Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox aircraft
The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King (company designation S-61) is an American twin-engined anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter designed and built by Sikorsky Aircraft. A landmark design, it was one of the first ASW rotorcraft to use turboshaft engines.<ref>Leoni 2007, p. 251.</ref>
The Sea King has its origins in efforts by the United States Navy to counter the growing threat of Soviet submarines during the 1950s. Accordingly, the helicopter was specifically developed to deliver a capable ASW platform; in particular, it combined the roles of hunter and killer, which had previously been carried out by two separate helicopters. The Sea King was initially designated HSS-2, which was intended to imply a level of commonality to the earlier HSS-1; it was subsequently redesignated as the SH-3A during the early 1960s.
Introduced to service in 1961, it was operated by the United States Navy as a key ASW and utility asset for several decades prior to being replaced by the non-amphibious Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk in the 1990s. In late 1961 and early 1962, a modified U.S. Navy HSS-2 Sea King was used to break the FAI 3 km, 100 km, 500 km, and 1000 km helicopter speed records. The Sea King also performed various other roles and missions such as search-and-rescue, transport, anti-shipping, medevac, plane guard, and airborne early warning operations.
The Sea King has also proved to be popular on the export market with foreign military customers, and has also been sold to civil operators as well. As of 2024, many examples of the type remain in service in nations around the world, although some major users have begun to retire the type. The Sea King has been built under license by Agusta in Italy, Mitsubishi in Japan, Canada by United Aircraft of Canada, and by Westland in the United Kingdom as the Westland Sea King. The major civil versions are the S-61L and S-61N. The S-61R was another important variant, which was the CH-3C/E Sea King, used by the U.S. Coast Guard as the HH-3F Pelican, and the Air Force's HH-3E Jolly Green Giant; this version had a ramp at the rear among other changes.
DevelopmentEdit
OriginsEdit
During the Cold War, the Soviet Navy built up a large and varied fleet of submarines which at one point was in excess of 200 operational submarines. The US Navy countered this threat by the improvement and development of various anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, which resulted in the development of the Sea King.<ref>Fieldhouse and Taoka 1989, pp. 70–71, 74.</ref> During the late 1950s, the US Navy took advantage of recent aerospace advances, such as the turboshaft engine, by commissioning the development of a new large naval helicopter. Sikorsky received a request from the service to design a new turbine-powered helicopter that would be capable of performing the ASW mission. The specification included a dipping sonar, mission endurance of four hours, and the ability to support a weapons load of Template:Convert.<ref name = "mutza 106">Mutza 2010, p. 106.</ref>
In 1957, Sikorsky was awarded a contract to produce an all-weather amphibious helicopter for the US Navy. As per the earlier specification, this new rotorcraft was to excel at ASW; specifically, it would combine the roles of hunter and killer, as these two duties had previously been carried out by two separate helicopters.<ref name = "mutza 106"/><ref name ='chant 464'>Chant 1988, p. 464.</ref> It was also the first helicopter to be procured under the US Navy's new weapon system concept, under which Sikorsky was responsible not only for the design and production of the airframe, but all major onboard systems, such as the sonar, navigational equipment, electronic devices, and support equipment. As such, the navigation suite for the rotorcraft was developed jointly by Sikorsky and the US Navy.<ref name = "hss2 696">"HSS-2." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 15 May 1959. p. 696.</ref>
Key features of the emerging ASW helicopter included its amphibious hull, which enabled the rotorcraft to readily perform water landings, and its adoption of a twin-turboshaft engine arrangement that enabled it to be larger, heavier and better-equipped than had been possible with prior helicopters.<ref name ='chant 464'/><ref name = "hss2 696"/><ref name="Jackson p. 207"/> The designation HSS-2 was applied, allegedly to imply a level of commonality to the earlier HSS-1, should political sentiment turn against the development of an entirely new rotorcraft.<ref name = "mutza 106"/> A total of ten prototypes were produced to support the development program.<ref name = "mutza 107">Mutza 2010, p. 107.</ref>
