RAF Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter. The Royal Air Force SAR helicopter is painted in the emergency bright yellow scheme
An RAF Search and Rescue Sea King approaches the camera. The SAR helicopter is painted in the bright yellow colour scheme so welcomed by people in distress. Royal Air Force Sea King HAR3A Role Medium-lift transport/utility helicopter Manufacturer Westland Helicopters First flight 7 May 1969 Primary users Royal Navy Royal Air Force Indian Navy Produced 1969–1995 Number built 344 Developed from Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King The Westland WS-61 Sea King is a British licence-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines (derived from the US General Electric T58), British-made anti-submarine warfare systems and a fully computerised flight control system. The Sea King was primarily designed for performing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. A Sea King variant was adapted by Westland as troop transport known as the Commando. In British service, the Westland Sea King provided a wide range of services in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. As well as wartime roles in the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the Balkans conflict, the Iraq War, and the Afghanistan War, the Sea King is perhaps most well known in its capacity as a Royal Navy Search and Rescue and RAF Search and Rescue Force helicopter. The Sea King was also adapted to meet the Royal Navy's requirement for a ship-based airborne early warning platform. As of 2013, the WS-61 Sea King remains in operation in Britain, as well as multiple export customers: Germany, Norway, Egypt and India. A dedicated search and rescue (SAR) version, the HAR3, was developed for the RAF Search and Rescue Force. The type entered service in 1978 to replace the Westland Whirlwind [20] A 16th helicopter was ordered shortly after, and following the Falklands War of 1982, three more examples were purchased to enable operation of a SAR flight in the islands.
Size: 4320px × 2861px
Location: Southend on sea, Essex, UK
Photo credit: © Avpics / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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