Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King

The Sea King was the mainstay of the US Navy's ASW helicopter strength from the 1960s until the arrival of the Seahawk. The type has been largely retired from US service now but continues with a number of other nations. The first prototype flew in 1959 and the aircraft was a significant advance over other types available. Two GE T58 turboshafts mounted above the spacious fuselage allowed the carriage of bulky ASW gear including a dipping sonar and a search radar. Initial service version was the SH-3A. The SH-3D had improved sonar and radar and more powerful engines while the SH-3H was modified for carrier operation and tasked with inner zone ASW, plane guard and surface surveillance and targeting. Variants of the SH-3 include the UH-3A utility transport, the VIP transport VH-3A/D and the SAR HH.3A. The stretched S-61R was developed specially for the USAF and designated CH-3C by the service. It featured a rear loading ramp. The HH-3E variant gained fame in Vietnam as the "Jolly Green Giant" rescuing downed aircrew. Mitsubishi of Japan, Agusta of Italy and Westland of the UK all produced the Sea King under licence while Canadian aircraft were assembled locally. Westland Sea King variants are listed under Westland.

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