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 |
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)
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
