Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King
Sikorsky Aircraft · United States · first flew 1959 · helicopter
The Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King is the initial production anti-submarine warfare variant of the iconic Sea King helicopter, designed for shipborne operation from US Navy carriers and destroyers.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Boat-hull lower fuselage for water operations |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Amphibious twin-turboshaft ASW helicopter
- Boat-hull lower fuselage for water operations
- Five-blade main rotor with folding blades for shipboard stowage
The characteristic boat hull, sponsons on either side of the lower fuselage, five-blade main rotor, and folding tail rotor pylon are distinctive. Twin engines mounted side-by-side above the cabin distinguish it from single-engine variants.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King has a length of 16.69 m (55 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.9 m (62 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 267 km/h (166 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1959 as the HSS-2, the Sea King entered US Navy service as the SH-3A in 1961 and became the standard carrier-based ASW helicopter of the Cold War era. It introduced an amphibious boat hull, allowing water landings in emergency. The type also gained fame as the Apollo recovery helicopter.
Variants
The SH-3A was followed by the improved SH-3D, SH-3G utility variant, and SH-3H with updated sensors. Licence-built versions were produced in the UK (Westland Sea King), Italy, Canada, and Japan, each with significant modifications.
Where you'll see it
Operated extensively by the US Navy and numerous allied navies. The Westland Sea King variant served the Royal Navy for decades in both ASW and SAR roles. Many nations continue to operate licence-built variants.
Related aircraft
- Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe
- Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King
- Sikorsky S-52
- Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King
- Aérospatiale Alouette III
- Agusta A.103
- AS-61R
- HAL Chetak
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