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Westland Sea King

January 07, 2023

The Westland WS-61 Sea King is a British licence-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines (derived from the US General Electric T58), British-made anti-submarine warfare systems and a fully computerised flight control system. The Sea King was primarily designed for performing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. A Sea King variant known as the Commando was devised by Westland to serve as a troop transport.

WS-61 Sea King
Commando
Royal Air Force Sea King HAR3
Role Anti-submarine warfare, medium-lift transport and utility helicopter
Manufacturer Westland Helicopters
First flight Sea King: 7 May 1969
Commando: 26 September 1979
Status Active service
Primary users Royal Navy (Retired)
Produced 1969–1995
Number built 344 (Westland Sea King) / 13 (Westland Sea King AEW Mk.2/ASac MK.7 variant)[1]
Developed from Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King

In British service, the Westland Sea King provided a wide range of services in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. As well as wartime roles in the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the Sea King is perhaps most well known in its capacity as a Royal Navy Search and Rescue (red and grey livery) and RAF Search and Rescue Force (yellow livery) helicopter. The Sea King was also adapted to meet the Royal Navy's requirement for a ship-based airborne early warning platform.

On 26 September 2018, the last remaining Sea King variant in Royal Navy service was retired. Most operators have replaced, or are planning to replace, the Sea King with more modern helicopters, such as the NHIndustries NH90 and the AgustaWestland AW101. HeliOperations continue to operate three Mk 5 Sea Kings, based at RNAS Portland, training German Navy pilots.[2]

Design and development

Origins

Westland Helicopters, which had a long-standing licence agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft to allow it to build Sikorsky's helicopters, extended the agreement to cover the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King soon after the Sea King's first flight in 1969.[3][4] Westland proceeded to independently develop the Sea King, integrating a significant proportion of components from British suppliers; key changes include the use of a pair of Rolls-Royce Gnome turboshaft engines and the implementation of an automatic flight control system.[5] On this matter, authors Jim Thorn and Gerald Frawley stated that: "Despite appearances, Westland's Sea King [is a] very different aircraft from Sikorsky's".[6] Many of the differences between the Westland-built Sea King and the original helicopter were as a result of differing operational doctrine. While the U.S. Navy Sea Kings were intended to be under tactical control of the carrier from which they operated, the Royal Navy intended its helicopters to be much more autonomous, capable of operating alone, or co-ordinating with other aircraft or surface vessels. This resulted in a different crew arrangement, with operations being controlled by an observer rather than the pilot, as well as fitting a search radar.[7]

 
Westland Sea King HAS.1 air-lifting a Westland Whirlwind HAS.7 near RNAS Culdrose, 1971

The Royal Navy selected the Sea King to meet a requirement for an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter to replace the Westland Wessex, placing an order with Westland for 60 SH-3D Sea Kings in June 1966.[8] The prototype and three pre-production aircraft were built by Sikorsky at Stratford, Connecticut and shipped to the United Kingdom to act as trials and pattern aircraft.[9] The first of the SH-3Ds was initially fitted with General Electric T58s and, after being shipped from the United States, was flown in October 1966 from the dockside at Avonmouth to Yeovil airfield. The other three were delivered from the docks, by road to Yeovil, for completion with British systems and Rolls-Royce Gnome engines.[9] The first Westland-built helicopter, designated Sea King HAS1, flew on 7 May 1969 at Yeovil.[9] The first two helicopters were used for trials and evaluation by Westland and the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment; subsequent production Sea Kings were delivered to the Royal Navy's 700 Naval Air Squadron from August 1969 onwards.[5]

By 1979, the Royal Navy had ordered 56 HAS1s and 21 HAS2s to meet the anti-submarine requirements, these were also configured for the secondary anti-ship role.[10] The Westland Sea King was updated and adapted for numerous roles, subsequent variants include the HAS2, HAS5 and HAS6. Changes from initial production aircraft included an expansion of the cabin and upgraded engines.[11]

Commando and further developments

One of the most extensively modified variants was the Westland Commando, operated by the Royal Navy as the HC4.[12][13] The Commando had capacity for up to 28 fully equipped troops and had originally been developed to meet an Egyptian Air Force requirement.[14] Due to the deletion of the amphibious capability, not required in the Egyptian desert, the most noticeable change from the Sea King was the deletion of the side floats, the main undercarriage being carried on stub sponsons. An improved variant of the Egyptian Commando, with changes including the fitting of folding blades common to the ASW variants, was designated as the Sea King HC4 by the Royal Navy and all the aircraft were new build. First flying on 26 September 1979, due to its operational range of up to 600 nautical miles without refuelling, the HC4 'Commando' became an important asset for amphibious warfare and troop transport duties, in particular.[14][15] Several Royal Naval Air Squadrons have operated the Commando variant, such as 845 Naval Air Squadron, 846 Naval Air Squadron and 848 Naval Air Squadron. In British service, the Sea King HC4 was deployed on operations in the Falklands, the Balkans, both Gulf Wars, Sierra Leone, Lebanon and Afghanistan. Towards the end of the Sea King's operational life, several HAS6s were repurposed by the removal of the ASW equipment, as troop transports. In 2010, the last of the UK's converted ASW Sea Kings to troop transports were retired.[16]

 
A formation of four Sea Kings hovering close to the ground, Prestwick, 1972

In the 1970s, Westland's experience with the Sea King led the company to conduct the British Experimental Rotor Program (BERP), in coordination with the Royal Aircraft Establishment, which applied innovations in composite materials and new design principles to the helicopter rotor. Initial trials carried out with active Sea Kings found several advantages to the BERP rotor, including a longer fatigue life and improved aerodynamic characteristics. Subsequent Westland helicopters, such as the record-breaking Lynx and the AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin, took advantage of BERP rotors for greater performance.[17] Westland equipped later-built Sea Kings with the new composite rotors as well.[18]

Westland has produced a total of 330 Sea Kings;[19] export customers include the Indian Naval Air Arm, the German Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Norwegian Air Force.[12] The last of the Royal Navy's Sea Kings in the ASW role was retired in 2003, being replaced by the AgustaWestland Merlin HM1. The Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) variant is expected to be replaced around the introduction of the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.[20] The UK has also planned to retire the HC4 and search and rescue variants in March 2016.[21]

Search and rescue

 
German SAR Sea King during an operation, 2005

A dedicated search and rescue (SAR) version, the HAR3, was developed for the RAF Search and Rescue Force. The type entered service in 1978 to replace the Westland Whirlwind HAR.10.[22] A 16th helicopter was ordered shortly after, and following the Falklands War of 1982, three more examples were purchased to enable operation of a SAR flight in the islands, initially from Navy Point on the north side of Stanley harbour, and later from RAF Mount Pleasant. In 1992, six further helicopters were ordered to replace the last remaining Westland Wessex helicopters in the SAR role, entering service in 1996.[22] The six Sea King HAR3As featured updated systems, including a digital navigation system and more modern avionics.[22][23]

Westland also manufactured SAR versions of the Sea King for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the German Navy and the Belgian Air Force.[24] On SAR variants, the cabin was enlarged by a stretch of the fuselage behind the door; another key feature, used for additional flotation in the unusual event of a water landing, inflatable buoyancy bags were housed inside the aircraft's sponsons.[25] Upgrades and changes made to SAR Sea Kings include the addition of radar warning receivers, a cargo hook for the underslung carriage of goods, and the redesigning of the cockpit for compatibility with night vision goggles.[26]

As of 2006, up to 12 HAR3/3As were dispersed across the UK, a further two HAR3s were attached to the Falkland Islands, providing 24-hour rescue coverage.[22] Some Royal Navy HAS5 ASW variants were adapted for the SAR role and served with 771 Naval Air Squadron, Culdrose and HMS Gannet SAR Flight at Prestwick Airport in Scotland. As of 2009, they are expected to remain in service until 2016, being replaced with civilian operated SAR rotorcraft.[21] Both Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge have flown SAR Sea Kings in front-line roles.[27]

Airborne early warning

 
Royal Navy Sea King AEW2A in 1998

The Royal Navy's airborne early warning (AEW) capability had been lost when the Fairey Gannet aeroplane was withdrawn after the last of the RN's fleet carriers was decommissioned in 1978. During the Falklands War, a number of warships were lost and casualties suffered due to the lack of an AEW platform.[28] The proposed fleet cover by the RAF Shackleton AEW.2 was too unresponsive and at too great a distance to be practical. Consequently, two Sea King HAS2s were modified in 1982 with the addition of the Thorn-EMI ARI 5980/3 Searchwater LAST radar attached to the fuselage on a swivel arm and protected by an inflatable dome.[28] This allowed the radar to be lowered below the fuselage during flight and for it to be raised for landing. These prototypes, designated HAS2(AEW), were both flying within 11 weeks and deployed with 824 "D" Flight on HMS Illustrious, serving in the Falklands after the cessation of hostilities.[29] A further eight HAS2s were modified to a production standard, known as the AEW2. Two remained "fitted for but not with". These entered operational service in 1985, being deployed by 849 Naval Air Squadron. Three Sea King HAS5/6s were later converted as part of the ASaC Mk7 programme, bringing the Mk7 fleet to 13; still 3 below the requirement.

The upgrade programme resulted in the Sea King AEW fleet being upgraded with a new mission system, Comms, NavAids, JTIDS, Active Noise Reduction and Videographic recording. The Mission System Upgrade (MSU) component (Radar and partial JTIDS integration) was based around the improved Searchwater 2000AEW radar, with an all-new Man-Machine Interface. This MSU component was later termed "Project Cerberus" by Thales, after successful integration was conducted by Westland and GEC-Marconi. This variant was initially referred to as the Sea King AEW7, but renamed ASaC7 just before In Service Date. (Airborne Surveillance and Control Mk.7). The main role of the Sea King ASaC7 is detection of low-flying attack aircraft; it also provides interception/attack control and over-the-horizon targeting for surface-launched weapon systems. In comparison to older versions, the new radar enables the ASaC7 to simultaneously track up to 400 targets, instead of an earlier limit of 250 targets.[30] The effectiveness of the AEW7 was greatly increased via the addition of a Link 16 data link, allowing gathered radar information to be analysed and rapidly put to use by multiple allied platforms in range.[31]

The ASaC7s would remain in service until are replaced under the "Crowsnest" programme; intended as a podded capability onboard Merlins. Previous proposed replacement programmes, Future Organic Airborne Early Warning (FOAEW) and MASC (Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control) were initiated and then cancelled, due largely to the erroneous assumption that the entire ASaC Mk7 system could simply be lifted and plugged into another aircraft type. However, as a result of the time gap between the planned out of service date of the Sea King in 2016, and the introduction of "Crowsnest" seven Sea King ASaC.7 helicopters remained in service with the RN through to the second half of 2018.[32]

Operational history

United Kingdom

Falklands Conflict

A number of Sea Kings were deployed during the Falklands Conflict. They were transported to the combat zone and operated from the decks of various ships of the Royal Navy, such as the landing platform dock HMS Fearless.[33] In the theatre, they performed a wide range of missions, from anti-submarine patrols and reconnaissance flights to replenishment operations and the insertion of special forces.[34] Support provided by the Sea Kings in the form of transport for men and supplies has been viewed as vital to the success of the British operation.[35] Sea Kings also protected the fleet by acting as decoys against incoming Exocet missiles, with some missions being flown by Prince Andrew, Duke of York.[36]

Anti-Submarine Sea Kings of 820 Naval Air Squadron were embarked in HMS Invincible. With 11 HAS.5s, the squadron operated anti-submarine and search and rescue sorties with one helicopter always airborne on surface search duties.[37] On 14 June, an 820 NAS Sea King HAS.5 was used to transport Major General Jeremy Moore to Port Stanley to accept the surrender of Argentine troops on the island.[37] The squadron flew 1,650 sorties during the war.[37] A Flight of 824 Naval Air Squadron embarked two Sea King HAS.2As aboard RFA Olmeda and were used to move supplies to other ships on the way south and later anti-submarine patrols.[38] C Flight had three Sea King HAS.2As on board RFA Fort Grange which were used for replenishment duties, supplying over 2,000 tons of stores.[38]

