Westland Sea King mark HAR3, specially developed for the Royal Air Force RAF Search and Rescue Force. The type entered service in 1978.
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 (red and grey livery) and RAF Search and Rescue Force (yellow livery) helicopter (as here). 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 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. In 1992, six further helicopters were ordered to replace the last remaining Westland Wessex helicopters in the SAR role, entering service in six Sea King HAR3As featured updated systems, including a digital navigation system and more modern of 2006, up to 12 HAR3/3As were dispersed across the UK, a further two HAR3s were attached to the Falkland Islands, providing 24-hour rescue coverage. XZ595 Sea King HAR3 first flew 24/04/1978, delivered to the RAF 16/06/1978. Both Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge have flown SAR Sea Kings in service. As of 2009, they are expected to remain in service until 2018.
Size: 4400px × 2915px
Location: RAF Waddington, Lincs, UK
Photo credit: © Avpics / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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