SH-3 Sea King

H-3 is a shipborne, twin-engine, five-bladed main rotor helicopter developed by Sikorsky to meet the requirements of the US Navy for an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rotary-wing aircraft. Developed in late 1950s it was originally called the HSS-2 and S-61. It is powered by two General Electric T58-GE-10 turboshafts. Its primary mission is to detect, classify, track and destroy hostile submarines in all-weather conditions. It also provides logistic support, Airborne Early Warning (AEW), VIP transport and search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. SH-3s are mainly ASW helicopters operated by the US Navy and equipped with dipping sonar, radar, sonobuoys, torpedoes, etc. UH-3s is an utility variant. VH-3s are intended for VIP transport. HH-3s are intended for SAR missions. S-61R or CH-3C were developed for the US Air Force. SH-3G was a SAR/cargo transport variant utilized by the US Navy. The majority of H-3 helicopters have been retired or will be retired in the upcoming decade. In the 1990s the US Navy replaced its ASW SH-3 aircraft by new SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopters. Last two US Navy's H-3 Sea King conducted its final flight on January 27, 2006 clearing the way for their replacement, the MH-60S Nighthawk. Currently, HH-3 aircraft for SAR missions remain in service with the US Navy. HH-3s retirement date is expected beyond 2010. The United Kingdom plans call for a SH-3 out of service date by 2018. H-3 Sea King helicopters have been sold to international customers.

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