Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King

1959 helicopter family by Sikorsky

The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King is an American helicopter built by Sikorsky. It was used by the U.S. Navy between 1961 and 2006 for finding and destroying submarines, search and rescue, and utility. It produced under licence in Italy, Japan, and United Kingdom for military users. Civil helicopters are known as Sikorsky S-61.

US Navy's SH-3 Sea King in 1982.
Role Helicopter
National origin USA
Manufacturer Sikorsky.
First flight March 11th, 1959.
Status Active
Primary user US Navy
Unit cost
6.4 millions $.

Design change

Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King is a twin-engines helicopter, with a five-blade rotor. It is made of metal. It can carry torpedos or naval missiles like American Harpoon or French Exocet. It can carry up to 15 passengers or injured on board. The cockpit is for two people, pilot and co-pilot.

Military users change

Sea King is (or was) used in 2013 by : Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and USA. Countries that used British versions of Sea King are not included, see at Westland Sea King.

Bibliography change

  • Jackson, Robert, Helicopters: Military, Civilian, and Rescue Rotorcraft (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books Ltd, 2005. ISBN 1-84013-812-2.
  • Gaillard, Pierre, Avions et hélicoptères militaires d'aujourd'hui Paris, France : Larivière éditions, 1999. ISBN 2-907051-24-5.
  • Biass, Eric H. World Helicopter Systems. Geneva, Switzerland : Interavia Data, 1985.