825 Naval Air Squadron was formed for the war with 10 Sea King HAS.2s modified as utility variants to support ground forces.[39] The anti-submarine equipment was removed and the helicopters fitted with troop seats.[38] Two aircraft embarked in Queen Elizabeth 2 and were later used for moving troops from QE2 to other ships, the remainder embarked in Atlantic Causeway and were used for troop movements around the islands.[40] Embarked in HMS Hermes was 826 Naval Air Squadron with nine HAS.5s, which carried out continuous anti-submarine sorties.[40] From the departure of Hermes from Ascension in April until the Argentine surrender, the squadron operated at least three helicopters airborne continuously for fleet protection.[40]

On 23 April 1982, a Sea King HC4 was ditched while performing a risky transfer of supplies to a ship at night, operating from the flagship HMS Hermes.[41] On 12 May, a Sea King operating from Hermes crashed into the sea due to an altimeter problem; all crew were rescued.[42] On 19 May 1982 a Sea King, in the process of transporting SAS troops to HMS Intrepid from Hermes, crashed into the sea while attempting to land on Intrepid. Twenty-two men were killed and nine survived. Bird feathers were found in the debris, suggesting a bird strike, although investigations of the cause of the accident proved to be inconclusive.[43] The SAS lost 18 men in the crash, their highest number of casualties on one day since the Second World War. The Royal Signals lost one man and the RAF one man.[44]

Gulf War

During the 1991 Gulf War Sea Kings from several nations, including Canada, Britain, and the U.S., were present in the coalition forces against Saddam Hussein's Iraq regime.[45] Due to the threat of potential use of any Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, it was standard practice for Sea King crews to wear fully enclosed NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protective suits.[46] Britain's Sea Kings primarily engaged in inter-ship transport duties, including ferrying troops between the fleet and land.[47] Six Sea King Mk4 helicopters from 845 Naval Air Squadron and six of 848 Squadron, which had been reformed to meet this operational demand, worked in support of the ground advance.[48] There was thorough radar coverage by U.S. airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft; British AEW Sea Kings were not deployed.[49]

Following the end of hostilities, the available Sea Kings remained on deployment in the region to conduct transport missions to relocate people displaced by the conflict to refugee camps and repatriate citizens to their home countries.[50]

Balkans

The Sea King participated in the UN and NATO intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 845 Naval Air Squadron and their Sea Kings had been dispatched to the region in late 1992 in response to escalating tensions in the region.[51] They performed various logistical and transport missions, such as the repositioning of Royal Artillery L118 Light Guns in the region and in the evacuation of casualties. In one incident on 24 March 1993, during an attempt to establish an air evacuation route to a UN-declared safe zone, a flight of French Aérospatiale Pumas and Sea King HC4 helicopters were shelled while taking off from an improvised landing zone. Two further Sea Kings arrived to evacuate several UN casualties, managing to fly the wounded to the Bosnian city of Tuzla, where they came under further enemy fire while unloading.[52]

During NATO's intervention in Kosovo, Sea Kings of 814 Naval Air Squadron, operating from numerous Royal Navy vessels in the Adriatic, including the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible, maintained a patrol of the Balkans' coast.[53] The Sea Kings were also heavily used in the transport role during the preparations for a ground invasion of Kosovo.[54]

2000s

In 2000, Sea King HC.4s of 846 NAS participated in Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone.[55]

During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, multiple Sea King ASaC7 from 849 NAS were operated from HMS Ark Royal. On 22 March 2003, two AEW Sea Kings from 849 NAS operating from Ark Royal collided over the Persian Gulf, resulting in the death of seven personnel. A report into the collision called for Sea Kings to be outfitted with night vision goggles, as well as better onboard safety equipment, and recommended changes to procedure regarding the use of radar at night.[56][57] However, it later transpired that the Board of Inquiry had not been told that the three main contributory factors it reported coincided with the three main areas of degradation between the Mk2 and Mk7. (NVG, Anti-Collision lighting and Interoperability with ships). These had been identified and two contracts let to mitigate the risks had been cancelled by an administrative official. Moreover, in 1994 the RN had rejected the recommendation of the programme manager to retain NVG.[58]

In July 2006, Sea King HC.4 helicopters based at RNAS Yeovilton were temporarily deployed to Cyprus to assist in Operation Highbrow, the evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon.[59]

In October 2011, following several years of service in Afghanistan as troop transports for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces stationed there, the Sea King HC.4s returned to the UK; their replacement is the AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin.[60] Between April 2009 and July 2011, the Royal Navy's Sea Kings stationed at Camp Bastion conducted over 1000 operational missions.[61]

Australia

 
An Australian Sea King landing on the flight deck of USS Tortuga, 2007

In 1974, Australia purchased 12 Westland Sea King Mk 50s as the Royal Australian Navy's new ASW helicopter; the Sea Kings replaced the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne's complement of Westland Wessex HAS31 in the following year.[62] Early operations were troubled by a series of accidents. Between October 1975 to May 1979, four aircraft were lost in accidents, the primary causes were the loss of oil from the main gearbox.[63][64]

The Australian Sea Kings had similar avionics to that of the Sea King HAS.1, with the same ARI 5995 search radar in a dorsal radome, but had American Bendix AN/AQS-13A dipping sonar instead of the Plessey sonar of the Royal Navy Sea Kings. They also had more powerful engines giving improved high temperature hover performance.[65] Australia's Sea Kings were flown by 817 Squadron RAN from HMAS Melbourne until the carrier was retired from service, without replacement. As the Sea King was too large to operate from the Adelaide-class frigates, 817 Squadron was then forced to operate from land bases, in both ASW and utility roles, with the Sea King relinquishing the anti-submarine mission in 1990.[66]

During the 2003 Iraq War, Sea Kings were heavily used in logistical roles, such as the first delivery of humanitarian aid to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.[67] In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Australian Sea Kings played a major role in disaster relief efforts in Indonesia's Aceh province, delivering medical teams and supplies from Royal Australian Navy ships. Prior to retirement, the last major missions were flown during the 2010–11 Queensland floods, in which Sea Kings provided SAR coverage of the region and delivered aid relief to citizens in the flooded areas.[68]

The replacement of the Fleet Air Arm's Sea King fleet commenced faster than initially planned following the loss of a Sea King during a humanitarian aid mission in Indonesia in April 2005, resulting in nine deaths. Investigators uncovered serious faults in the condition of the Sea King's mechanical flight control system, resulting from maintenance deficiencies.[69] In May 2007, the six remaining Sea Kings were grounded for two months following the discovery of a number of missing parts.[70]

On 1 September 2011, the Australian Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, announced that the Sea Kings would be withdrawn from service in December 2011; having flown in excess of 60,000 hours in operations in Australia and overseas in that time.[71] The farewell flight was conducted on 15 December 2011, three Sea Kings flew over Sydney Harbour and across to Canberra, passing Lake Burley Griffin and the Australian War Memorial before landing at Nowra. On 16 December 2011, the Chief of Navy presided over the ceremonial decommissioning of 817 Squadron RAN at NAS Nowra. Five of the withdrawn helicopters have been made available for sale.[68][72] The replacement for the Sea King was the MRH 90.[70]

India

 
Indian Navy Sea King launching NASM-SR Anti-Ship missile.

Following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Pakistan invested heavily in modern submarines and long-range torpedoes. In response, India opted to procure six Westland Sea Kings from Britain in 1969, for ASW duties, designated as Mk42. The purchase also included the provision of air-droppable homing torpedoes for use against submarines. The delivery of the aircraft began a few months before the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.[73] Due to training shortfalls on the new helicopters, Sea King operations were considerably restricted during the 1971 war; by November 1971, increased aircrew experience had enabled offensive anti-submarine operations to be conducted.[74] The Majestic-class aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was also refitted in 1972–1974 to enable extensive Sea King operations, becoming the carrier's primary anti-submarine aircraft.[75]

During the early 1960s, India and Britain agreed upon the domestic production of the Leander-class frigate. The initial helicopter deployed aboard India's Leanders, known as the Nilgiri class, was the Aérospatiale Alouette III, however, this offered much less capability in the anti-submarine role compared with the Sea King and the need for design changes was realised to allow the Sea King to be deployed upon the flight deck of the Nilgiri class, a practice pioneered by the Royal Canadian Navy using their Sikorsky CH-124 Sea Kings on similar-sized frigates.[76][77] It proved unfeasible to operate the Sea King from the unmodified Nilgiri class, with the last two ships of the class being fitted with an enlarged flight deck and hangar. This required removal of the ship's Limbo anti-submarine mortar.[77][78][79] Beyond the original 1971 procurement, India chose to acquire a further six Mk42s in 1974, and three more in 1980; these three had been specifically modified to operate from the flight deck of the last two Nilgiris and designated as Mk42A.[80] As a follow-on to the Nilgiris, India commenced development of a new frigate, based on the Leander/Nilgiri, but larger. The resultant Godavari class, also known as Project 16, could operate two Sea Kings simultaneously.[77][81]

In 1982, India signed a contract to purchase several Mk42B Sea Kings, an upgraded variant to perform dual-purpose: anti-shipping and anti-submarine missions, following a competition for the order against the Aérospatiale Super Puma.[82] These helicopters would operate from the Godavari-class frigates as well as replace the existing Sea Kings.[77] A team of Indian engineers was sent to Britain to help develop the Mk42B's avionics, especially the onboard software. Changes from the older Sea Kings included a brand new avionics suite, the use of composite materials throughout the fuselage and in the rotor blades, as well as the integration of the Sea Eagle missile, which had been procured from Britain in 1983.[82][83] Between 1988 and 1992, a total of 20 Mk42B Sea Kings were delivered to the Indian Navy.[84]

Six Sea Kings in troop-carrying capacity, designated Mk42C, were also procured in 1987.[85] Although the Indian Navy considered the AEW Sea King, expected to be designated as Mk42D, it was judged to be too expensive, consequently, in 2003, the Russian Kamov Ka-31 was procured instead.[86] The indigenous HAL Dhruv was the intended replacement for the Sea King in the ASW role, however, in 2000, it was deemed unsuited, as the Indian Navy were dissatisfied with the design's folding blade mechanism and by the Dhruv's maintenance record.[87][88]

In May 1998, the United States enacted sanctions upon India as a part of the international response to a series of nuclear weapons tests by India. As of 1999, these sanctions effectively grounded India's Sea Kings because India could not purchase any US-supplied spare parts for the fleet. Westland also complied with the sanctions by refusing to maintain any US-made components.[89] A limited number of Sea Kings were kept operational by cannibalising other aircraft and the manufacture of some components by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). In December 2000, President Bill Clinton permitted a relaxation of the sanctions.[90] In the late 2000s, HAL and AgustaWestland signed an agreement to jointly maintain and perform upgrades to India's fleet of Sea Kings.[91]

Norway

 
Royal Norwegian Air Force Sea King Mk43B

The Norwegian Ministry of Justice owns 12 Mk43B Sea Kings[92] which are operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Forces's 330 Squadron. The aircraft are used for SAR and air ambulance missions and are under the command of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of Southern Norway and Northern Norway. Introduced in May 1973, they were originally stationed at Bodø Main Air Station, Ørland Main Air Station, Sola Air Station and Station Group Banak. In 1997, the squadron conducted 237 SAR and 747 air ambulance missions. From 1995 to 1998, one helicopter was stationed at Ålesund Airport, Vigra, and since 1999, one has been stationed at Rygge Air Station.[93] Florø Airport became a station for one helicopter from 2009.[94]

The helicopters are to be replaced by AgustaWestland AW101 under the Norwegian All-Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) programme gradually from September 2020.[95] The candidates for the NAWSARH contract of 10–12 helicopters was the AgustaWestland AW101, NHIndustries NH90, Eurocopter EC225 and Sikorsky S-92.[96] July 2013, AgustaWestland AW101 and Eurocopter (EC225) was short-listed to conduct further discussions for the NAWSARH programme for up to 16 helicopters.