Into flightEdit
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On 11 March 1959, the first prototype conducted its maiden flight.<ref name ='chant 464'/> During early 1961, a pair of prototypes were stationed on board the aircraft carrier Template:USS to fulfill a demand for carrier suitability trials. These trials, which involved testing the folding mechanism of the main rotor blades and a series of takeoffs performed during winds of up to Template:Convert, were completed successfully in mid-1961.<ref name = "mutza 107"/><ref>"HSS-2 Completes Carrier Trials." Template:Webarchive Naval Aviation News, July 1961, pp. 22–23.</ref> Shortly after the completion of suitability trials, the US Navy formally accepted delivery of the first HSS-2 rotorcraft, which was subsequently re-designated as the SH-3A, in September 1961.<ref name="Frawley Civil 43">Frawley 2003, p. 194.</ref>
In late 1961 and early 1962, a modified US Navy HSS-2 Sea King was used to break the FAI 3 km, 100 km, 500 km and 1000 km helicopter speed records. This series of flights culminated on 5 February 1962 with the HSS-2 setting an absolute helicopter speed record of Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>"USN HSS-2's 200 m.p.h." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 15 February 1962. p. 233.</ref> This record was broken by a modified French Sud-Aviation Super Frelon helicopter on 23 July 1963 with a speed of Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Further developmentsEdit
The base design of the Sea King had proved sound and several aspects were judged to be potentially useful for other operators, thus Sikorsky elected to pursue the further development of the rotorcraft for other markets beyond the US Navy.<ref name = "mutza 107"/> One of the major variants of the Sea King to be produced was a model for civil operators, which was designated as the Sikorsky S-61L. The first operator of the S-61L was Los Angeles Airways, who introduced the type to service on 11 March 1962.<ref name="Apostolo">Apostolo, G. "Sikorsky S-61".The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. Bonanza Books, 1984. Template:ISBN.</ref><ref>"The Self-Supporting Helicopter" Template:Webarchive Time Magazine. 26 December 1960.</ref> Another noteworthy Sea King variant, the significant change this time being the adoption of a conventional fuselage, the Sikorsky S-61R, was also concurrently developed for transport and search and rescue (SAR) duties, this type being extensively operated by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard.<ref name=Apostolo_Illustrated>Apostolo, Giorgio. "Sikorsky S-61R". The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. New York: Bonanza Books. 1984. Template:ISBN.</ref>
In US Navy service, the initial SH-3A model of the Sea King would be progressively converted into the improved SH-3D and SH-3H variants; these featured more powerful engines and improved sensors that gave the type greater operational capabilities as an ASW platform. It was also common for Sea Kings to be converted for non-ASW activities, these roles included minesweeping, combat search and rescue, and as a cargo/passenger utility transport.<ref name ='chant 464'/> The aircrew on ASW-tasked Sea Kings were routinely trained to carry out these secondary roles as aircraft could often be quickly adapted to perform different missions in the face of operational needs.<ref>Williamson 2000, pp. 149, 167.</ref>
The NH-3A (S-61F) was an experimental high-speed compound helicopter based on the Sea King tested in the 1960s.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Later modified with a tail rotor able to rotate 90° to serve as a pusher propeller; this helicopter demonstrated "Roto-Prop" pusher propeller for Sikorsky's S-66 design.<ref>Leoni 2007, pp. 26–28.</ref>
- A minesweeper version of the Sea King for the U.S. Navy was made, with nine converted from SH-3A aircraft and then called the RH-3A.<ref name=Eden_p410/>
In addition to those Sea Kings that were manufactured by Sikorsky, several license agreements were enacted with other firms to produce the type. These included the Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi and the Italian aerospace company Agusta. Another licensee was the British helicopter manufacturer Westland Helicopters, which substantially redesigned the Sea King to produce various models of their own, collectively referred to as the Westland Sea King.<ref>Uttley 2001, p. 206.</ref><ref name ='mcgowen 119'>McGowen 2005, p. 119.</ref><ref>Thorn and Frawley 1998, p. 164.</ref> In contrast to the US Navy's Sea Kings, the Westland Sea King was intended for greater operational autonomy.<ref name="Variants p114-5">Lake 1996, pp. 114–115.</ref> In total, Westland produced 330 Sea Kings; outside of its British-based operators, various export customers were found for the Westland Sea King. including the Indian Naval Air Arm, the German Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Norwegian Air Force.<ref>McGowen 2005, pp. 120, 126.</ref>
