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.

Shown here is a 1:72 scale replica of a Royal Navy Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopter that was attached to No.814 Squadron, which participated in a 1999 NATO Tiger Meet, hence the tiger-like paint scheme. Features detailed interiors with pilot figures, sliding doors, authentic insignia, interchangeable undercarriage, and flying and static rotor options. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Rotorspan: 10-1/4-inches

Release Date: April 2008

Historical Account: "By Association" - The NATO Tiger Association or the Association of Tiger Squadrons was established in 1961. Promoted by French Defence minister Pierre Messmer, its role is to promote solidarity between NATO air forces. It is not, though, part of the formal NATO structure.

The USAFE (United States Air Force Europe) 79th TFS (Tactical Fighter Squadron) took the initiative and on July 18th, 1961 they invited No. 74 Squadron RAF and EC 1/12 Squadron of the French Armee de l'air to Woodbridge in England. France was then a full military member of NATO.

As of June 2009, the squadrons included in the Association are 19 full members, 10 honorary members and 3 probationary members, all of which have a tiger as part of its squadron crest. As well as being opportunities for NATO air forces to share ideas and experiences, the "Tiger Meets" are also public relations exercises for NATO. NATO aircraft are often brightly painted with tiger stripes.