Germany

The German Navy placed an order for 22 Sea King Mk.41s on 20 June 1969 as a replacement for the Grumman Albatross flying boat in the Search and Rescue Role. This was the first export sale for the Westland Sea King, and was the first dedicated Search and Rescue Sea King variant, with an enlarged cabin and more fuel. The German Sea Kings had similar radar and navigation equipment to the HAS.1, but was not fitted with sonar.[97] The 22 Sea Kings were delivered between April 1973 and September 1974, equipping Marinefliegergeschwader 5 (MFG 5) (Naval Air Wing 5). An additional Sea King was delivered in April 1975 to replace one destroyed in a gale.[98][99] The surviving Sea Kings were upgraded between 1986 and 1988, adding the capability to carry Sea Skua anti-ship missiles, which required the addition of a Ferranti Seaspray radar in a nose radome.[98]

The 21 remaining Sea Kings are tasked to a variety of roles including SAR, transport, disaster relief, tactical land–sea transport, evacuation, surveillance, reconnaissance and naval support. The main base is Nordholz, although units are always stationed at Heligoland Airfield and Warnemünde, and sometimes at Borkum Airfield. The helicopters are scheduled to be replaced by the NH-90.[99]

Others

 
Egyptian Commando Mk 1, June 1980

Egypt is a prolific operator of the Sea King, using many different variants for a wide variety of purposes. In addition to operating ASW Sea Kings for coastal patrols,[100] Egypt procured a land-based transport adapted from the basic Sea King, marketed by Westland as the Commando, including a VIP subvariant.[101][102] An electronic warfare version was also deployed by the Egyptian Air Force, featuring sophisticated onboard jamming systems.[103] As of 2011, 23 Sea Kings/Commandos remain in service with Egypt.[104]

The Qatar Emiri Air Force also operates Westland's Commando variant, as a standard utility transport for ground forces, a single one was also equipped specially to perform VIP transport duties.[105] A few Qatari Sea Kings serve in an anti-shipping capacity and have been outfitted to carry, and deploy if required, two Exocet anti-ship missiles.[103]

Pakistan's Navy took delivery of six Mk.45 Sea Kings, a variant based on the Royal Navy's Sea King HAS.1 from 1975. It served in an combined anti-submarine and anti-ship role, carrying the Exocet missile as an alternative to the normal anti-submarine weapon load of four Mark 44 or Mark 46 torpedoes. One of Pakistan's Sea Kings was lost in an accident in February 1986, and was replaced by an ex-Royal Navy HAS.5, redesignated Mk.45C, in January 1989.

The Belgian Air Force ordered five Sea King Mk.48s to perform Search and Rescue missions in 1974, which entered service in 1976.[65] They were upgraded with new rotor blades in 1987–1988,[106] and with revised avionics, including new radar and provision of a FLIR turret under the nose from 1995.[65] In 2007 Belgium ordered eight NH90 helicopters, of which four were navalised NFH helicopters intended to replace the Sea Kings in the SAR role. Delays in delivery of Belgium's NH90s, together with an increased demand for the NH90s to operate from the Belgian Navy's frigates, resulted in the retirement date for the Sea Kings being pushed back to 2018. Three Sea Kings remained operational in 2017.[107] Belgian Sea Kings had been carried out over 3300 SAR sorties by the end of 2016, with over 1750 lives saved.[108] Belgium retired its last Sea King on 21 March 2019, with a farewell flypas over the Belgian coast. Their SAR role was taken on by four NHIndustries NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFHs) flying out of Koksijde Air Base near the coast of Flanders.[109] RS05 was donated to "Het Vlaams Luchtvaartopleidingscentrum" (VLOC) and performed it's ferry flight on 26/03/2019.[110] Two of the three Belgian Sea Kings were bought by Historic Helicopters of Chard Equestrian, Somerset, which already owned five Westland helicopters that saw service with the Royal Navy or the RAF.[111] Both Sea Kings left Koksijde Air Base on 20/10/2021 as OO-SEE (RS02) & OO-KNG (RS04) to the UK.[112]

In November 2022, in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine the United Kingdom announced they were donating three former Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Sea Kings to Ukraine.[113]

Variants

 
A Sea King AEW 2 Helicopter of 849 Squadron
Sea King HAS.1
The first anti-submarine version for the Royal Navy, with Gnome H.1400 engines, a five-bladed tail rotor, a Plessey Type 195 dipping sonar and MEL ARI 5995 search radar in a dorsal radome.[114] The Westland Sea King HAS.1 first flew on 7 May 1969.[115] 56 built, many of which were converted to HAS.2.[114]
Sea King HAS.2
Upgraded anti-submarine version for the Royal Navy, based on Australian Mk 50. More powerful Gnome H.1400-1 engines, six bladed tail rotor and upgraded avionics (including new Type 2069 dipping sonar), and improved navigation and communications equipment; 21 new build aircraft plus conversions from HAS.1s.[116] Some were later converted for AEW (Airborne Early Warning) duties.
Sea King AEW.2
Conversion of Sea King HAS.1 or HAS.2s into AEW aircraft after lack of AEW cover was revealed during the Falklands War. Fitted with Thorn EMI Searchwater radar in inflatable radome, with sonar removed. Normally flown with three person (pilot and two observers) crew compared with four-person crew for ASW Sea Kings. Nine converted.[117]
Sea King HAR.3
Search and rescue version for the Royal Air Force. Fitted with relocated rear cabin bulkhead giving greater cabin length, extra fuel and additional observation windows; 19 built.[118]
Sea King HAR.3A
Improved search and rescue version of the Sea King HAR.3 for the Royal Air Force. Fitted with upgraded avionics; six built.[118]
Sea King HC.4 / Westland Commando
Commando assault and utility transport version for the Royal Navy, with simplified undercarriage, and lengthened cabin. Capable of transporting 28 fully equipped troops; 42 built.[119]
Sea King HC.4X
One aircraft first flown on 10 April 1989 for the Empire Test Pilots' School.[120]
Sea King Mk.4X
Two helicopters based on the HC.4 for trials/test beds at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. Fitted with various nose and/or dorsal sensor installations.[119]
Sea King HAS.5
 
RAN Sea King Mk50, Shark 09, launches from HMAS Melbourne, 1980
Upgraded anti-submarine warfare version for the Royal Navy, with longer range MEL Super Searcher radar in enlarged dorsal radome, new AQS902 acoustic processing system with provision to use sonobuoys. Entered service in June 1981; 30 new build aircraft plus about 55 converted from earlier versions.[121] Some later converted into the HAR.5 for Search and Rescue.
Sea King HAR.5
Conversion of HAS.5 to search and rescue role for the Royal Navy, with ASW equipment removed but retaining Sea Searcher radar.[122]
Sea King AEW.5
Four Sea King HAS.5s were converted into AEW helicopters for the Royal Navy.[123]
Sea King HU.5
Surplus HAS.5 ASW helicopters converted into utility role for the Royal Navy.
Sea King HAS.6
Upgraded anti-submarine warfare version for the Royal Navy. fitted with improved avionics, with new sonar processor, improved tactical displays and better communications equipment; five new build aircraft plus conversions.[124]
Sea King HAS.6(CR)
Five surplus HAS.6 ASW helicopters converted into the utility role for the Royal Navy. The last of the Royal Navy's HAS.6(CR) helicopters was retired from service with 846 NAS on 31 March 2010.[16]
Sea King ASaC7
Upgraded AEW2/5 for the Royal Navy with Searchwater 2000AEW replacing original Searchwater radar.[31]
Sea King Mk.41
Search and rescue version of the Sea King HAS.1 for the German Navy, with longer cabin; 23 built, delivered between 1973 and 1975. A total of 20 were upgraded from 1986 onwards with additional Ferranti Seaspray radar in nose and capability to carry four Sea Skua Anti-ship missiles.[98]
Sea King Mk.42
Anti-submarine warfare version of the Sea King HAS.1 for the Indian Navy; 12 built.[125]
Sea King Mk.42A
Anti-submarine warfare version of the Sea King HAS.2 for the Indian Navy, fitted with haul-down system for operating from small ships; three built.[126]
Sea King Mk.42B
Multi-purpose version for the Indian Navy, equipped for anti-submarine warfare, with dipping sonar and advanced avionics, and anti-shipping operations, with two Sea Eagle missiles; 21 built (one crashing before delivery).[126]
Sea King Mk.42C
 
RAF Sea King HAR.3 rescue helicopter at 2010 RIAT
 
Egyptian Commando Mk.1, 1985
 
An Indian Navy Sea King
 
A German Navy Sea King Mark 41 departs USS Oak Hill
 
HeliOperations Sea King HU5 in 2018
Search and rescue/utility transport version for the Indian Navy with nose mounted Bendix search radar; six built.[126]
Sea King Mk.43
Search and rescue version of the Sea King HAS.1 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, with lengthened cabin; 10 built.[92]
Sea King Mk.43A
Uprated version of the Sea King Mk.43 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, with airframe of Mk.2 but engines of Mk.1; single example built.[92]
Sea King Mk.43B
Upgraded version of the Sea King Mk.43 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Upgraded avionics, including MEL Sea Searcher radar in large dorsal radome, weather radar in nose and FLIR turret under nose. Three new-build plus upgrade of remaining Mk.43 and Mk.43A helicopters.[92]
Sea King Mk.45
 
Sea King Mk.45 of the Pakistan Naval Air Arm firing an Exocet anti-ship missile during a live firing exercise at the Arabian Sea
Anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare version of the Sea King HAS.1 for the Pakistan Navy. Provision for carrying Exocet anti-ship missile; six built.[92]
Sea King Mk.45A
One ex-Royal Navy Sea King HAS.5 helicopter was sold to Pakistan as an attrition replacement.[100]
Sea King Mk.47
Anti-submarine version of the Sea King HAS.2 for the Egyptian Navy; six built.[100]
Sea King Mk.48
Search and rescue version for the Belgian Air Force. Airframe similar to HAS.2 but with extended cabin; five built, delivered 1976.[65] Retired in 2018.
Sea King Mk.50
Multi-role version for the Royal Australian Navy, equivalent to (but preceding) HAS.2; 10 built.[65]
Sea King Mk.50A
Two improved Sea Kings were sold to the Royal Australian Navy as part of a follow-on order in 1981.[127]
Sea King Mk.50B
Upgraded multi-role version for the Royal Australian Navy.
Commando Mk.1
Minimum change assault and utility transport version for the Egyptian Air Force, with lengthened cabin but retaining sponsons with floatation gear;[127] five built.[102]
Commando Mk.2
Improved assault and utility transport version for the Egyptian Air Force, fitted with more powerful engines, non-folding rotors and omitting undercarriage sponsons and floatation gear; 17 built.[101]
Commando Mk.2A
Assault and utility transport version for the Qatar Emiri Air Force, almost identical to Egyptian Mk.2; three built.[105]
Commando Mk.2B
VIP transport version of Commando Mk.2 for the Egyptian Air Force; two built.[105]
Commando Mk.2C
VIP transport version of Commando Mk.2A for the Qatar Emiri Air Force; one built.[105]
Commando Mk.2E
Electronic warfare version for the Egyptian Air Force, fitted with integrated ESM and jamming system, with radomes on side of fuselage; four built.[103]
Commando Mk.3
Anti-ship warfare version for the Qatar Emiri Air Force, fitted with dorsal radome and capable of carrying two Exocet missiles. Eight built.[103]

Operators

  Egypt
  Germany
  India
  Norway
  Pakistan
  United Kingdom
  Ukraine

Former operators

  Australia
  Belgium
  Qatar
  United Kingdom

Aircraft on display

Australia
 
"Shark 07" at the Australian Fleet Air Arm Museum
Belgium
India
United Kingdom

Specifications (Sea King HAS.5)

 

Data from Omnifarious Sea King[152]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2-4
  • Length: 55 ft 10 in (17.02 m) [153]
  • Height: 16 ft 10 in (5.13 m)
  • Empty weight: 14,051 lb (6,373 kg)
  • Gross weight: 21,000 lb (9,525 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 21,400 lb (9,707 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce H.1400-2 Gnome turboshaft engines, 1,660 shp (1,240 kW) each
  • Main rotor diameter: 62 ft 0 in (18.90 m)
  • Main rotor area: 3,020 sq ft (281 m2)
  • Blade section: NACA 0012[154]

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 112 kn (129 mph, 207 km/h) (max cruise at sea level)
  • Range: 664 nmi (764 mi, 1,230 km)
  • Rate of climb: 2,020 ft/min (10.3 m/s)

