Wallis WA-116/Mc
Q gives Bond instructions

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer: Wallis Autogyros Ltd. (UK)
  • Model: WA-116 (XR-943)
  • Engine: 72 shp McCulloch 4318 two-stroke Piston engine
  • Propeller diameter: 1,2 m (4 ft)
  • Rotor: Free-wheeling, diameter 6,14 m (20 ft 2 in.)
  • Fuselage length: 3,4 m (11 ft 1 ins)
  • Height: 1,8 m (6 ft 1 ins)
  • Weight (empty): 145 kg (320 lbs)
  • Weight (max. all up): 317 kg (700 lbs
  • Wheel track width: 1,6 m (5 ft 4 ins)
  • Topspeed: 206 km/h (130 mph)
  • Take-off run: 27 m
  • Capacity: Pilot

Equipment

  • 2 machineguns.
  • 2 forward firering rocketlaunchers with 7 rockets each.
  • 2 heatseaking air-to-air missiles.
  • 2 flame-throwers.
  • 2 smoke ejectors.
  • Parashute mines.
  • Videocamera in helmet.
Notes

'Little Nellie' is a Wallis military type WA-116/Mc (XR-943) flown by the designer Wing Commander Ken H. Wallis, who doubled for James Bond in the exciting aerial sequences. The 'Smoke & Flame ejectors' mounted on the tail, were jettisoned immediately after being used in the first part of the 'aerial combat'.

In 1966, Wg. Cdr. Wallis was approached by the makers of the film who were searching for a worthy successor to the already famous Aston Martin. While the flying sequences were being filmed on location in Japan, the East China Sea and Spain, 'Little Nellie' made some 85 flights. In addition to the complete working James Bond armoury, the autogyro sometime carried the large 'Panavision' camera.

The autogyro is amazingly manouevrable and very stable. It can fly in any wind conditions. The prototype flew through a storm on the coast of Brazil in 1966, which the Aviation Authorities said no aircraft could survive.
Wg. Cdr. Wallis holds every Absolute World Record for autogyro performance. 'Little Nellie' (G-ARZB) is still being flown by Wg. Cdr. Wallis.

Related links

Other sources

Wing Commander K. H. Wallis MBE DEng(hc) CEng FRAeS FSETP RAF(Ret'd).
Jane's All The World's Aircraft.
Airfix scale model construction kit.