While Sikorsky opted to terminate its own Sea King production line during the 1970s, the type has had a lengthy service life. In September 2009, it was reported that nearly 600 Sea Kings were believed to still be operational.<ref>Baruzzi, Cara. "Flight Plan: At 50, Sikorsky's Sea King gets an upgrade." New Haven Register, 6 September 2009.</ref>
ProductionEdit
The Sea King was produced in the USA, and under license in the U.K. by Westland, Italy by Augusta, Canada by United Aircraft of Canada, and in Japan by Mitsubishi.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Total production was about 1100 to 1300.Template:Cn The S-61 family includes the S-61L and S-61N, which are commercial models. The S-61R, which is the CH-3C/E Sea King, HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, and HH-3F Pelican. The S-61 license built by Westland had different engines and is usually called the Westland Sea King. Canadian Sea Kings were called CH-124 and license made by United Aircraft of Canada. They were made in Italy by Agusta and called AS-61 and ASH-3. In Japan, the Mitsubishi version was called the HSS-2.<ref name=":0" />
DesignEdit
The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King is a twin-engine medium-sized amphibious rotorcraft. Many of the features on board the Sea King represented a considerable advancement over preceding helicopters. In addition to being fully amphibious and capable of operating under all weather conditions, it is the first operational American helicopter to be able to simultaneously hunt and destroy submarines.<ref name = "hss2 696"/> Its twin-turboshaft powerplant layout gave the SH-3 a higher payload and greater reliability than previous anti-submarine helicopters.<ref name ='chant 464'/> In the event of a single engine failing, the Sea King could continue flying on a single engine.<ref>Bishop and Chant 2004, p. 208.</ref> The powerplant used on the Sea King was the General Electric T58-GE-8B, which was initially capable of generating up to Template:Convert each.<ref name = "hss2 696"/>
In normal operations, the Sea King typically would have a four-man crew on board; these being a pilot and copilot in the cockpit, and two aircrew stationed within the main cabin area. When conducting anti-submarine missions, the rear aircrew operated the aircraft's sensors and interpreted the generated data.<ref>Williamson 2000, p. 169.</ref> For search-and-rescue missions, the Sea King's cabin could accommodate up to 22 survivors. In a medical layout, a maximum of nine stretchers plus two medical officers could be carried. In the troop transport role, up to 28 soldiers can be accommodated.<ref name = "hss2 697">"HSS-2." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 15 May 1959. p. 697.</ref>
The Sea King features many design elements to support naval-orientated operations. The main rotor blades and the tail section can be folded via fully automated systems for storage on board ships.<ref name = "hss2 696"/> The adoption of an amphibious hull allowed a Sea King to conduct a water landing and, being completely watertight, would enable the rotorcraft to remaining floating for prolonged periods on the ocean's surface. Deployable airbags in the aircraft's sponsons added to the rotorcraft's stability and buoyancy, resisting pitching and rolling.<ref name="Jackson p. 207">Jackson 2005, p. 207.</ref> The hull design was compatible with landing on challenging terrain, including ice, snow, swamp land, and tundra.<ref name = "hss2 696"/> Wheels are installed in the sponsons for land operations.<ref name = "hss2 696"/>
The armament fitted upon a Sea King could vary considerably. For anti-submarine missions, the aircraft could carry up to four torpedoes or four depth charges. For anti-ship duties, some models were outfitted to carry one or two missiles, typically Sea Eagles or Exocets.<ref>Byers 1986, p. 232.</ref> The Sea King could also be fitted to deploy the B57 nuclear bomb.<ref>Fieldhouse and Taoka 1989, pp. 72–73.</ref> ASW equipment used on Sea Kings has included the AQS-13A/B/E dipping sonar which included specialized computers for processing sonar and sonobuoy data, various models of sonobuoys, ARR-75 Sonobuoy Receivers, and the ASQ-81 magnetic anomaly detector. The commonly fitted AKT-22 data link enabled the rapid dissemination of sonar information to other friendly elements.<ref>Biass 1985, p. 543.</ref> Some later Sea King models featured the TACNAV digital navigation system (first generation GPS) and overhauled cockpit instrumentation for night vision compatibility.<ref>Chesneau 1985, pp. 2–3, 5.</ref>
