Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King

The Sikorsky SH‑3 Sea King, introduced in 1959 by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, was the first production helicopter powered entirely by turboshaft engines. Developed to meet the U.S. Navy’s demand for an all‑weather anti‑submarine warfare platform, the Sea King first flew on 16 July 1959 and entered service in 1961. Its twin‑engine configuration, complemented by a spacious fuselage and a five‑blade main rotor, gave it superior reliability, range, and payload capacity compared with piston‑powered predecessors. The aircraft featured advanced avionics for its era, including radar, sonobuoys, magnetic anomaly detectors, and a robust winch system for search‑and‑rescue missions. Over three decades, the Sea King served not only the Navy but also the Coast Guard, Air Force, and numerous allied forces, adapting to roles such as transport, medevac, firefighting, and VIP transport. More than 1,300 units were produced, making it one of the most versatile helicopters of the Cold War. Its legacy lies in establishing the modern twin‑engine, multi‑mission helicopter concept and influencing subsequent designs such as the S‑70 Black Hawk and MH‑60R Seahawk. Today, many Sea Kings remain in service with civilian operators, proving the design's durability and adaptability.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King

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Design & Classification