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In December 1957,
the US Navy gave the go-ahead to a new program for a very high
performance helicopter with advanced technology. Sikorsky submitted a project
for a big twin turbine aircraft with a boat-type hull and
retractable landing gear for amphibious operations. The aircraft
had all-weather capability, a good choice of weapons loads and
four hours' endurance. The project was designated S-61 and the
HSS-2 prototype flew on 11 March 1959. The prototype was
followed by seven pre-production aircraft which successfully
completed service trials in 1960. The US Navy ordered the first
ten for delivery starting in September 1961. The helicopters
were later redesignated SH-3A Sea King. One of the first
production models set up a world speed record of 339 km/h on 5
February 1962.
In April
1962, the USAF leased three HSS-2, transformed into 27-seat
transport aircraft for services linking the Texas Towers radar
installations. From 1966, the SH-3A was superseded by the SH-3D,
which had a 1419shp T58-GE-10 turbine and new electronics. They
have been purchased by Brazil, Italy, Iran and
Britain.
The SH-3H
model is used by the Navy Reserves to detect, classify, track
and destroy enemy submarines. It also provides logistical
support and a search and rescue capability. The UH-3H model is
utility configured for logistical support and search and rescue
missions. The VH-3A model supports the Executive Transport
Mission. The first version of this workhorse helicopter was
flown more than 35 years ago. The Sea King has been replaced by
the SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopters as the anti-submarine warfare
helicopter. The transition was completed in the mid 1990s. The
remaining Sea King helicopters have been configured for
logistical support and search and rescue missions.
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