Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King

Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King

About the Aircraft

Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King

The Hickory Aviation Museum’s SH-3H Sea King Bureau Number 149738 is on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Numerous local and state aviators began there jet training in the Buckeye. Coordinated by Kyle & Kregg Kirby.

The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King (company designation S-61) is an American twin-engine anti submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter designed and built by Sikorsky Aircraft. A landmark design, it was the world's first amphibious helicopter and one of the first ASW rotorcraft to use turboshaft engines.

National origin United States of America
Manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft
First flight 11-Mar-59
Introduction Jun-61
Retired 27 January 2006 by the US Navy
Status Retired, But Still in Service With Several Countries
Primary users United States Navy/ Various
Produced 1959–1970s
Number built 1,100+ in all versions by all licensees
Propulsion 2 × General Electric T58-GE-10 turbo shaft engines
Unit cost US$6.4 million
Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King BuNo 149738 L

General Characteristics

Characteristics

Crew: Four (2 Pilots/2 ASW Operators)
Length: 54 ft 9 in (16.7 m)
Rotor diameter: 62 ft (19 m)
Height: 16 ft 10 in (5.13 m)
Disc area: 3,019 ft2 (284 m2)
Empty weight: 11,865 lb (5,382 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 20,050 lb (10,000 kg)
Power plant: 2 x General Electric T58-GE-10 rated at 1,400 shp (1045 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 166 mph (267 km/h)
Range: 621mi (1,000 km)
Service ceiling: 14,700 ft (4,481 m)
Rate of climb: 1,310-2,200 ft/min (400-670 m/m)

Armament:

  • Torpedoes: 2 x MK44/46 anti submarine torpedoes
  • Various: Sonobuoys and pyrotechnic devices