Happy Birthday To The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King

March 11, 2014 Vintage Aviation News Warbirds News 2
Five U.S. Navy Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron HS-12 "Wyverns" flying in formation, in 1985. HS-12 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41). ( Image credit US NAVY via Wikipedia)


Five U.S. Navy Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron HS-12 "Wyverns" flying in formation, in 1985. HS-12 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41). ( Image credit US NAVY via Wikipedia)
Five U.S. Navy Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron HS-12 “Wyverns” flying in formation, in 1985. HS-12 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41). ( Image credit US NAVY via Wikipedia)

By Aviation Enthusiasts LLC

The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King flew for the first time fifty-five years ago today.  A twin-engined anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and utility maritime helicopter, the SH-3 formed the backbone of the Navy’s ASW helicopter force from 1961 until 2006.  The Sea King featured a voluminous main cabin which could accommodate dipping sonar and radar and a rugged fuselage that incorporated a watertight hull.  The main landing gear retracted into stabilizing floats which allowed the SH-3 to land on water, giving it true amphibious capability.  Sea Kings were used for recovering astronauts while other variants were modified for search and rescue and VIP transport.  The SH-60 Seahawk has since replaced the SH-3 in US service but many other nations still operate the Sea King.

Here is one of Anthony's photos of Valkyrie 611 from the "Neptune's Raiders" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 17 (HS-17) aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in 1990.
Here is one of Anthony’s photos of Valkyrie 611 from the “Neptune’s Raiders” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 17 (HS-17) aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in 1990.

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2 Comments

  1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the SeaKing!!!

    Thanks also for the pic of one of ‘my’ birds.
    I was attached to HS-17 when that photo of 611 was taken.
    I am likely just out of the shot– with chocks and chains in hand…

    Reply

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