Armament

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Notes

  1. ^ "Sea King ASAC variant".
  2. ^ a b "Former Royal Navy Sea King Mk5s leased to HeliOperations UK". 27 July 2017.
  3. ^ James 1991, pp. 377–378.
  4. ^ Uttley 2001, p. 206.
  5. ^ a b McGowen 2005, p. 119.
  6. ^ Thorn and Frawley 1998, p. 164.
  7. ^ Lake 1996, pp. 114–115.
  8. ^ Air International May 1981, p. 215.
  9. ^ a b c Howard et al. 2011, pp. 229–230.
  10. ^ Hewish 1979, p. 76.
  11. ^ McGowen 2005, pp. 119–120.
  12. ^ a b McGowen 2005, p. 120.
  13. ^ Air Forces, May 2012, p.6, Key Publishing, ISSN 0955-7091
  14. ^ a b McGowen 2005, pp. 120, 126.
  15. ^ "Westland – Sea King/Commando." Flight International, 3 August 1985, p. 42.
  16. ^ a b Allen, Peter. "UK RN retires final Commando Sea King Mk 6CR." Jane's Defence Weekly, Volume 47, Issue 2, 2 June 2010, p. 33.
  17. ^ Bud and Gummett 2002, pp. 75–79.
  18. ^ "Westland – Sea King." 22 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 1 August 1987, p. 34. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  19. ^ McGowen 2005, p. 126.
  20. ^ Beedall, Richard. "Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control (MASC) (UK MoD)." 27 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Navy Matters, 18 May 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  21. ^ a b Carrara 2009, pp. 78–82.
  22. ^ a b c d Ministry of Defence 2006, p. 120.
  23. ^ Chesneau 1985, pp. 2–3.
  24. ^ Chesneau 1985, p. 2.
  25. ^ Chesneau 1985, pp. 2–4.
  26. ^ Chesneau 1985, p. 5.
  27. ^ Harding, Thomas. "Harry gets his wish to see action in Iraq." 25 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine The Daily Telegraph, 23 February 2007. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  28. ^ a b Armistead and Armistead 2002, p. 131.
  29. ^ Instant Airborne Radar Heads South. "New Scientist", 12 August 1982, 95(1318), p. 428.
  30. ^ "Cerberus set for service aboard Sea King Whiskey, Upgrade Update." Archived 8 July 2011 at Wikiwix Jane's International Defence Review, 24 September 2002. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
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  33. ^ Chant 2001, pp. 15–16.
  34. ^ Freedman 2005, pp. 298, 728.
  35. ^ McGowen 2005, p. 15.
  36. ^ "Prince Andrew Tells of Being Decoy for Exocet." Glasgow Herald, 19 June 1982, p. 1.
  37. ^ a b c Burden et al. 1986, pp. 237–240.
  38. ^ a b c Burden et al. 1986, pp. 241–243.
  39. ^ Burden et al. 1986, pp. 244–247.
  40. ^ a b c Burden et al. 1986, pp. 247–250.
  41. ^ Chant 2001, p. 34.
  42. ^ Burden et al. 1986, pp. 248–249.
  43. ^ Burden et al. 1986, p. 253.
  44. ^ Freedman 2005, pp. 461–462.
  45. ^ Donald and Chant 2001, pp. 15, 41, 54.
  46. ^ Donald and Chant 2001, p. 15.
  47. ^ Donald and Chant 2001, p. 33.
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  49. ^ Armistead and Armistead 2002, pp. 179–180.
  50. ^ "Kurdish Refugees Stream Back to Iraq." The Associated Press, 2 May 1991.
  51. ^ Ripley 2001, p. 92.
  52. ^ Ripley 2001, pp. 16–17.
  53. ^ Hall, Macer. "Fighting Invincible to be mothballed". The Daily Telegraph, 17 December 2000.
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  58. ^ 'Breaking the Military Covenant' (David Hill, 2018)
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  63. ^ Gillett 1986, p. 70.
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  66. ^ Lake 1996, pp. 132–133.
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  73. ^ Hiranandani 2005, p. 21.
  74. ^ Hiranandani 2005, pp. 87–88.
  75. ^ Hiranandani 2005, pp. 88–89.
  76. ^ Hiranandani 2005, pp. 57–58.
  77. ^ a b c d Singh Air International January 1991, p. 37.
  78. ^ Hiranandani 2005, pp. 58–59, 62.
  79. ^ Baker 1998, p. 325.
  80. ^ Hiranandani 2005, p. 96.
  81. ^ Hiranandani 2005, p. 64.
  82. ^ a b Hiranandani 2005, pp. 97–98.
  83. ^ Byers 1986, p. 232.
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  87. ^ Govindasamy, Siv. "Indian navy opens up utility helicopter requirement." 29 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 13 November 2007. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  88. ^ "Navy has not rejected Dhruv: Defence Minister." 27 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine Zeenews.com, 22 October 2008. Retrieved: 21 August 2011.
  89. ^ Bilgrami 2004, pp. 186–187.
  90. ^ Bilgrami 2004, pp. 187, 199.
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  102. ^ a b James 1991, p. 392.
  103. ^ a b c d Lake 1996, p. 135.
  104. ^ Hoyle Flight International 13–19 December 2011, p. 38.
  105. ^ a b c d Lake 1996, p. 134.
  106. ^ James 1991, p. 394.
  107. ^ Harding Air International March 2017, p. 85.
  108. ^ Harding Air International March 2017, p. 87.
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  110. ^ "SeaKing RS-05 als lesmateriaal naar VLOC te Oostende – Vlaams Luchtvaartopleidingscentrum".
  111. ^ Deux des anciens Sea King militaires sauvés et rachetés par une association britannique (fr), published 6 July 2020.
  112. ^ "An Emotional Farewell of Two Restored Seaking RS01&RS02 leaving their homebase at Koksijde 4K UHD". YouTube.
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  115. ^ Lake 1996, p. 122.
  116. ^ Lake 1996, p. 123.
  117. ^ Lake 1996, pp. 123–124.
  118. ^ a b Lake 1996, p. 124.
  119. ^ a b Lake 1996, p. 125.
  120. ^ Howard et al. 2011, p. 278.
  121. ^ Lake 1996, p. 126.
  122. ^ Lake 1996, p. 127.
  123. ^ Armistead and Armistead 2002, pp. 131–133.
  124. ^ Lake 1996, pp. 127–128.
  125. ^ Lake 1996, pp. 128–129.
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  127. ^ a b Lake 1996, p. 133.
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  151. ^ Id.
  152. ^ Air International May 1981, p. 218.
  153. ^ James 1991, pp. 396–398.
  154. ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

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External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Westland Sea King.
  • helis.com Section on the Westland Sea King
  • Royal Australian Navy Sea King
  • Sea King Mk7 Airborne Surveillance and Control
  • Royal Air Force Sea Kings

