Sikorsky S-61
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1959 · helicopter
The Sikorsky S-61 is a large twin-turboshaft helicopter renowned in both military and civil roles, best known in its SH-3 Sea King naval form and its widespread civil variant the S-61N. Its amphibious hull, range, and payload made it one of the most versatile helicopters of the 20th century.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Boat-hull fuselage with stabilising floats |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large twin-turboshaft amphibious helicopter
- Boat-hull fuselage with stabilising floats
- Military designation SH-3 Sea King
Identified by its large diameter five-blade main rotor, boat-shaped amphibious hull with sponson floats, twin turboshaft engines above the cabin, and retractable undercarriage; the rounded nose and generous glazing are distinctive.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky S-61 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: 4 (military ASW); up to 31 passengers (civil).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in March 1959, the S-61 was developed to meet the US Navy's requirement for an anti-submarine helicopter capable of dunking sonar and carrying torpedoes. The SH-3 Sea King served the US Navy for decades and was also built under licence by Westland in the UK as the Westland Sea King, by Agusta in Italy, and by Mitsubishi in Japan. The civil S-61N became a workhorse for offshore oil support operations.
Variants
Military variants include SH-3A/D/H Sea King, VH-3 presidential transport; civil variants include S-61N and S-61L; Westland built the HAS.1 through HAS.6 Sea King and Commando for the UK; Agusta-built AS-61 for Italy; Mitsubishi built S-61A for Japan.
Where you'll see it
Served with the US Navy, Royal Navy, and dozens of other naval and air forces worldwide; the Westland Sea King remains historically significant for UK operations, including the Falklands War and long SAR service with the RAF and Royal Navy.
Related aircraft
- Sikorsky S-62
- Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard
- Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane
- Sikorsky S-58
- Aérospatiale Alouette III
- Agusta A.103
- AS-61R
- HAL Chetak
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