Sikorsky S-61N

The Sikorsky S‑61N, produced by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, is the civilian derivative of the military H‑3 Sea King and entered service in the mid‑1960s. Its first flight occurred in 1959, and by 1964 Sikorsky had introduced the S‑61N as a versatile transport helicopter for commercial, offshore and rescue roles. Powered by two General Electric CT58 turboshaft engines, the aircraft features a five‑blade main rotor and a distinctive amphibious hull that permits both land and water operations. With a spacious cabin capable of carrying up to 30 passengers or substantial cargo, the S‑61N became a workhorse for oil‑rig support, ferrying crews to remote platforms, and for search‑and‑rescue missions worldwide. Its robust design, proven reliability, and ability to operate in harsh maritime environments set new standards for heavy‑lift helicopters. The S‑61N also achieved several distance and endurance records, underscoring its performance capabilities. Over its production run, more than 300 units served operators on every continent, cementing the S‑61N’s legacy as a pivotal bridge between military rotorcraft technology and modern civilian aviation, and influencing the development of later heavy‑lift models such as the S‑92.