Sikorsky H-3 Sea King

The Sikorsky H‑3 Sea King is a twin‑engine, all‑metal helicopter that entered service in the early 1960s as the United States Navy’s primary anti‑submarine warfare platform. Designed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, the Sea King first flew on 14 May 1959 and was officially introduced in 1961, quickly becoming a workhorse for naval and marine forces worldwide. Its distinctive four‑blade main rotor and powerful General Electric T58 turboshaft engines gave it a maximum speed of about 150 knots and a range exceeding 600 nm, while the spacious aft cabin accommodated up to 22 passengers, cargo, or medical stretchers. Key features include a retractable landing gear, dual‑frequency sonar, magnetic anomaly detector, and a glass‑cockpit avionics suite that was upgraded throughout its service life. The aircraft’s amphibious hull allowed sea‑state landings and the ability to operate from aircraft carriers, destroyers, and amphibious assault ships. Over 1,000 Sea Kings were built, serving in more than a dozen nations, and they played pivotal roles in Cold‑War maritime patrol, humanitarian relief, and search‑and‑rescue missions. The H‑3’s durability and versatility cemented its legacy as one of the most influential naval helicopters ever produced.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Sikorsky H-3 Sea King

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