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. SH-3A, 151526 served with MX14 Squadron at Quantico Marine Corps Air Station, Maryland, in 1970.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a US Navy Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King helicopter that was attached to HS-2 "Golden Falcons", then embared upon the USS Mahan (DDG-42) during May 1967. Pre-order! Ship Date: 2025.

Dimensions:
Rotorspan: 10-1/4-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Golden Falcons" - When the Sea King became operational with the US Navy in June 1961, it was the largest amphibious rotorcraft in the world, and the first all-weather helicopter to reach production status for the US Navy. A capable and adaptable aircraft, it didn't take long before the Sea King started to take on tasks other than the anti-submarine role it was intended for.

During the Vietnam War, several US Navy Sea Kings were adapted to operate as armed search and rescue helicopters in the Gulf of Tonkin during 'Operation Rolling Thunder', coming to the aid of downed airmen either at sea or land.

These were dangerous, secretive missions because they were operating in forward combat positions. US Navy HS-2 "Golden Falcons" Sea Kings performed at least ten overland and five rescues of downed US airmen in North Vietnam during 1967, actions which were both intrepid and selfless.

The aircraft modeled here was the subject of a rare color picture taken on the landing pad of USS Mahan in the Gulf of Tonkin in May 1967. Underlining the hazardous nature of these missions, the aircraft was lost at sea, claiming all souls, just two weeks later.

This release allows us to pay tribute to these clandestine and dangerous Sea King rescue missions during the Vietnam War.