January 07, 2023
westland, king, westland, king, british, licence, built, version, american, sikorsky, helicopter, same, name, built, westland, helicopters, aircraft, differs, considerably, from, american, version, with, rolls, royce, gnome, engines, derived, from, general, el. The Westland WS 61 Sea King is a British licence built version of the American Sikorsky S 61 helicopter of the same name built by Westland Helicopters The aircraft differs considerably from the American version with Rolls Royce Gnome engines derived from the US General Electric T58 British made anti submarine warfare systems and a fully computerised flight control system The Sea King was primarily designed for performing anti submarine warfare ASW missions A Sea King variant known as the Commando was devised by Westland to serve as a troop transport WS 61 Sea King CommandoRoyal Air Force Sea King HAR3Role Anti submarine warfare medium lift transport and utility helicopterManufacturer Westland HelicoptersFirst flight Sea King 7 May 1969Commando 26 September 1979Status Active servicePrimary users Royal Navy Retired Royal Air Force Retired German Navy Indian NavyProduced 1969 1995Number built 344 Westland Sea King 13 Westland Sea King AEW Mk 2 ASac MK 7 variant 1 Developed from Sikorsky SH 3 Sea KingIn British service the Westland Sea King provided a wide range of services in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force As well as wartime roles in the Falklands War the Gulf War the Bosnian War the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War the Sea King is perhaps most well known in its capacity as a Royal Navy Search and Rescue red and grey livery and RAF Search and Rescue Force yellow livery helicopter The Sea King was also adapted to meet the Royal Navy s requirement for a ship based airborne early warning platform On 26 September 2018 the last remaining Sea King variant in Royal Navy service was retired Most operators have replaced or are planning to replace the Sea King with more modern helicopters such as the NHIndustries NH90 and the AgustaWestland AW101 HeliOperations continue to operate three Mk 5 Sea Kings based at RNAS Portland training German Navy pilots 2 Contents 1 Design and development 1 1 Origins 1 2 Commando and further developments 1 3 Search and rescue 1 4 Airborne early warning 2 Operational history 2 1 United Kingdom 2 1 1 Falklands Conflict 2 1 2 Gulf War 2 1 3 Balkans 2 1 4 2000s 2 2 Australia 2 3 India 2 4 Norway 2 5 Germany 2 6 Others 3 Variants 4 Operators 4 1 Former operators 5 Aircraft on display 6 Specifications Sea King HAS 5 7 See also 8 References 8 1 Notes 8 2 Bibliography 9 External linksDesign and development EditOrigins Edit Westland Helicopters which had a long standing licence agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft to allow it to build Sikorsky s helicopters extended the agreement to cover the Sikorsky SH 3 Sea King soon after the Sea King s first flight in 1969 3 4 Westland proceeded to independently develop the Sea King integrating a significant proportion of components from British suppliers key changes include the use of a pair of Rolls Royce Gnome turboshaft engines and the implementation of an automatic flight control system 5 On this matter authors Jim Thorn and Gerald Frawley stated that Despite appearances Westland s Sea King is a very different aircraft from Sikorsky s 6 Many of the differences between the Westland built Sea King and the original helicopter were as a result of differing operational doctrine While the U S Navy Sea Kings were intended to be under tactical control of the carrier from which they operated the Royal Navy intended its helicopters to be much more autonomous capable of operating alone or co ordinating with other aircraft or surface vessels This resulted in a different crew arrangement with operations being controlled by an observer rather than the pilot as well as fitting a search radar 7 Westland Sea King HAS 1 air lifting a Westland Whirlwind HAS 7 near RNAS Culdrose 1971 The Royal Navy selected the Sea King to meet a requirement for an anti submarine warfare ASW helicopter to replace the Westland Wessex placing an order with Westland for 60 SH 3D Sea Kings in June 1966 8 The prototype and three pre production aircraft were built by Sikorsky at Stratford Connecticut and shipped to the United Kingdom to act as trials and pattern aircraft 9 The first of the SH 3Ds was initially fitted with General Electric T58s and after being shipped from the United States was flown in October 1966 from the dockside at Avonmouth to Yeovil airfield The other three were delivered from the docks by road to Yeovil for completion with British systems and Rolls Royce Gnome engines 9 The first Westland built helicopter designated Sea King HAS1 flew on 7 May 1969 at Yeovil 9 The first two helicopters were used for trials and evaluation by Westland and the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment subsequent production Sea Kings were delivered to the Royal Navy s 700 Naval Air Squadron from August 1969 onwards 5 By 1979 the Royal Navy had ordered 56 HAS1s and 21 HAS2s to meet the anti submarine requirements these were also configured for the secondary anti ship role 10 The Westland Sea King was updated and adapted for numerous roles subsequent variants include the HAS2 HAS5 and HAS6 Changes from initial production aircraft included an expansion of the cabin and upgraded engines 11 Commando and further developments Edit One of the most extensively modified variants was the Westland Commando operated by the Royal Navy as the HC4 12 13 The Commando had capacity for up to 28 fully equipped troops and had originally been developed to meet an Egyptian Air Force requirement 14 Due to the deletion of the amphibious capability not required in the Egyptian desert the most noticeable change from the Sea King was the deletion of the side floats the main undercarriage being carried on stub sponsons An improved variant of the Egyptian Commando with changes including the fitting of folding blades common to the ASW variants was designated as the Sea King HC4 by the Royal Navy and all the aircraft were new build First flying on 26 September 1979 due to its operational range of up to 600 nautical miles without refuelling the HC4 Commando became an important asset for amphibious warfare and troop transport duties in particular 14 15 Several Royal Naval Air Squadrons have operated the Commando variant such as 845 Naval Air Squadron 846 Naval Air Squadron and 848 Naval Air Squadron In British service the Sea King HC4 was deployed on operations in the Falklands the Balkans both Gulf Wars Sierra Leone Lebanon and Afghanistan Towards the end of the Sea King s operational life several HAS6s were repurposed by the removal of the ASW equipment as troop transports In 2010 the last of the UK s converted ASW Sea Kings to troop transports were retired 16 A formation of four Sea Kings hovering close to the ground Prestwick 1972 In the 1970s Westland s experience with the Sea King led the company to conduct the British Experimental Rotor Program BERP in coordination with the Royal Aircraft Establishment which applied innovations in composite materials and new design principles to the helicopter rotor Initial trials carried out with active Sea Kings found several advantages to the BERP rotor including a longer fatigue life and improved aerodynamic characteristics Subsequent Westland helicopters such as the record breaking Lynx and the AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin took advantage of BERP rotors for greater performance 17 Westland equipped later built Sea Kings with the new composite rotors as well 18 Westland has produced a total of 330 Sea Kings 19 export customers include the Indian Naval Air Arm the German Navy the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Norwegian Air Force 12 The last of the Royal Navy s Sea Kings in the ASW role was retired in 2003 being replaced by the AgustaWestland Merlin HM1 The Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control ASaC variant is expected to be replaced around the introduction of the two Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers 20 The UK has also planned to retire the HC4 and search and rescue variants in March 2016 21 Search and rescue Edit German SAR Sea King during an operation 2005 A dedicated search and rescue SAR version the HAR3 was developed for the RAF Search and Rescue Force The type entered service in 1978 to replace the Westland Whirlwind HAR 10 22 A 16th helicopter was ordered shortly after and following the Falklands War of 1982 three more examples were purchased to enable operation of a SAR flight in the islands initially from Navy Point on the north side of Stanley harbour and later from RAF Mount Pleasant In 1992 six further helicopters were ordered to replace the last remaining Westland Wessex helicopters in the SAR role entering service in 1996 22 The six Sea King HAR3As featured updated systems including a digital navigation system and more modern avionics 22 23 Westland also manufactured SAR versions of the Sea King for the Royal Norwegian Air Force the German Navy and the Belgian Air Force 24 On SAR variants the cabin was enlarged by a stretch of the fuselage behind the door another key feature used for additional flotation in the unusual event of a water landing inflatable buoyancy bags were housed inside the aircraft s sponsons 25 Upgrades and changes made to SAR Sea Kings include the addition of radar warning receivers a cargo hook for the underslung carriage of goods and the redesigning of the cockpit for compatibility with night vision goggles 26 As of 2006 update up to 12 HAR3 3As were dispersed across the UK a further two HAR3s were attached to the Falkland Islands providing 24 hour rescue coverage 22 Some Royal Navy HAS5 ASW variants were adapted for the SAR role and served with 771 Naval Air Squadron Culdrose and HMS Gannet SAR Flight at Prestwick Airport in Scotland As of 2009 update they are expected to remain in service until 2016 being replaced with civilian operated SAR rotorcraft 21 Both Prince Andrew Duke of York and Prince William Duke of Cambridge have flown SAR Sea Kings in front line roles 27 Airborne early warning Edit Royal Navy Sea King AEW2A in 1998 The Royal Navy s airborne early warning AEW capability had been lost when the Fairey Gannet aeroplane was withdrawn after the last of the RN s fleet carriers was decommissioned in 1978 During the Falklands War a number of warships were lost and casualties suffered due to the lack of an AEW platform 28 The proposed fleet cover by the RAF Shackleton AEW 2 was too unresponsive and at too great a distance to be practical Consequently two Sea King HAS2s were modified in 1982 with the addition of the Thorn EMI ARI 5980 3 Searchwater LAST radar attached to the fuselage on a swivel arm and protected by an inflatable dome 28 This allowed the radar to be lowered below the fuselage during flight and for it to be raised for landing These prototypes designated HAS2 AEW were both flying within 11 weeks and deployed with 824 D Flight on HMS Illustrious serving in the Falklands after the cessation of hostilities 29 A further eight HAS2s were modified to a production standard known as the AEW2 Two remained fitted for but not with These entered operational service in 1985 being deployed by 849 Naval Air Squadron Three Sea King HAS5 6s were later converted as part of the ASaC Mk7 programme bringing the Mk7 fleet to 13 still 3 below the requirement The upgrade programme resulted in the Sea King AEW fleet being upgraded with a new mission system Comms NavAids JTIDS Active Noise Reduction and Videographic recording The Mission System Upgrade MSU component Radar and partial JTIDS integration was based around the improved Searchwater 2000AEW radar with an all new Man Machine Interface This MSU component was later termed Project Cerberus by Thales after successful integration was conducted by Westland and GEC Marconi This variant was initially referred to as the Sea King AEW7 but renamed ASaC7 just before In Service Date Airborne Surveillance and Control Mk 7 The main role of the Sea King ASaC7 is detection of low flying attack aircraft it also provides interception attack control and over the horizon targeting for surface launched weapon systems In comparison to older versions the new radar enables the ASaC7 to simultaneously track up to 400 targets instead of an earlier limit of 250 targets 30 The effectiveness of the AEW7 was greatly increased via the addition of a Link 16 data link allowing gathered radar information to be analysed and rapidly put to use by multiple allied platforms in range 31 The ASaC7s would remain in service until are replaced under the Crowsnest programme intended as a podded capability onboard Merlins Previous proposed replacement programmes Future Organic Airborne Early Warning FOAEW and MASC Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control were initiated and then cancelled due largely to the erroneous assumption that the entire ASaC Mk7 system could simply be lifted and plugged into another aircraft type However as a result of the time gap between the planned out of service date of the Sea King in 2016 and the introduction of Crowsnest seven Sea King ASaC 7 helicopters remained in service with the RN through to the second half of 2018 32 Operational history EditUnited Kingdom Edit Falklands Conflict Edit A number of Sea Kings were deployed during the Falklands Conflict They were transported to the combat zone and operated from the decks of various ships of the Royal Navy such as the landing platform dock HMS Fearless 33 In the theatre they performed a wide range of missions from anti submarine patrols and reconnaissance flights to replenishment operations and the insertion of special forces 34 Support provided by the Sea Kings in the form of transport for men and supplies has been viewed as vital to the success of the British operation 35 Sea Kings also protected the fleet by acting as decoys against incoming Exocet missiles with some missions being flown by Prince Andrew Duke of York 36 Anti Submarine Sea Kings of 820 Naval Air Squadron were embarked in HMS Invincible With 11 HAS 5s the squadron operated anti submarine and search and rescue sorties with one helicopter always airborne on surface search duties 37 On 14 June an 820 NAS Sea King HAS 5 was used to transport Major General Jeremy Moore to Port Stanley to accept the surrender of Argentine troops on the island 37 The squadron flew 1 650 sorties during the war 37 A Flight of 824 Naval Air Squadron embarked two Sea King HAS 2As aboard RFA Olmeda and were used to move supplies to other ships on the way south and later anti submarine patrols 38 C Flight had three Sea King HAS 