Operational historyEdit
During June 1961, the Sea King became operational with the US Navy as the HSS-2; at the time, it was not only the largest amphibious helicopter in the world, but was also the first all-weather rotorcraft to reach production status for the US Navy.<ref name = "hss2 696"/> When the unified aircraft designation system was introduced, the rotorcraft's designation was changed to SH-3A. It was used primarily for anti-submarine warfare: the largely involved the detection and tracking of Soviet submarines. In the event of open warfare breaking out between the two powers, Sea Kings would have been used to attack these submarines with the intent to sink them.<ref>Blair 2004, p. 42.</ref>
The Sea King was able to operate from the flight decks of many of the US Navy's vessels as well as shore bases. It could also operate from offshore platforms to extend their surveillance and strike ranges. The type was capable of conducting nighttime ASW operations, albeit these usually posed considerable difficulty for the flight crew.<ref name = "pilot online"/><ref>S.R. Arends, Harrington, J.H., Karlsson, C.R., Pellerin, A. E., and Staley, M. "Military Use of Offshore Platforms." Naval War College Newport, 9 April 1979. ADA075840.</ref>
The Sea King also performed various other roles and missions such as search-and-rescue, transport, anti-shipping and airborne early warning operations. Aircraft carriers would typically deploy Sea Kings to operate near the carrier as a plane guard, ready to rescue air crew who crashed during takeoff or landing.<ref>Bishop and Chant 2004, p. 91.</ref> They were routinely used in a logistical capacity at sea, transferring personnel, mail, and other lighter cargoes between vessels.<ref name = "pilot online">Dorsey, Jack. "Navy bids farewell to Sea King helicopter." Template:Webarchive Pilot Online, 28 January 2006.</ref>
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) became a major operator of the Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King following its introduction to service in 1963. It remained Canada's dominant maritime helicopter for over 50 years, finally being withdrawn in 2018.<ref name=lisa>Gordon, Lisa, "The King at sea" Template:Webarchive Vertical Magazine, 9 December 2013. Accessed: 11 December 2013.</ref> One notable innovation in Canadian operations, which was subsequently adopted by several other nations, was the use of a winch 'hauldown' landing and securing method, referred to as a 'Beartrap'. This device considerably increased the ability of Sea Kings to land in difficult conditions, such as on small flight decks or during poor weather conditions.<ref name=lisa/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Sea King was exported in large numbers to various nations, such as Brazil, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom.<ref>Chant 1988, pp. 182–183.</ref> Several operators have kept their Sea Kings in use for more than 50 years.<ref>Tutton, Michael. "Gritty Sea King helicopters still flying after 50 years of service." Template:Webarchive Globe and Mail, 31 July 2013.</ref><ref>"BBC 2 programme Sea King: Britain's flying past 28 February 2013." Template:Webarchive Fleet Air Arm Officers Association 18 February 2013.</ref>
During the Vietnam War, SH-3s rescued the crews of downed aircraft at sea and over land, typically being equipped with self-sealing fuel tanks, multiple machine guns and heavy armor when performing such missions.<ref>Marolda 1996, pp. 70–80.</ref> Due to the type's greater range and the safety of having two engines, it was often used during rescue sorties into North Vietnam to retrieve downed aircrew.<ref name = "mutza 107"/> The Sea King was also used for medical evacuations and disaster relief efforts.<ref name = "pilot online"/>
The SH-3 was the primary helicopter for retrieving crewed space capsules starting with Mercury-Atlas 7 in May 1962.<ref>Blair 2004, p. 87.</ref> Helicopter 66 was the primary recovery vehicle for Apollo missions 8 and 10 to 13.<ref name="snews">Template:Cite news</ref> In February 1971, an SH-3A, operating from the amphibious assault ship USS New Orleans, recovered Apollo 14.<ref>"Apollo 14 crewmen step aboard U.S.S. New Orleans after splashdown." NASA Images, Retrieved: 17 April 2012.</ref> A specialist search and rescue variant of the SH-3, the HH-3, also performed in this capacity.<ref name="Jackson p. 207"/>
