Caterham and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have unveiled a very special one-off car, built using the skin, interior and other components from a Puma HC2 helicopter that has come to the end of its service life, paying tribute to this remarkable aircraft.
The Caterham Seven 360R has been built to raise money for injured service men and women and will be auctioned off through the internet classic car auction site, Collecting Cars.
It’s hoped the joint project between the Royal Air Force, Caterham, Mission Motorsport and Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund will raise more than £100,000.
Puma HC2 medium support helicopters are used for a variety of combat roles, including tactical movement of troops and weapons, as well as the extraction of casualties on the frontline. They are also employed for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
Entering service in 1972, a year before Caterham Cars Ltd was formed, Puma XW232 was deployed for operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Iraq during both Gulf conflicts, and many more roles.
Operated by Joint Aviation Command (JAC) at RAF Benson, when XW232 came to the end of its 50-year service life, the teams at Benson and Caterham decided to create a tribute to the service men and women the Puma has protected, and the lives saved by this unsung hero of the military.
A Seven 360R is the base vehicle for the project. Externally, aluminium skin from the aircraft’s tail boom and doors has been used to panel the Seven’s exterior. The internal rear bulkhead, complete with the emergency door jettison handle remains in place.
Inside, the aircraft’s quilted soundproofing now lines the side panels and tunnel top, along with providing padding for carbon fibre seats, retaining the helicopter’s evacuation instructions stitched into the lining.
A unique dashboard, authentically satin black to mirror the Puma’s, re-purposes the military grade switchgear from the aircraft to replace the regular dash switches and boasts a helicopter-style three-stage ignition sequence for added theatre to start-up. Meanwhile, the aircraft’s navigational clock forms the centrepiece of the dash.
A final ‘easter egg’ can be found under the bonnet, where the ammunition box now contains the car’s battery.
The external skin remains as it was when taken from the aircraft for authenticity, whilst the remaining panels have been painted matching NATO green. The chassis also replicates the aircraft beneath the surface, finished in Desert Sand.
Assembly of the car was a joint effort between Caterham and serving personnel from RAF Benson who were all involved throughout the build process.
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “When the RAF approached us about this project, we jumped at the chance to be involved. Firstly, because it was an interesting build process for us as it’s the first time in our history that a Seven has been made from old helicopter parts.”
“It was a true team effort as well, with engineers from the RAF supporting us throughout the build. But, more importantly, it’s great to know that any proceeds from the auction will go to incredibly important causes.”
Cpl McCreadie said: “It has been an honour to be a part of the Caterham project. As an Aircraft Technician (mechanical), I volunteered my time to remove the decommissioned materials from the Puma for the Caterham RAF Seven 360. To see the transformation of the materials has been fascinating.”
“Through the course of the project I had the opportunity to refine my skills and learn some new engineering techniques. I am proud to have been a part of the team that made this car and to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics within the RAF”.
Sqn Ldr Morley said: “Royal Air Force Benson Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) team will be attending multiple events throughout the summer, promoting STEM in both the military and industry. Along with support from RAF Engineering & Cyber Recruitment the team have an amazing opportunity to host and present this one-off Caterham car made with former RAF Puma components.”
“The car has been assembled by RAF personnel with the help of Caterham Cars and highlights the amazing skills of the engineering teams that both maintain the RAF Puma’s and that work in industry. It’s our opportunity to celebrate the history of the RAF Puma Force while showcasing the opportunities that are available within the RAF and wider STEM community”.
The car is scheduled to be displayed at several events throughout the Summer, with its first appearance at this weekend’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
