Sikorsky SH-3 SEA KING Models

Sikorsky SH-3 SEA KING Models

The S-61, also known as the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King, is a twin-engine anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter created by Sikorsky Aircraft. It was one of the earliest rotorcraft to use turboshaft engines and is considered a significant design in aviation history. The development of the Sea King began in response to the increasing threat posed by Soviet submarines during the 1950s. It was purposefully designed to function as both a hunter and killer, replacing the need for two separate helicopters. Originally designated as the HSS-2, it was later renamed the SH-3A in the early 1960s. The Sea King entered service in 1961 and was a vital asset for the US Navy in ASW and utility roles for many years until being replaced by the non-amphibious Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk in the 1990s. It set several helicopter speed records in the early 1960s. Aside from ASW, the Sea King also performed a variety of roles such as search-and-rescue, transport, anti-shipping, medevac, plane guard, and airborne early warning operations. It was also exported to foreign military and civil operators. Many examples of the Sea King remain in service worldwide as of 2015, and it has been built under license by Agusta in Italy, Mitsubishi in Japan, and by Westland in the United Kingdom as the Westland Sea King. The S-61L and S-61N are the major civilian versions of the helicopter. The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King (company designation S-61) is an American twin-engined anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter designed and built by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky®, SEAKING®, associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in the USA and/or other jurisdictions, used under license by Squadron Nostalgia LLC.