2As on board RFA Fort Grange which were used for replenishment duties supplying over 2 000 tons of stores 38 825 Naval Air Squadron was formed for the war with 10 Sea King HAS 2s modified as utility variants to support ground forces 39 The anti submarine equipment was removed and the helicopters fitted with troop seats 38 Two aircraft embarked in Queen Elizabeth 2 and were later used for moving troops from QE2 to other ships the remainder embarked in Atlantic Causeway and were used for troop movements around the islands 40 Embarked in HMS Hermes was 826 Naval Air Squadron with nine HAS 5s which carried out continuous anti submarine sorties 40 From the departure of Hermes from Ascension in April until the Argentine surrender the squadron operated at least three helicopters airborne continuously for fleet protection 40 On 23 April 1982 a Sea King HC4 was ditched while performing a risky transfer of supplies to a ship at night operating from the flagship HMS Hermes 41 On 12 May a Sea King operating from Hermes crashed into the sea due to an altimeter problem all crew were rescued 42 On 19 May 1982 a Sea King in the process of transporting SAS troops to HMS Intrepid from Hermes crashed into the sea while attempting to land on Intrepid Twenty two men were killed and nine survived Bird feathers were found in the debris suggesting a bird strike although investigations of the cause of the accident proved to be inconclusive 43 The SAS lost 18 men in the crash their highest number of casualties on one day since the Second World War The Royal Signals lost one man and the RAF one man 44 Gulf War Edit During the 1991 Gulf War Sea Kings from several nations including Canada Britain and the U S were present in the coalition forces against Saddam Hussein s Iraq regime 45 Due to the threat of potential use of any Iraqi weapons of mass destruction it was standard practice for Sea King crews to wear fully enclosed NBC nuclear biological chemical protective suits 46 Britain s Sea Kings primarily engaged in inter ship transport duties including ferrying troops between the fleet and land 47 Six Sea King Mk4 helicopters from 845 Naval Air Squadron and six of 848 Squadron which had been reformed to meet this operational demand worked in support of the ground advance 48 There was thorough radar coverage by U S airborne early warning and control AWACS aircraft British AEW Sea Kings were not deployed 49 Following the end of hostilities the available Sea Kings remained on deployment in the region to conduct transport missions to relocate people displaced by the conflict to refugee camps and repatriate citizens to their home countries 50 Balkans Edit The Sea King participated in the UN and NATO intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina 845 Naval Air Squadron and their Sea Kings had been dispatched to the region in late 1992 in response to escalating tensions in the region 51 They performed various logistical and transport missions such as the repositioning of Royal Artillery L118 Light Guns in the region and in the evacuation of casualties In one incident on 24 March 1993 during an attempt to establish an air evacuation route to a UN declared safe zone a flight of French Aerospatiale Pumas and Sea King HC4 helicopters were shelled while taking off from an improvised landing zone Two further Sea Kings arrived to evacuate several UN casualties managing to fly the wounded to the Bosnian city of Tuzla where they came under further enemy fire while unloading 52 During NATO s intervention in Kosovo Sea Kings of 814 Naval Air Squadron operating from numerous Royal Navy vessels in the Adriatic including the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible maintained a patrol of the Balkans coast 53 The Sea Kings were also heavily used in the transport role during the preparations for a ground invasion of Kosovo 54 2000s Edit In 2000 Sea King HC 4s of 846 NAS participated in Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone 55 During the 2003 invasion of Iraq multiple Sea King ASaC7 from 849 NAS were operated from HMS Ark Royal On 22 March 2003 two AEW Sea Kings from 849 NAS operating from Ark Royal collided over the Persian Gulf resulting in the death of seven personnel A report into the collision called for Sea Kings to be outfitted with night vision goggles as well as better onboard safety equipment and recommended changes to procedure regarding the use of radar at night 56 57 However it later transpired that the Board of Inquiry had not been told that the three main contributory factors it reported coincided with the three main areas of degradation between the Mk2 and Mk7 NVG Anti Collision lighting and Interoperability with ships These had been identified and two contracts let to mitigate the risks had been cancelled by an administrative official Moreover in 1994 the RN had rejected the recommendation of the programme manager to retain NVG 58 In July 2006 Sea King HC 4 helicopters based at RNAS Yeovilton were temporarily deployed to Cyprus to assist in Operation Highbrow the evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon 59 In October 2011 following several years of service in Afghanistan as troop transports for the International Security Assistance Force ISAF forces stationed there the Sea King HC 4s returned to the UK their replacement is the AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin 60 Between April 2009 and July 2011 the Royal Navy s Sea Kings stationed at Camp Bastion conducted over 1000 operational missions 61 Australia Edit An Australian Sea King landing on the flight deck of USS Tortuga 2007 In 1974 Australia purchased 12 Westland Sea King Mk 50s as the Royal Australian Navy s new ASW helicopter the Sea Kings replaced the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne s complement of Westland Wessex HAS31 in the following year 62 Early operations were troubled by a series of accidents Between October 1975 to May 1979 four aircraft were lost in accidents the primary causes were the loss of oil from the main gearbox 63 64 The Australian Sea Kings had similar avionics to that of the Sea King HAS 1 with the same ARI 5995 search radar in a dorsal radome but had American Bendix AN AQS 13A dipping sonar instead of the Plessey sonar of the Royal Navy Sea Kings They also had more powerful engines giving improved high temperature hover performance 65 Australia s Sea Kings were flown by 817 Squadron RAN from HMAS Melbourne until the carrier was retired from service without replacement As the Sea King was too large to operate from the Adelaide class frigates 817 Squadron was then forced to operate from land bases in both ASW and utility roles with the Sea King relinquishing the anti submarine mission in 1990 66 During the 2003 Iraq War Sea Kings were heavily used in logistical roles such as the first delivery of humanitarian aid to the Iraqi capital Baghdad 67 In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami Australian Sea Kings played a major role in disaster relief efforts in Indonesia s Aceh province delivering medical teams and supplies from Royal Australian Navy ships Prior to retirement the last major missions were flown during the 2010 11 Queensland floods in which Sea Kings provided SAR coverage of the region and delivered aid relief to citizens in the flooded areas 68 The replacement of the Fleet Air Arm s Sea King fleet commenced faster than initially planned following the loss of a Sea King during a humanitarian aid mission in Indonesia in April 2005 resulting in nine deaths Investigators uncovered serious faults in the condition of the Sea King s mechanical flight control system resulting from maintenance deficiencies 69 In May 2007 the six remaining Sea Kings were grounded for two months following the discovery of a number of missing parts 70 On 1 September 2011 the Australian Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced that the Sea Kings would be withdrawn from service in December 2011 having flown in excess of 60 000 hours in operations in Australia and overseas in that time 71 The farewell flight was conducted on 15 December 2011 three Sea Kings flew over Sydney Harbour and across to Canberra passing Lake Burley Griffin and the Australian War Memorial before landing at Nowra On 16 December 2011 the Chief of Navy presided over the ceremonial decommissioning of 817 Squadron RAN at NAS Nowra Five of the withdrawn helicopters have been made available for sale 68 72 The replacement for the Sea King was the MRH 90 70 India Edit Indian Navy Sea King launching NASM SR Anti Ship missile Following the Indo Pakistani War of 1965 Pakistan invested heavily in modern submarines and long range torpedoes In response India opted to procure six Westland Sea Kings from Britain in 1969 for ASW duties designated as Mk42 The purchase also included the provision of air droppable homing torpedoes for use against submarines The delivery of the aircraft began a few months before the Indo Pakistani War of 1971 73 Due to training shortfalls on the new helicopters Sea King operations were considerably restricted during the 1971 war by November 1971 increased aircrew experience had enabled offensive anti submarine operations to be conducted 74 The Majestic class aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was also refitted in 1972 1974 to enable extensive Sea King operations becoming the carrier s primary anti submarine aircraft 75 During the early 1960s India and Britain agreed upon the domestic production of the Leander class frigate The initial helicopter deployed aboard India s Leanders known as the Nilgiri class was the Aerospatiale Alouette III however this offered much less capability in the anti submarine role compared with the Sea King and the need for design changes was realised to allow the Sea King to be deployed upon the flight deck of the Nilgiri class a practice pioneered by the Royal Canadian Navy using their Sikorsky CH 124 Sea Kings on similar sized frigates 76 77 It proved unfeasible to operate the Sea King from the unmodified Nilgiri class with the last two ships of the class being fitted with an enlarged flight deck and hangar This required removal of the ship s Limbo anti submarine mortar 77 78 79 Beyond the original 1971 procurement India chose to acquire a further six Mk42s in 1974 and three more in 1980 these three had been specifically modified to operate from the flight deck of the last two Nilgiris and designated as Mk42A 80 As a follow on to the Nilgiris India commenced development of a new frigate based on the Leander Nilgiri but larger The resultant Godavari class also known as Project 16 could operate two Sea Kings simultaneously 77 81 In 1982 India signed a contract to purchase several Mk42B Sea Kings an upgraded variant to perform dual purpose anti shipping and anti submarine missions following a competition for the order against the Aerospatiale Super Puma 82 These helicopters would operate from the Godavari class frigates as well as replace the existing Sea Kings 77 A team of Indian engineers was sent to Britain to help develop the Mk42B s avionics especially the onboard software Changes from the older Sea Kings included a brand new avionics suite the use of composite materials throughout the fuselage and in the rotor blades as well as the integration of the Sea Eagle missile which had been procured from Britain in 1983 82 83 Between 1988 and 1992 a total of 20 Mk42B Sea Kings were delivered to the Indian Navy 84 Six Sea Kings in troop carrying capacity designated Mk42C were also procured in 1987 85 Although the Indian Navy considered the AEW Sea King expected to be designated as Mk42D it was judged to be too expensive consequently in 2003 the Russian Kamov Ka 31 was procured instead 86 The indigenous HAL Dhruv was the intended replacement for the Sea King in the ASW role however in 2000 it was deemed unsuited as the Indian Navy were dissatisfied with the design s folding blade mechanism and by the Dhruv s maintenance record 87 88 In May 1998 the United States enacted sanctions upon India as a part of the international response to a series of nuclear weapons tests by India As of 1999 update these sanctions effectively grounded India s Sea Kings because India could not purchase any US supplied spare parts for the fleet Westland also complied with the sanctions by refusing to maintain any US made components 89 A limited number of Sea Kings were kept operational by cannibalising other aircraft and the manufacture of some components by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited HAL In December 2000 President Bill Clinton permitted a relaxation of the sanctions 90 In the late 2000s HAL and AgustaWestland signed an agreement to jointly maintain and perform upgrades to India s fleet of Sea Kings 91 Norway Edit Royal Norwegian Air Force Sea King Mk43B The Norwegian Ministry of Justice owns 12 Mk43B Sea Kings 92 which are operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Forces s 330 Squadron The aircraft are used for SAR and air ambulance missions and are under the command of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of Southern Norway and Northern Norway Introduced in May 1973 they were originally stationed at Bodo Main Air Station Orland Main Air Station Sola Air Station and Station Group Banak In 1997 the squadron conducted 237 SAR and 747 air ambulance missions From 1995 to 1998 one helicopter was stationed at Alesund Airport Vigra and since 1999 one has been stationed at Rygge Air Station 93 Floro Airport became a station for one helicopter from 2009 94 The helicopters are to be replaced by AgustaWestland AW101 under the Norwegian All Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter NAWSARH programme gradually from September 2020 95 The candidates for the NAWSARH contract of 10 12 helicopters was the AgustaWestland AW101 NHIndustries NH90 Eurocopter EC225 and Sikorsky S 92 96 July 2013 AgustaWestland AW101 and Eurocopter EC225 was short listed to conduct further discussions for the NAWSARH programme for up to 16 helicopters Germany Edit The German Navy placed an order for 22 Sea King Mk 41s on 20 June 1969 as a replacement for the Grumman Albatross flying boat in the Search and Rescue Role This was the first export sale for the Westland Sea King and was the first dedicated Search and Rescue Sea King variant with an enlarged cabin and more fuel The German Sea Kings had similar radar and navigation equipment to the HAS 1 but was not fitted with sonar 97 The 22 Sea Kings were delivered between April 1973 and September 1974 equipping Marinefliegergeschwader 5 MFG 5 Naval Air Wing 5 An additional Sea King was delivered in April 1975 to replace one destroyed in a gale 98 99 The surviving Sea Kings were upgraded between 1986 and 1988 adding the capability to carry Sea Skua