Several Sea Kings, operated by the United States Marine Corps's HMX-1 unit, are used as the official helicopters of the President of the United States; in this capacity, the call sign 'Marine One' is used by the helicopter currently occupied by the President. As of 2012, a replacement helicopter fleet for the Sea King was pending under the VXX program.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. "Boeing says AW101 one of its three options for VXX." Template:Webarchive FlightGlobal.com, 8 June 2010. Retrieved: 10 June 2010.</ref><ref>Cavas, Christopher P. "Former Competitors Join Forces for Helo Program." Template:Webarchive Defense News, 19 April 2010.</ref> In 1992, the US Justice Department sued Sikorsky over allegations of overcharged component pricing and deliberately misleading US Navy negotiators.<ref>"Sikorsky sued over alleged Sea King overcharges." Defense Daily, 1 July 1992.</ref> In 1997, the Justice Department issued further accusations against Sikorsky of willful overcharging on a contract to upgrade the Navy's Sea Kings.<ref>Pazniokas, Mark. "Testimony Begins In Sikorsky Trial." Hartford Courant, 17 July 1997.</ref> In 2024, the VH-3D was replaced by the VH-92 Patriot as the Marine One helicopter.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
During the 1990s, the Sea King was replaced in the ASW and SAR roles by the U.S. Navy with the newer Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk.<ref>Blair 2004, p. 44.</ref> However, the SH-3 continued to operate in reserve units in roles including logistical support, search and rescue, and transport. On 27 January 2006, the SH-3 was ceremonially retired at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, by Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2).<ref>"U.S. Navy Retires Sea Kings." Rotor & Wing, 15 March 2006.</ref> They have been replaced by increasingly advanced variants of the SH-60 Sea Hawk.<ref name = "pilot online"/> In the early 21st century, following their drawdown in US service, there have been a number of initiatives to refurbish ex-military Sea Kings for continued operations; in addition to civil operators, nations such as Egypt and India acquired refurbished former US Sea Kings to supplement their own aging fleets.<ref>"India Buys Six U.S. Navy Sea Kings." Sea Power, 1 February 2007.</ref><ref>"Last U.S. Navy Sea King Helicopter Delivered." Template:Webarchive Navy News, 21 November 2005.</ref><ref>"Former Presidential helicopter redelivered to the Egyptian Government." Template:Webarchive NavAir News, 17 June 2009.</ref>
VariantsEdit
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US militaryEdit
- XHSS-2
- The only prototype of the H-3 Sea King.<ref name=Eden_p410>Eden 2004, p. 410.</ref>
- YHSS-2
- Pre-production S-61 aircraft, seven built for the U.S. Navy,<ref name=Donald_p843>Donald 1997, p. 843.</ref> re-designated YSH-3A in 1962.<ref name=Eden_p410/>
- HSS-2
- Original designation of the Sea King. Changed to SH-3A by the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system
- SH-3A
- Anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the U.S. Navy; 245 built. Originally designated HSS-2.<ref name ='chant 464'/>
- HH-3A
- Combat search and rescue helicopter for the U.S. Navy. 12 converted from SH-3A.<ref name ='chant 464'/>
- CH-3A
- Military transport version for the U.S. Air Force; three converted from SH-3As into CH-3A configuration; they later became CH-3Bs.<ref name=Eden_p413>Eden 2004, p. 413.</ref>
- NH-3A (S-61F)
- Experimental high-speed compound helicopter, with extensive streamlining, no floats, short wings carrying two turbojet engines for extra speed; one converted from SH-3A.Template:Citation needed Later modified with a tail rotor able to rotate 90° to serve as a pusher propeller; this helicopter demonstrated "Roto-Prop" pusher propeller for Sikorsky's S-66 design.<ref>Leoni 2007, pp. 26–28.</ref>
- RH-3A
- Minesweeper helicopter for the U.S. Navy. Nine converted from SH-3A aircraft.<ref name=Eden_p410/>
- VH-3A
- VIP transport (Better known as Marine One or Army One 1957–76) helicopter for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps; originally designated HSS-2Z. Eight built, plus two SH-3A conversions rebuilt from damaged helicopters (one YHSS-2 and one SH-3A).Template:Citation needed The rest were returned to the U.S. Navy in 1975–76 and replaced by the VH-3D.
