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.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a Royal Navy Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King Helicopter that was attached to 771 NAS, Search and Rescue, RNAS Culdrose, during 2009. Features detailed interiors with pilot figures, sliding doors, authentic insignia, interchangeable undercarriage, and flying and static rotor options. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Rotorspan: 10.25-inches

Release Date: December 2009

Historical Account: "Happy Anniversary" - In 2009, this Sea King was painted in its original blue color to mark both the 100th year of naval aviation and the 40th anniversary of the Sea King entering naval service.

Since delivery of the first aircraft in 1969, the Sea King has been at the forefront of UK military service, and 96 examples continue to be operated by both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.

When Sea Kings first entered naval service they were all painted dark blue, and remained so until the late 80s, when following the Falklands War, they were painted grey. Assigned to No.771 Naval Air Sqn at RNAS Culdrose, and now flown as a Mark HU-5, XV648 first entered service in October 1969 as an HAS.MK.1 and is the second oldest Sea King still in Royal Navy use.