English: A Sycamore helicopter of 103 Squadron based at Nicosia, Cyprus, flies over St Hilarian Castle near Kyrenia on the north of the island in July 1961.

The Bristol Type 171 Sycamore was an early helicopter developed and built by the helicopter division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. The name refers to the seeds of the Sycamore tree, which fall with a rotating motion.

It has the distinction of being the first British helicopter to receive a certificate of airworthiness, as well as being the first British-designed helicopter to be introduced by and to serve with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Typically, capable of seating up to three passengers, the type was often used as a transport for both passengers and cargo alike. In RAF service, the Sycamore was normally used in the search and rescue and casualty evacuation roles operations.

The type saw combat service with the RAF during the Cyprus Emergency where it provided air mobility to the security forces and the Aden Emergency, in addition to other operations. In December 1971, the last of the RAF's Sycamores were officially retired.

• Some of these images have had some dodging and burning done and have been retouched to remove detritus and dust and scratch marks only*
• Organization: RAF
• Object Name: CMP-1169
• Category: MOD
• Supplemental Categories: Aircraft, Equipment, People, Historic
• Keywords: Cyprus, Bristol Sycamore, Helicopter, Black and White, B&W, Cold War Era, Historic Aircraft, RAF, Royal Air Force, Historic, Equipment, Aircraft, RAF Nicosia, RAF 100
• Country: Cyprus