- CH-3B
- Military transport helicopter for the U.S. Air Force.<ref name= Donald_p843/>
- SH-3D
- Anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the U.S. Navy. 73 built and two conversions from SH-3As.<ref name ='chant 464'/>
- VH-3D
- VIP Presidential transport helicopter (better known as Marine One) for the U.S. Marine Corps, 11 built. It entered service in 1976.<ref name=Eden_p411>Eden 2004, p. 411.</ref>
- SH-3G
- Cargo, utility transport helicopter for the U.S. Navy. 105 conversions from SH-3A and SH-3D.<ref name ='chant 464'/>
- SH-3H
- Upgrade of the SH-3G as an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter for the U.S. Navy.<ref name ='chant 464'/> It included SH-3G features with improvements for ASW, anti-ship missile detection and other airframe improvements. 163 SH-3A/D/Gs were upgraded to SH-3H configuration.<ref name=Eden_p411/>
- SH-3H AEW
- Airborne early warning version for the Spanish navy.
- UH-3H
- Cargo, utility transport version for the U.S. Navy; converted from SH-3H by removing ASW systems.<ref name=Eden_p411/>
Sikorsky designationsEdit
- S-61
- Company designation for the Sea King.<ref name ='chant 464'/>
- S-61A
- Export version for the Royal Danish Air Force. Wider pontoons without flotation bags, a 530-liter center tank instead of a dipping sonar and no automatic powered folding system.<ref>page 435 in Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1980, Template:ISBN</ref>
- S-61A-4 Nuri
- Military transport, search and rescue helicopter for the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It can seat up to 31 combat troops. 38 built.<ref name=Donald_p843/>
- S-61A/AH
- Utility helicopter for survey work and search and rescue in the Antarctic.
- S-61B
- Export version of the SH-3 anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.
- S-61D-3
- Export version for the Brazilian Navy.
- S-61D-4
- Export version for the Argentine Navy.
- S-61NR
- Search and rescue version for the Argentine Air Force.
- S-61V
- Company designation for the VH-3A. One built for Indonesia.
- S-61L/N
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- Civil versions of the Sea King.
- S-61R
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
- The S-61R served in the United States Air Force as the CH-3C/E Sea King and the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, and with the United States Coast Guard and the Italian Air Force as the HH-3F Sea King (more commonly referred to by the nickname "Pelican").<ref>United States, 1974, p. A-40; 1998, p. A-43; 2004, p. 43.</ref>
United Aircraft of CanadaEdit
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- CH-124
- Anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Royal Canadian Navy (41 assembled by United Aircraft of Canada).<ref name="CSAR variants">Durning, Michael. "CH-124 Sea King Variants." Canadian American Strategic Review (web archive). Retrieved: 18 April 2012.</ref>
- CH-124A
- The Sea King Improvement Program (SKIP) added modernized avionics as well as improved safety features.<ref name="CSAR variants"/>
- CH-124B
- Alternate version of the CH-124A without a dipping sonar but formerly with a MAD sensor and additional storage for deployable stores. In 2006, the five aircraft of this variant were converted to support the Standing Contingency Task Force (SCTF), and were modified with additional troop seats, and frequency agile radios. Plans to add fast-rope capability, EAPSNIPS (Engine Air Particle Separator / Snow & Ice Particle Separator) did not come to fruition.<ref name="CSAR variants"/>
- CH-124B2
- Six CH-124Bs were upgraded to the CH-124B2 standard in 1991–1992. The revised CH-124B2 retained the sonobuoy processing gear to passively detect submarines but was also fitted with a towed-array sonar to supplement the ship's sonar. Since anti-submarine warfare is no longer a major priority within the Canadian Forces, the CH-124B2 were refitted again to become improvised troop carriers for the newly formed Standing Contingency Task Force.<ref name="CSAR variants"/>
- CH-124C
- One CH-124 operated by the Helicopter Operational Test and Evaluation Facility located at CFB Shearwater. Used for testing new gear, and when not testing new gear, it is deployable to any Canadian Forces ship requiring a helicopter.<ref name="CSAR variants"/>
- CH-124U
- Unofficial designation for four CH-124s that were modified for passenger/freight transport. One crashed in 1973, and the survivors were later refitted to become CH-124A's.<ref name="CSAR variants"/>
WestlandEdit
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The Westland Sea King variant was manufactured under license by Westland Helicopters Ltd in the United Kingdom, who developed a specially modified version for the Royal Navy. It is powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Gnome turbines (license-built T58s), and has British avionics and ASW equipment. This variant first flew in 1969, and entered service the next year. It was until 2017 also used by the Royal Air Force in a search and rescue capacity, and has been sold to many countries around the world.
