AS-61R
Agusta-Sikorsky · Italy · first flew 1959 · helicopter
The AS-61R is the Agusta-built licence variant of the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King produced for the Italian Air Force in a combat search-and-rescue configuration. It combines the Sea King airframe with Italian-specified equipment.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Large boat-hull fuselage with stabilising floats |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large boat-hull fuselage with stabilising floats
- Five-blade main rotor, four-blade tail rotor
- Sponsons protruding from lower fuselage for undercarriage and buoyancy
The broad boat hull and prominent lateral sponsons are the key recognition features shared across the S-61 family. Twin General Electric turboshafts sit side by side above the cabin in a distinctive flat housing. The five-blade main rotor is noticeably large relative to the fuselage.
Specifications
- The AS-61R has a length of 22.2 m (73 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.9 m (62 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 267 km/h (166 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Agusta held a long-running licence to produce the Sikorsky S-61 / SH-3 family and delivered AS-61R helicopters to the Aeronautica Militare Italiana for the SAR role starting in the 1970s. The type replaced older piston helicopters and gave Italy a capable all-weather rescue platform. Italian AS-61Rs underwent periodic avionics updates over their service life.
Variants
The S-61/SH-3 family encompasses the anti-submarine SH-3D, the utility S-61N, the VIP transport S-61L, and numerous national variants. The AS-61R is specifically the Italian Air Force SAR variant. The HH-3F Pelican was the US Coast Guard equivalent.
Where you'll see it
The Italian Air Force operated AS-61Rs from multiple SAR bases around the Italian peninsula and islands. The type rendered decades of service in maritime rescue, disaster relief, and peacetime utility tasks before being replaced by the AgustaWestland AW101.
Related aircraft
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