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 Royal Navy Sikorsky HC4 Sea King helicopter that was operated by 846 NAS, Commando Force, Joint Helicopter Force, then deployed to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, during 2008. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Rotorspan: 10.25-inches

Release Date: December 2010

Historical Account: "Operation Telic" - Joint Helicopter Command was formed in 1999 as a tri-service organization uniting military helicopters of the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Their largest operation to date was Operation Telic, the invasion of Iraq. Since then, JFC has maintained units in Iraq, in support of British and coalition forces there. Another detachment is also maintained in Afghanistan, as part of Operation Herrick. 846 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) is based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset.

Equipped with 10 Sea King HC-4 Commando helicopters the Squadron is primarily dedicated to the support of 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines. Since 2008, 846 NAS Sea Kings have been heavily committed to the Helmand provinces in Afghanistan.