AgustaEdit
- AS-61
- Company designation for the H-3 Sea King built under license in Italy by Agusta.
- AS-61A-1
- Italian export model for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
- AS-61A-4
- Military transport, search and rescue helicopter.<ref name ='chant 356'/>
- AS-61N-1 Silver
- License built model of the S-61N, with a shortened cabin.
- AS-61R
- version basing upon Sikorsky S-61R
- AS-61VIP
- VIP transport helicopter.<ref name ='chant 356'/>
- ASH-3A (SH-3G)
- Utility transport helicopter
- ASH-3D
- Anti-submarine warfare helicopter. Flown by the Italian, Brazilian, Iranian, Peruvian and Argentinian navies.<ref name ='chant 356'/>
- ASH-3TS
- VIP, executive transport mission helicopter. Also known as the ASH-3D/TS, the Italian Air Force operated 2 from 1975 until 2012.<ref name ='chant 356'/><ref name="Agusta Sikorsky SH-3D/TS">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- ASH-3H
- Anti-submarine warfare helicopter.<ref name ='chant 356'>Chant 1988, p. 356.</ref>
MitsubishiEdit
- S-61A
- License-built version of the S-61A as Search-and-Rescue and Utility helicopters for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. 18 built.
- HSS-2
- License-built version of the S-61B as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. 55 built.
- HSS-2A
- License-built version of the S-61B (SH-3D) as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. 28 built.
- HSS-2B
- License-built version of the S-61B (SH-3H) as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. 23 built.
OperatorsEdit
CurrentEdit
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- Argentine Naval Aviation<ref name="World Air Forces 2018">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||India}}
- Indian Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- National Disaster Management Authority – An S-61A is leased from Cardig Air.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Iranian Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- Peruvian Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>File:SH 3D en Santander.jpgA Spanish Navy SH-3H Sea King in 2009.
- {{#invoke
- flag||Ukraine}}
- United States Marine Corps<ref name="globalsecurity.org">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- HMX-1<ref name="globalsecurity.org" />
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- Venezuelan Army<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
FormerEdit
- Brazilian Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2018" />
- Royal Canadian Navy<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> – transferred to Air Command in 1968
- Royal Canadian Air Force (See: CH-124 Sea King) – retired in December 2018<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Royal Danish Air Force<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Iraqi Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- {{#invoke
- flag||Italy}}
- Italian Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> – retired in September 2014<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Italian Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2018" /> – retired in June 2013<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Japan Maritime Self Defense Force<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Royal Malaysian Air Force – some helicopter transferred to Malaysian Army Aviation
- Malaysian Army Aviation – ex-RMAF, was assigned to No. 882 Squadron.
