Function: A multi-purpose helicopter.



VH-3D (HC-2) ? Executive Transport

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) ? Logistics/Search & Rescue











History: The first version of this workhorse helicopter was flown more than 35 years ago. The Sea King has been replaced by the SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopters as the anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The transition was completed in the mid 1990s. The remaining Sea King helicopters have been configured for logistical support and search and rescue missions.







Description: The H-3 is a twin engine, all-weather helicopter. The SH-3H model is used by the Navy Reserves to detect, classify, track and destroy enemy submarines. It also provides logistical support and a search and rescue capability. The UH-3H model is utility configured for logistical support and search and rescue missions. The VH-3D model supports the Executive Transport Mission.







General Characteristics, H-3 Sea King





Contractor:

Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Technologies, Stratford, CT







Unit Cost:

$6.4 million







Power Plant:

Two General Electric T58-GE-402 turboshaft engines







Length:

73 feet (21.9 meters)







Fuselage Length:

54 feet, 9 inches (16.5 meters)







Height:

17 feet (5.1 meters)







Weight:

11, 865 pounds (5,339 kilograms) empty



21,000 pounds (9,450 kilograms) maximum takeoff weight













Speed:

120 knots (138 mph or 217.6 kmh)







Ceiling:

14,700 feet (4,410 meters)







Range:

542 nautical miles (623.3 statute miles or 997 km)







Crew:

Four







Armament:

Two Mk-46 torpedoes







Date Deployed:

First flight, March 1959

Operational, June 1961