anti ship missiles which required the addition of a Ferranti Seaspray radar in a nose radome 98 The 21 remaining Sea Kings are tasked to a variety of roles including SAR transport disaster relief tactical land sea transport evacuation surveillance reconnaissance and naval support The main base is Nordholz although units are always stationed at Heligoland Airfield and Warnemunde and sometimes at Borkum Airfield The helicopters are scheduled to be replaced by the NH 90 99 Others Edit Egyptian Commando Mk 1 June 1980 Egypt is a prolific operator of the Sea King using many different variants for a wide variety of purposes In addition to operating ASW Sea Kings for coastal patrols 100 Egypt procured a land based transport adapted from the basic Sea King marketed by Westland as the Commando including a VIP subvariant 101 102 An electronic warfare version was also deployed by the Egyptian Air Force featuring sophisticated onboard jamming systems 103 As of 2011 23 Sea Kings Commandos remain in service with Egypt 104 The Qatar Emiri Air Force also operates Westland s Commando variant as a standard utility transport for ground forces a single one was also equipped specially to perform VIP transport duties 105 A few Qatari Sea Kings serve in an anti shipping capacity and have been outfitted to carry and deploy if required two Exocet anti ship missiles 103 Pakistan s Navy took delivery of six Mk 45 Sea Kings a variant based on the Royal Navy s Sea King HAS 1 from 1975 It served in an combined anti submarine and anti ship role carrying the Exocet missile as an alternative to the normal anti submarine weapon load of four Mark 44 or Mark 46 torpedoes One of Pakistan s Sea Kings was lost in an accident in February 1986 and was replaced by an ex Royal Navy HAS 5 redesignated Mk 45C in January 1989 The Belgian Air Force ordered five Sea King Mk 48s to perform Search and Rescue missions in 1974 which entered service in 1976 65 They were upgraded with new rotor blades in 1987 1988 106 and with revised avionics including new radar and provision of a FLIR turret under the nose from 1995 65 In 2007 Belgium ordered eight NH90 helicopters of which four were navalised NFH helicopters intended to replace the Sea Kings in the SAR role Delays in delivery of Belgium s NH90s together with an increased demand for the NH90s to operate from the Belgian Navy s frigates resulted in the retirement date for the Sea Kings being pushed back to 2018 Three Sea Kings remained operational in 2017 107 Belgian Sea Kings had been carried out over 3300 SAR sorties by the end of 2016 with over 1750 lives saved 108 Belgium retired its last Sea King on 21 March 2019 with a farewell flypas over the Belgian coast Their SAR role was taken on by four NHIndustries NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters NFHs flying out of Koksijde Air Base near the coast of Flanders 109 RS05 was donated to Het Vlaams Luchtvaartopleidingscentrum VLOC and performed it s ferry flight on 26 03 2019 110 Two of the three Belgian Sea Kings were bought by Historic Helicopters of Chard Equestrian Somerset which already owned five Westland helicopters that saw service with the Royal Navy or the RAF 111 Both Sea Kings left Koksijde Air Base on 20 10 2021 as OO SEE RS02 amp OO KNG RS04 to the UK 112 In November 2022 in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine the United Kingdom announced they were donating three former Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Sea Kings to Ukraine 113 Variants Edit A Sea King AEW 2 Helicopter of 849 Squadron Sea King HAS 1 The first anti submarine version for the Royal Navy with Gnome H 1400 engines a five bladed tail rotor a Plessey Type 195 dipping sonar and MEL ARI 5995 search radar in a dorsal radome 114 The Westland Sea King HAS 1 first flew on 7 May 1969 115 56 built many of which were converted to HAS 2 114 Sea King HAS 2 Upgraded anti submarine version for the Royal Navy based on Australian Mk 50 More powerful Gnome H 1400 1 engines six bladed tail rotor and upgraded avionics including new Type 2069 dipping sonar and improved navigation and communications equipment 21 new build aircraft plus conversions from HAS 1s 116 Some were later converted for AEW Airborne Early Warning duties Sea King AEW 2 Conversion of Sea King HAS 1 or HAS 2s into AEW aircraft after lack of AEW cover was revealed during the Falklands War Fitted with Thorn EMI Searchwater radar in inflatable radome with sonar removed Normally flown with three person pilot and two observers crew compared with four person crew for ASW Sea Kings Nine converted 117 Sea King HAR 3 Search and rescue version for the Royal Air Force Fitted with relocated rear cabin bulkhead giving greater cabin length extra fuel and additional observation windows 19 built 118 Sea King HAR 3A Improved search and rescue version of the Sea King HAR 3 for the Royal Air Force Fitted with upgraded avionics six built 118 Sea King HC 4 Westland Commando Commando assault and utility transport version for the Royal Navy with simplified undercarriage and lengthened cabin Capable of transporting 28 fully equipped troops 42 built 119 Sea King HC 4X One aircraft first flown on 10 April 1989 for the Empire Test Pilots School 120 Sea King Mk 4X Two helicopters based on the HC 4 for trials test beds at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough Fitted with various nose and or dorsal sensor installations 119 Sea King HAS 5 RAN Sea King Mk50 Shark 09 launches from HMAS Melbourne 1980 Upgraded anti submarine warfare version for the Royal Navy with longer range MEL Super Searcher radar in enlarged dorsal radome new AQS902 acoustic processing system with provision to use sonobuoys Entered service in June 1981 30 new build aircraft plus about 55 converted from earlier versions 121 Some later converted into the HAR 5 for Search and Rescue Sea King HAR 5 Conversion of HAS 5 to search and rescue role for the Royal Navy with ASW equipment removed but retaining Sea Searcher radar 122 Sea King AEW 5 Four Sea King HAS 5s were converted into AEW helicopters for the Royal Navy 123 Sea King HU 5 Surplus HAS 5 ASW helicopters converted into utility role for the Royal Navy Sea King HAS 6 Upgraded anti submarine warfare version for the Royal Navy fitted with improved avionics with new sonar processor improved tactical displays and better communications equipment five new build aircraft plus conversions 124 Sea King HAS 6 CR Five surplus HAS 6 ASW helicopters converted into the utility role for the Royal Navy The last of the Royal Navy s HAS 6 CR helicopters was retired from service with 846 NAS on 31 March 2010 16 Sea King ASaC7 Upgraded AEW2 5 for the Royal Navy with Searchwater 2000AEW replacing original Searchwater radar 31 Sea King Mk 41 Search and rescue version of the Sea King HAS 1 for the German Navy with longer cabin 23 built delivered between 1973 and 1975 A total of 20 were upgraded from 1986 onwards with additional Ferranti Seaspray radar in nose and capability to carry four Sea Skua Anti ship missiles 98 Sea King Mk 42 Anti submarine warfare version of the Sea King HAS 1 for the Indian Navy 12 built 125 Sea King Mk 42A Anti submarine warfare version of the Sea King HAS 2 for the Indian Navy fitted with haul down system for operating from small ships three built 126 Sea King Mk 42B Multi purpose version for the Indian Navy equipped for anti submarine warfare with dipping sonar and advanced avionics and anti shipping operations with two Sea Eagle missiles 21 built one crashing before delivery 126 Sea King Mk 42C RAF Sea King HAR 3 rescue helicopter at 2010 RIAT Egyptian Commando Mk 1 1985 An Indian Navy Sea King A German Navy Sea King Mark 41 departs USS Oak Hill HeliOperations Sea King HU5 in 2018 Search and rescue utility transport version for the Indian Navy with nose mounted Bendix search radar six built 126 Sea King Mk 43 Search and rescue version of the Sea King HAS 1 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force with lengthened cabin 10 built 92 Sea King Mk 43A Uprated version of the Sea King Mk 43 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force with airframe of Mk 2 but engines of Mk 1 single example built 92 Sea King Mk 43B Upgraded version of the Sea King Mk 43 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force Upgraded avionics including MEL Sea Searcher radar in large dorsal radome weather radar in nose and FLIR turret under nose Three new build plus upgrade of remaining Mk 43 and Mk 43A helicopters 92 Sea King Mk 45 Sea King Mk 45 of the Pakistan Naval Air Arm firing an Exocet anti ship missile during a live firing exercise at the Arabian Sea Anti submarine and anti ship warfare version of the Sea King HAS 1 for the Pakistan Navy Provision for carrying Exocet anti ship missile six built 92 Sea King Mk 45A One ex Royal Navy Sea King HAS 5 helicopter was sold to Pakistan as an attrition replacement 100 Sea King Mk 47 Anti submarine version of the Sea King HAS 2 for the Egyptian Navy six built 100 Sea King Mk 48 Search and rescue version for the Belgian Air Force Airframe similar to HAS 2 but with extended cabin five built delivered 1976 65 Retired in 2018 Sea King Mk 50 Multi role version for the Royal Australian Navy equivalent to but preceding HAS 2 10 built 65 Sea King Mk 50A Two improved Sea Kings were sold to the Royal Australian Navy as part of a follow on order in 1981 127 Sea King Mk 50B Upgraded multi role version for the Royal Australian Navy Commando Mk 1 Minimum change assault and utility transport version for the Egyptian Air Force with lengthened cabin but retaining sponsons with floatation gear 127 five built 102 Commando Mk 2 Improved assault and utility transport version for the Egyptian Air Force fitted with more powerful engines non folding rotors and omitting undercarriage sponsons and floatation gear 17 built 101 Commando Mk 2A Assault and utility transport version for the Qatar Emiri Air Force almost identical to Egyptian Mk 2 three built 105 Commando Mk 2B VIP transport version of Commando Mk 2 for the Egyptian Air Force two built 105 Commando Mk 2C VIP transport version of Commando Mk 2A for the Qatar Emiri Air Force one built 105 Commando Mk 2E Electronic warfare version for the Egyptian Air Force fitted with integrated ESM and jamming system with radomes on side of fuselage four built 103 Commando Mk 3 Anti ship warfare version for the Qatar Emiri Air Force fitted with dorsal radome and capable of carrying two Exocet missiles Eight built 103 Operators Edit EgyptEgyptian Air Force 128 GermanyGerman Navy 129 IndiaIndian Naval Air Arm 129 NorwayRoyal Norwegian Air Force 129 PakistanPakistan Navy 129 United KingdomHeliOperations Two operating for the training of German Navy crews 2 130 UkraineUkrainian Air Force In November 2022 Ukraine were donated three former British Sea King s operated by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy 131 Former operators Edit AustraliaRoyal Australian Navy 132 BelgiumBelgian Air Component Retired March 2019 128 109 QatarQatar Emiri Air Force 129 Donated to Pakistan in July 2021 citation needed United KingdomRoyal Air Force Retired 2015 129 Royal Navy Retired September 2018 133 Aircraft on display EditAustraliaN16 118 Sea King Mk 50 on static display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum near Nowra 134 135 Shark 07 at the Australian Fleet Air Arm Museum BelgiumRS01 Sea King Mk 48 on static display at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels 136 RS03 preserved at Koksijde RS05 Preserved at Ostend Air College used as an instructional airframe RS02 amp RS04 preserved in flying condition by the Historic Helicopter Group SomersetIndiaIN504 Sea King Mk 42 on static display at the HAL Aerospace Museum in Bangalore Karnataka 137 IN505 Sea King Mk 42 on static display at the Naval Aviation Museum in Dabolim Goa 138 139 United KingdomXV677 Sea King HAS 6 on static display at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in Doncaster South Yorkshire 140 XV712 Sea King HAS 6 on static display at the Imperial War Museum Duxford in Duxford Cambridgeshire 141 142 XZ574 Sea King HAS 5 on static display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton Somerset The aircraft was delivered to the Royal Navy in 1976 and was operated from HMS Invincible during Operation Corporate During the rescue of the crew from ditched Sea King HC 4 ZA311 on 23 April 1982 the helicopter was flown by HRH Prince Andrew 143 144 XZ585 Sea King HAR 3 on static display at the RAF Museum in London XZ592 Sea King HAR 3 is on static display at Morayvia in Kinloss Moray 145 146 147 XZ593 Sea King HAR 3 in storage at the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust in Stanley Falkland Islands The aircraft was donated to the people of the Islands in 2016 after being retired It will eventually go on display in a new museum annex 148 XZ597 Sea King HAR 3 restored to flying condition by the Historic Helicopter Group Somerset 149 ZA298 Sea King HC 4 on static display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton Somerset 150 Nicknamed the King of the Junglies it is notorious for having survived multiple times heavy combat damage without any fatalities First in the Falkland War where it was hit by gunfire from an Argentinian A 4 Skyhawk then during the Bosnian War where it was showered by small arms fire and finally during the war in Afghanistan where it suffered a direct hit by an anti tank RPG 151 ZD477 Sea King HC 4 on static display at East Midlands Aeropark ZF122 Sea King HC 4 Historic Helicopter Group 149 ZG822 Sea King HC 4 Commando on static display at South Wales Aviation Museum SWAM former RAF St Athan near CardiffSpecifications Sea King HAS 5 Edit Data from Omnifarious Sea King 152 General characteristicsCrew 2 4 Length 55 ft 10 in 17 02 m 153 Height 16 ft 10 in 5 13 m Empty weight 14 051 lb 6 373 kg Gross weight 21 000 lb 9 525 kg Max takeoff weight 21 400 lb 9 707 kg Powerplant 2 Rolls Royce H 1400 2 Gnome turboshaft engines 1 660 shp 1 240 kW each Main rotor diameter 62 ft 0 in 18 90 m Main rotor area 3 020 sq ft 281 m2 Blade section NACA 0012 154 Performance Cruise speed 112 kn 129 mph 207 km h max cruise at sea level Range 664 nmi 764 mi 1 230 km Rate of climb 2 020 ft min 10 3 m s Armament 4 Mark 44 Mark 46 or Sting Ray torpedoes or 4 Depth charges Provision for a door mounted machine gun various calibers installableSee also EditRelated development Sikorsky CH 124 Sea King Sikorsky SH 3 Sea KingAircraft of comparable role configuration and era AgustaWestland EH101 Mil Mi 14 Sikorsky UH 60 Black HawkRelated lists List of active United Kingdom military aircraft List of accidents and incidents involving the Westland Sea KingReferences EditNotes Edit Sea King ASAC variant a b Former Royal Navy Sea King Mk5s leased to HeliOperations