- Royal Saudi Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||Spain}}
- Spanish Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
- L.A. County Sheriff's Department<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- United States Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- United States Navy<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Aircraft on displayEdit
Argentina
- 0675 – S-61D-4 on static display at the Argentine Naval Aviation Museum in Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Denmark
- U-240 – S-61A on static display at the Danmarks Flymuseum in Skjern, Central Denmark.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
United States
- 147140 – HH-3A on static display at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kekaha, Hawaii.Template:Cn
- 148038 – UH-3A on static display at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park, Maryland.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 148042 – UH-3H on static display at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.Template:Cn
- 148999 – SH-3H on static display at the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, California.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 149006 – UH-3H on static display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is painted as Apollo 11 recovery helicopter.Template:Citation needed
- 149695 – SH-3G on static display at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 149711 – SH-3H on static display at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 149738 – SH-3H on static display at the Hickory Aviation Museum in Hickory, North Carolina.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was previously on display at the Quonset Air Museum in North Kingston, Rhode Island.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 149932 – SH-3G on static display at Patriots Point in Charleston, South Carolina.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 150611 – VH-3A on static display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 150613 – VH-3A on static display at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 150617 – VH-3A on static display at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 156484 – SH-3D on static display at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 156501 – SH-3H on static display at Aviation Heritage Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 159358 – VH-3D on static display at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Accidents and incidentsEdit
- Malaysia (Royal Malaysia Airforce)
Specifications (SH-3D)Edit
Template:External media Template:Aircraft specs
See alsoEdit
Template:Portal Template:Aircontent
ReferencesEdit
NotesEdit
BibliographyEdit
- Andrade, John. Militair 1982. London: Aviation Press, 1982. Template:ISBN
- Biass, Eric H. World Helicopter Systems. Geneva, Switzerland: Interavia Data, 1985.
- Bishop, Chris and Chris Chant. Aircraft Carriers. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Zenith Imprint, 2004. Template:ISBN.
- Blair, Don. Splashdown! Nasa and the Navy. Nashville, Tennessee: Turner Publishing, 2004. Template:ISBN.
- Byers, R.B. The Denuclearisation of the Oceans. London: Taylor & Francis, 1986. Template:ISBN.
- Chant, Christopher. A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware. London: Routledge, 1988. Template:ISBN.
- Chesneau, Roger. Aeroguide 10: Westland Sea King HAR Mk 3. Essex, UK: Linewrights, 1985. Template:ISBN.
- DOD 4120.15-L Model Designation of Military Aircraft, Rockets, and Guided Missiles. Washington, D.C.: Department of Defense, 1974.
- DOD 4120.15-L Model Designation of Military Aircraft, Rockets, and Guided Missiles. Washington, D.C.: Department of Defense, 1998.
- DOD 4120.15-L Model Designation of Military Aircraft, Rockets, and Guided Missiles. Washington, D.C.: Department of Defense, 2004.
- Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. Template:ISBN.
- Template:Cite book
- Fieldhouse, Richard and Taoka Shunji. Superpowers at Sea: An Assessment of the Naval Arms Race. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1989. Template:ISBN.
- Frawley, Gerard. The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003–2004. Fyshwick, Australian Capital Territory: Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. Template:ISBN.
- Jackson, Robert, ed. "Sikorsky S-61/SH-3 Sea King." Helicopters: Military, Civilian, and Rescue Rotorcraft (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books Ltd, 2005. Template:ISBN.
- Lake, Jon. "Westland Sea King: Variant Briefing". World Air Power Journal, Volume 25, Summer 1996, pp. 110–135. London: Aerospace Publishing. Template:ISBN. {{#if:0959-7050|Template:Catalog lookup link{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}|Template:Error-small}}.
- Leoni, Ron D. Black Hawk: The Story of a World Class Helicopter. Reston, Virginia: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007. Template:ISBN.
- Marolda, Edward J. By Sea, Air, and Land: An Illustrated History of the U. S. Navy and the War in Southeast Asia. Darby, Pennsylvania: DIANE Publishing, 1996. Template:ISBN.
- McGowen, Stanley S. Helicopters: An Illustrated History of their Impact. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, 2005. Template:ISBN.
- Mutza, Wayne. Helicopter Gunships: Deadly Combat Weapon Systems. Specialty Press, 2010. Template:ISBN.
- Uttley, Matthew. Westland and the British Helicopter Industry, 1945–1960: Licensed Production versus Indigenous Innovation. London: Routledge, 2001. Template:ISBN.
- Williamson, Ronald M. Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, 1940–2000: An Illustrated History. Nashville, Tennessee: Turner Publishing, 2000. Template:ISBN.
Further readingEdit
External linksEdit
Template:Sikorsky Aircraft Template:Sikorsky S-61 family Template:AircraftDesignationNavboxShell Template:Authority control