The Sea King helicopter, designed in the United States and manufactured under license by Agusta Westland in Britain, has been in service for more than 25 years in navies and air forces of many countries, most of them NATO members. Powered by two Rolls Royce engines, the single-rotor helicopter can fly at a maximum speed of 232 km per hour. With six flexible bag fuel tanks, the helicopter can cruise at 1,500 km. The ferry range can be extended to 1,750 km with an additional fuel tank.

The helicopter has been used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue operations (SAR), and airborne early warning (AEW). It could carry four torpedoes and two anti-ship missiles, either Sea Eagle or Exocet. The SAR Sea Kings are equipped with a hydraulic hoist, and the cabin can hold up to 22 survivors or nine stretchers and two medical officers. For early warning, a searchwater radar fitted on the helicopter can detect low flying aircraft trying to attack surface ships while flying under conventional ship-born radar cover.

A variant of the Sea King helicopter was used to transport troops for logistic support. The helicopter's total load capacity could reach 3,692 kg and it had seats for up to 28 fully equipped troops. Special dark green versions of the Sea King were used by the US Marine Corps to shuttle US presidents from the White House around the Washington area. Features detailed interiors with pilot figures, sliding doors, authentic insignia, interchangeable undercarriage, and flying and static rotor options.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Westland Sea King Transport Helicopter that was piloted by His Royal Highness Prince William Training Flight, who was attached to Search and Rescue 2011, 22 Squadron. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Rotorspan: 10.25-inches

Release Date: June 2012

Historical Account: "For King and Country" - Assigned to 22 Squadron on April 15th, 2010, HRH Prince William had already undertaken service in both the Navy and the Army. Flying as a co-pilot, Prince William assists the search and rescue operations of the squadron. He has already undertaken a number of rescue missions and has proven to be a capable and dependable asset to the squadron.

He flies in a number of Sea Kings, including this one and completed his first rescue mission in October 2010, participating in a rescue of a man from an oil rig who suffered an apparent heart attack. The Sea King is a dependable and valuable asset to the United Kingdoms Air Sea Rescue fleet. They not only rescue injured or stranded sailors, but also work in the mountainous regions of Wales, helping injured and lost climbers and hikers to safety. The squadrons base at RAF Valley were also heavily involved with the rescue of over 100 people from the Boscastle floods of 2004.