Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King (ASW & SAR)
Snapshot
- Nickname:
- Sea King
- Number Built:
- 1,100+
- Make:
- Sikorsky Aircraft
- Mission:
- ASW & SAR
- Location:
- The Raytheon Pavilion & Outdoor Exhibits
Background
The H-3 is a twin-engine, all-weather helicopter. This multi-purpose helicopter serves a variety of missions: carrier-based anti-submarine warfare (SH-3H); utility and torpedo recovery (UH-3H); logistics (UH-3H); search and rescue (UH-3H); and executive transport (VH-3D)
The SH-3H Sea King is deployed from an aircraft carrier, supporting anti-submarine warfare missions. Serving in air operations as plane guard and search and rescue for fixed-winged aircraft, the Sea King is the first aircraft in the air and the last to land. The UH-3H model is configured for logistical support and search and rescue missions.
Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) flies the VH-3D to support the executive transport mission for the President of the United States.
Specs
- Contractor
- Sikorsky Aircraft
- Deployment Date
- First flight, March 1959; Operational June 1961
- Length
- 73 feet
- Height
- 17 feet
- Weight
- 21,000 lbs
- Max. Speed
- 130 MPH
- Service Ceiling
- 14,700 feet
- Range
- 542 nautical miles
- Crew
- 4