back US helicopters

American helicopters

QUICK LINKS

Sikorsky H-3 Sea King

posted by Jiri Wagner

H-3H Sea King is a multi-purpose helicopter.

The H-3H is a twin engine, all-weather helicopter. The SH-3H is used to detect, classify, track and destroy enemy submarines. It also provides logistic support and search and rescue capability. The UH-3H and VH-3 are configured for combat support roles

The first version of this workhorse helicopter was flown more than 20 years ago. The Sea King is being replaced by SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopters as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The transition will last into the late 1990s. The Sea King then be converted to a search and rescue helicopter.

General Characteristics

Functions by assignment VH-3A (HC-2) helo combat support
UH-3H (HC-85/PMRF/VC-8) utility and torpedo recovery
SH-3H (HS-75) carrier-based anti-submarine warfare
UH-3H (HC-2/Naval Air Stations) search and rescue
Contractor Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Technologie, Stratford, Conn.
Power plant Two General Electric T58-GE-10 turboshaft engines
Length 73 ft 22.25 m
Fuselage length 54 ft 9 in 16.7 m
Height 17 ft 5.18 m
Weight empty 11,865 lb 5,382 kg
max. takeoff 21,000 lb 9,525 kg
Range 624 miles 1,004 km
Celing 14,700 ft 4,480 m
Cruising speed 138 mph 222 km/h
Crew Four
Armament Two Mk-46 torpedoes
Date deployed First flight, March 1959; Operational, June 1961
Unit cost $6.4 million

 

Copyright © All Rights Reserved