Boeing Vertol HH-46A Sea Knight

Boeing Rotorcraft Systems · United States · first flew 1962 · helicopter

The HH-46A Sea Knight is a combat search-and-rescue variant of the Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight tandem-rotor helicopter, operated by the US Navy for SAR missions.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, rotary
E — Engines	2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	25.7 m fuselage
T — Tail	No tailplane

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Spot it by:

Tandem-rotor search and rescue variant of the Sea Knight
Twin overlapping rotors fore and aft, no tail rotor
US Navy HH-46 combat rescue and SAR helicopter

Tandem overlapping three-blade rotors with the rear pylon swept upward, fixed tricycle undercarriage, rear loading ramp, and a distinctive hump-backed fuselage silhouette.

Specifications

The Boeing Vertol HH-46A Sea Knight has a length of 25.7 m (84 ft).
It has a wingspan of 15.54 m (51 ft).
Its maximum speed is 267 km/h (166 mph).
Typical crew: 3-4 + survivors.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The CH-46 Sea Knight entered US Navy and Marine Corps service in the mid-1960s as a medium-lift assault transport; a small number were converted or designated HH-46 for dedicated search and rescue duties aboard amphibious ships and shore stations. The tandem-rotor design allowed rear-ramp loading and a compact footprint on ship decks.

Variants

The HH-46A is a SAR-specific variant; the broader CH-46 family includes the A, D, E, and F models with progressively upgraded engines and rotor systems, plus the Army CH-47 Chinook which shares the same design philosophy.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the US Navy for shipboard and shore-based SAR, retiring as the MH-60 Seahawk took over rescue missions; not operated by the UK military.

Related aircraft

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