UK 27 July 2017 James 1991 pp 377 378 Uttley 2001 p 206 a b McGowen 2005 p 119 Thorn and Frawley 1998 p 164 Lake 1996 pp 114 115 Air International May 1981 p 215 a b c Howard et al 2011 pp 229 230 Hewish 1979 p 76 McGowen 2005 pp 119 120 a b McGowen 2005 p 120 Air Forces May 2012 p 6 Key Publishing ISSN 0955 7091 a b McGowen 2005 pp 120 126 Westland Sea King Commando Flight International 3 August 1985 p 42 a b Allen Peter UK RN retires final Commando Sea King Mk 6CR Jane s Defence Weekly Volume 47 Issue 2 2 June 2010 p 33 Bud and Gummett 2002 pp 75 79 Westland Sea King Archived 22 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 1 August 1987 p 34 Retrieved 19 April 2012 McGowen 2005 p 126 Beedall Richard Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control MASC UK MoD Archived 27 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Navy Matters 18 May 2011 Retrieved 19 April 2012 a b Carrara 2009 pp 78 82 a b c d Ministry of Defence 2006 p 120 Chesneau 1985 pp 2 3 Chesneau 1985 p 2 Chesneau 1985 pp 2 4 Chesneau 1985 p 5 Harding Thomas Harry gets his wish to see action in Iraq Archived 25 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine The Daily Telegraph 23 February 2007 Retrieved 19 April 2012 a b Armistead and Armistead 2002 p 131 Instant Airborne Radar Heads South New Scientist 12 August 1982 95 1318 p 428 Cerberus set for service aboard Sea King Whiskey Upgrade Update Archived 8 July 2011 at Wikiwix Jane s International Defence Review 24 September 2002 Retrieved 19 April 2012 a b Armistead and Armistead 2002 pp 132 134 Janes Latest defence and security news Archived from the original on 29 May 2014 Retrieved 17 June 2014 Chant 2001 pp 15 16 Freedman 2005 pp 298 728 McGowen 2005 p 15 Prince Andrew Tells of Being Decoy for Exocet Glasgow Herald 19 June 1982 p 1 a b c Burden et al 1986 pp 237 240 a b c Burden et al 1986 pp 241 243 Burden et al 1986 pp 244 247 a b c Burden et al 1986 pp 247 250 Chant 2001 p 34 Burden et al 1986 pp 248 249 Burden et al 1986 p 253 Freedman 2005 pp 461 462 Donald and Chant 2001 pp 15 41 54 Donald and Chant 2001 p 15 Donald and Chant 2001 p 33 Gethin Howard RN set to re organise Sea Kings Flight International 9 August 1994 Armistead and Armistead 2002 pp 179 180 Kurdish Refugees Stream Back to Iraq The Associated Press 2 May 1991 Ripley 2001 p 92 Ripley 2001 pp 16 17 Hall Macer Fighting Invincible to be mothballed The Daily Telegraph 17 December 2000 Troops waiting in the wings Sunday Herald 30 May 1999 Howard et al 2011 p 274 Iraq war crash Critical shortfalls in Sea Kings exposed Official report tells MoD to upgrade Navy helicopters and revise flying rules to avoid further collisions The Independent 25 January 2004 MPs misled over cause of Sea King collision The Independent 1 February 2004 Breaking the Military Covenant David Hill 2018 Helicopters go to aid evacuation BBC News 18 July 2006 Retrieved 19 April 2012 Sea Kings Come Home after Successful Afghan Missions Western Gazette Yeovil 20 October 2011 Navy Sea Kings Complete 1 000th Mission in Afghanistan States News Service 21 July 2011 Hewish 1984 p 231 Gillett 1986 p 70 Matherell Mark and Cynthia Banham Bumpy ride but Sea King pulls its weight Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Sydney Morning Herald 4 April 2005 Retrieved 19 April 2012 a b c d e Lake 1996 p 132 Lake 1996 pp 132 133 RAAF plane delivers supplies to Baghdad Archived 25 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine ABC News 13 April 2003 Retrieved 19 April 2012 a b Waldon Greg Australia offers five Sea Kings for sale Archived 29 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 1 September 2011 Retrieved 19 April 2012 Kerin John Sea King servicing to blame Australasian Business Intelligence 21 June 2007 a b Dodd Mark Sea Kings grounded over safety fears Archived 11 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine The Australian 17 May 2007 Retrieved 19 April 2012 Flanagan Korena Minister for Defence Materiel Navy Sea King helicopters for sale Archived 19 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine minister defence gov au 1 September 2011 Retrieved 19 April 2012 Sea Kings and 817 Squadron make their Final Flight States News Service 16 December 2011 Hiranandani 2005 p 21 Hiranandani 2005 pp 87 88 Hiranandani 2005 pp 88 89 Hiranandani 2005 pp 57 58 a b c d Singh Air International January 1991 p 37 Hiranandani 2005 pp 58 59 62 Baker 1998 p 325 Hiranandani 2005 p 96 Hiranandani 2005 p 64 a b Hiranandani 2005 pp 97 98 Byers 1986 p 232 Hiranandani 2012 p 157 Hiranandani 2005 p 99 Hiranandani 2005 p 107 Govindasamy Siv Indian navy opens up utility helicopter requirement Archived 29 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 13 November 2007 Retrieved 19 April 2012 Navy has not rejected Dhruv Defence Minister Archived 27 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine Zeenews com 22 October 2008 Retrieved 21 August 2011 Bilgrami 2004 pp 186 187 Bilgrami 2004 pp 187 199 Hiranandani 2012 p 158 a b c d e Lake 1996 p 130 The Norwegian Search and Rescue Service PDF Ministry of Justice and the Police Norway 1999 p 9 Archived PDF from the original on 22 May 2013 Retrieved 20 April 2012 Her sliter redningshelikoptrene Bergens Tidende in Norwegian 29 September 2009 Archived from the original on 24 May 2013 Retrieved 20 April 2012 SAR Queen helicopters are now operational in Norway Candidates that passed the Pre qualification process for delivery of future SAR helicopters for Iceland and Norway Royal Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police Retrieved 26 February 2012 James 1991 p 389 a b c Lake 1996 p 128 a b Sea King Mk 41 in German German Navy 23 November 2011 Archived from the original on 1 April 2012 Retrieved 20 April 2012 a b c Lake 1996 p 131 a b Lake 1996 pp 133 134 a b James 1991 p 392 a b c d Lake 1996 p 135 Hoyle Flight International 13 19 December 2011 p 38 a b c d Lake 1996 p 134 James 1991 p 394 Harding Air International March 2017 p 85 Harding Air International March 2017 p 87 a b Jennings Gareth 19 December 2018 Belgium retires Sea King helos IHS Jane s 360 London Archived from the original on 20 December 2018 Retrieved 20 December 2018 SeaKing RS 05 als lesmateriaal naar VLOC te Oostende Vlaams Luchtvaartopleidingscentrum Deux des anciens Sea King militaires sauves et rachetes par une association britannique fr published 6 July 2020 An Emotional Farewell of Two Restored Seaking RS01 amp RS02 leaving their homebase at Koksijde 4K UHD YouTube Beale Jonathan Britain sending helicopters to Ukraine for first time Ben Wallace BBC News 23 November 2022 Retrieved 23 November 2022 a b Lake 1996 pp 122 123 Lake 1996 p 122 Lake 1996 p 123 Lake 1996 pp 123 124 a b Lake 1996 p 124 a b Lake 1996 p 125 Howard et al 2011 p 278 Lake 1996 p 126 Lake 1996 p 127 Armistead and Armistead 2002 pp 131 133 Lake 1996 pp 127 128 Lake 1996 pp 128 129 a b c Lake 1996 p 129 a b Lake 1996 p 133 a b FG World Air Forces 2018 Flightglobal Insight 2018 Retrieved 27 September 2018 a b c d e f World Air Forces 2018 Flightglobal Insight 2018 Retrieved 25 August 2018 Daniels Liam UK Sea King flies on Air International Vol 93 no 4 p 15 ISSN 0306 5634 Britain sending helicopters to Ukraine for first time Ben Wallace BBC News 23 November 2022 Fleet Air Arm RAN Westland Sea King Archived from the original on 6 March 2013 Retrieved 23 March 2013 Royal Navy bids farewell to Sea Kings flightglobal com Retrieved 27 September 2018 Fleet Air Arm Museum Navy Commonwealth of Australia Archived from the original on 12 February 2013 Retrieved 30 May 2017 RAN N16 Westland Sea King Mk 50A ADF Serials 2 April 2014 Archived from the original on 14 August 2017 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Brackx Daniel 31 December 2011 Sea King RS01 retired to the Royal Army Museum at Brussels Belgian Wings Archived from the original on 4 July 2014 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Pillarisetti Jagan 25 November 2008 Westland Seaking Mk 42 IN504 Warbirds of India Warbirds of India Archived from the original on 3 August 2016 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Pillarisetti Jagan 17 November 2008 Westland Sea King IN505 Warbirds of India Warbirds of India Archived from the original on 21 September 2016 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Airframe Dossier Sikorsky Westland Sea King 42 s n IN505 BNS c n WA737 Aerial Visuals AerialVisuals ca Retrieved 31 May 2017 Aircraft List AeroVenture South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum Archived from the original on 30 March 2018 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Westland Sea King HAS Mk 6 Imperial War Museums IWM Retrieved 31 May 2017 Airframe Dossier Sikorsky Westland Sea King HAS 6 s n XV712 RN c n WA683 Aerial Visuals AerialVisuals ca Archived from the original on 20 March 2016 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Sea King HAS 5 XZ574 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum Fleet Air Arm Museum Archived from the original on 12 May 2014 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Howard et al 2011 p 354 SEA KING HAR 3 XZ592 17 10 15 2 Morayvia Morayvia Archived from the original on 8 May 2018 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Comment The battle for XZ592 was one Moray simply refused to lose insideMoray insideMoray news 5 June 2015 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Bid to home retired Sea King in Moray is successful BBC 4 June 2015 Archived from the original on 13 January 2017 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Sea King HAR Mk3 XZ593 Falkland Islands Museum amp National Trust Falkland Islands Museum amp National Trust Archived from the original on 15 September 2017 Retrieved 31 May 2017 a b Sea King Historic Helicopters Sea King ZA298 King of the Junglies Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum Fleet Air Arm Museum Archived from the original on 21 October 2017 Retrieved 31 May 2017 Id Air International May 1981 p 218 James 1991 pp 396 398 Lednicer David The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage m selig ae illinois edu Retrieved 16 April 2019 Bibliography Edit Allen Patrick Sea King London Airlife 1993 ISBN 1 85310 324 1 Armistead Leigh and Edwin Armistead Awacs and Hawkeyes The Complete History of Airborne Early Warning Aircraft St Paul Minnesota Zenith Imprint 2002 ISBN 0 7603 1140 4 Baker A D The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World 1998 1999 Annapolis Maryland US Naval Institute Press 1998 ISBN 1 55750 111 4 Bilgrami S J R Dynamics of Sanctions in World Affairs Bourne Lincolnshire UK Atlantic Publishers 2004 ISBN 81 269 0313 9 Bud Robert and Philip Gummett Cold War Hot Science Applied Research in Britain s Defence Laboratories 1945 1990 London NMSI Trading 2002 ISBN 1 900747 47 2 Burden Rodney A Michael A Draper Douglas A Rough Colin A Smith and David Wilton Falklands The Air War Twickenham UK British Aviation Research Group 1986 ISBN 0 906339 05 7 Byers R B The Denuclearisation of the Oceans London Taylor amp Francis 1986 ISBN 0 7099 3936 1 Carrara Dino Sea Kings to the Rescue Air International Vol 77 No 6 December 2009 pp 78 82 ISSN 0306 5634 Chant Christopher Air War in the Falklands 1982 Oxford UK Osprey Publishing 2001 ISBN 1 84176 293 8 Chant Christopher A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware London Routledge 1988 ISBN 0 7102 0720 4 Chartres John Westland Sea King Modern Combat Aircraft 18 Surrey UK Ian Allan 1984 ISBN 0 7110 1394 2 Chesneau Roger Aeroguide 10 Westland Sea King HAR Mk 3 Essex UK Linewrights 1985 ISBN 0 946958 09 2 Donald David Christopher Chant Air War in the Gulf 1991 Oxford UK Osprey Publishing 2001 ISBN 1 84176 295 4 Eden Paul ed The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft London Amber Books 2004 ISBN 1 904687 84 9 Ellis Ken Wrecks amp Relics 22nd edition Manchester UK Crecy Publishing 2010 ISBN 978 0 85979 150 2 Freedman Lawrence The Official History of the Falklands Campaign War and diplomacy London Routledge 2005 ISBN 0 7146 5207 5 Fricker John Pakistan s Naval Air Power Air International Vol 40 No 6 June 1991 pp 297 301 ISSN 0306 5634 Gibbings David Sea King 21 years Service with the Royal Navy Yeovilton Somerset UK Society of Friends of the Fleet Air Arm Museum 1990 ISBN 0 9513139 1 6 Gillett Ross Australia s Armed Forces of the Eighties Brookvale New South Wales Australia Child amp Henry 1986 ISBN 0 86777 081 3 Harding Ian Going Strong at 40 Air International Vol 92 No 3 March 2017 pp 84 87 ISSN 0306 5634 Hewish Mark Air Forces of the World An Illustrated Directory of All the World s Military Air Powers New York Simon amp Schuster 1979 ISBN 0 671 25086 8 Hiranandani G M Transition to Eminence The Indian Navy 1976 1990 New Delhi India Lancer Publishers 2005 ISBN 81 7062 266 2 Hiranandani G M Transition to Guardianship Indian Navy 1991 2000 New Delhi India Lancer Publishers 2012 ISBN 1 935501 26 7 Hoyle Craig World Air Forces Directory Flight International Vol 180 no 5321 13 19 December 2011 pp 26 52 ISSN 0015 3710 Howard Lee Mick Burrow and Eric Myall Fleet Air Arm Helicopters since 1943 Staplefield Sussex UK Air Britain 2011 ISBN 978 0 85130 304 8 James Derek N Westland Aircraft since 1915 London Putnam 1991 ISBN 0 85177 847 X Lake Jon Westland Sea King Variant Briefing World Airpower Journal Volume 25 Summer 1996 pp 110 135 London Aerospace Publishing ISBN 978 1 87402 380 7 ISSN 0959 7050 McGowen Stanley S Helicopters An Illustrated History of their Impact Santa Barbara California ABC CLIO 2005 ISBN 1 85109 468 7 Ripley Tim Conflict in the Balkans 1991 2000 Oxford UK Osprey Publishing 2001 ISBN 1 84176 290 3 The Royal Air Force Handbook The Definitive MoD Guide London Conway 2006 ISBN 1 85753 384 4 Singh Pushpindar Sealand to Bear Foxtrot The History of India s Naval Air Arm Part Two Air International Vol 40 No 1 January 1991 pp 34 44 ISSN 0306 5634 Thorn Jim and Gerard Frawley International Directory of Military Aircraft 1996 1997 Fyshwick Australian Capital Territory Australia Aerospace Publications 1996 ISBN 1 875671 20 X Uttley Matthew Westland and the British Helicopter Industry 1945 1960 Licensed Production versus Indigenous Innovation London Routledge 2001 ISBN 0 7146 5194 X Westland s Multi role Helicopter Family Omnifarious Sea King Air International Vol 20 No 5 May 1981 pp 215 221 251 252 ISSN 0306 5634 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Westland Sea King helis com Section on the Westland Sea King Royal Australian Navy Sea King Sea King Mk7 Airborne Surveillance and Control Royal Air Force Sea Kings Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Westland Sea King amp oldid 1123853396, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, 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