Pierce Brosnan in
prosthetic make-up
descending the
specially-made
steps
Arrival scene inside the UAS hangars for Brosnan's character.
Image: EDGAR ENGLAND
Image: EDGAR ENGLAND
Image: EDGAR ENGLAND
Pierce Brosnan signing the UAS
Visitors' Book in 2022
Behind-the-scenes photo of the Landing scene for Puma XW222 during "The Last Rifleman"movie
Behind-the-scenes filming
during "The Last Rifleman"movie
Image: EDGAR ENGLAND
Image: EDGAR ENGLAND