Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King#Variants

During the Cold War, the Soviet Navy built up a large and varied fleet of submarines which at one point was in excess of 200 operational submarines. The US Navy countered this threat by the improvement and development of various anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, which resulted in the development of the Sea King.Fieldhouse and Taoka 1989, pp. 70–71, 74. During the late 1950s, the US Navy took advantage of recent aerospace advances, such as the turboshaft engine, by commissioning the development of a new large naval helicopter. Sikorsky received a request from the service to design a new turbine-powered helicopter that would be capable of performing the ASW mission. The specification included a dipping sonar, mission endurance of four hours, and the ability to support a weapons load of {{convert|380|kg|abbr=on}}.Mutza 2010, p. 106.

File:XHSS-2 Sea King water landing trials.jpg

In 1957, Sikorsky was awarded a contract to produce an all-weather amphibious helicopter for the US Navy. As per the earlier specification, this new rotorcraft was to excel at ASW; specifically, it would combine the roles of hunter and killer, as these two duties had previously been carried out by two separate helicopters.Chant 1988, p. 464. It was also the first helicopter to be procured under the US Navy's new weapon system concept, under which Sikorsky was responsible not only for the design and production of the airframe, but all major onboard systems, such as the sonar, navigational equipment, electronic devices, and support equipment. As such, the navigation suite for the rotorcraft was developed jointly by Sikorsky and the US Navy.[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1959/1959%20-%201425.html "HSS-2."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418094332/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1959/1959%20-%201425.html |date=18 April 2016 }} Flight International, 15 May 1959. p. 696.

Key features of the emerging ASW helicopter included its amphibious hull, which enabled the rotorcraft to readily perform water landings, and its adoption of a twin-turboshaft engine arrangement that enabled it to be larger, heavier and better-equipped than had been possible with prior helicopters. The designation HSS-2 was applied, allegedly to imply a level of commonality to the earlier HSS-1, should political sentiment turn against the development of an entirely new rotorcraft. A total of ten prototypes were produced to support the development program.Mutza 2010, p. 107.

File:SH-3A Sea Kings of HS-6 flying over USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) c1963.jpg

On 11 March 1959, the first prototype conducted its maiden flight. During early 1961, a pair of prototypes were stationed on board the aircraft carrier {{USS|Lake Champlain|CV-39|2}} to fulfill a demand for carrier suitability trials. These trials, which involved testing the folding mechanism of the main rotor blades and a series of takeoffs performed during winds of up to {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, were completed successfully in mid-1961.[http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1961/Jul61.pdf "HSS-2 Completes Carrier Trials."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211135932/http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1961/Jul61.pdf |date=11 December 2013 }} Naval Aviation News, July 1961, pp. 22–23. Shortly after the completion of suitability trials, the US Navy formally accepted delivery of the first HSS-2 rotorcraft, which was subsequently re-designated as the SH-3A, in September 1961.Frawley 2003, p. 194.

In late 1961 and early 1962, a modified US Navy HSS-2 Sea King was used to break the FAI 3 km, 100 km, 500 km and 1000 km helicopter speed records. This series of flights culminated on 5 February 1962 with the HSS-2 setting an absolute helicopter speed record of {{convert|210.6|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite book |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W. R. |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1963–1964 |date=1963 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc. |location=New York |page=509 |isbn=9780531039151 |url=https://archive.org/details/janesallworldsai6364fran/page/509/mode/1up |access-date=10 September 2021}}[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1962/1962%20-%200231.html "USN HSS-2's 200 m.p.h."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418052719/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1962/1962%20-%200231.html |date=18 April 2016 }} Flight International, 15 February 1962. p. 233. This record was broken by a modified French Sud-Aviation Super Frelon helicopter on 23 July 1963 with a speed of {{convert|217.77|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite book |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W. R. |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1965–1966 |date=1965 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc. |location=New York |page=346 |isbn=9780531039151 |url=https://archive.org/details/janesallworldsai6566fran/page/346/mode/1up |access-date=10 September 2021}}

File:SH-3A HS-1 water landing NAN 8-64.jpg

The base design of the Sea King had proved sound and several aspects were judged to be potentially useful for other operators, thus Sikorsky elected to pursue the further development of the rotorcraft for other markets beyond the US Navy. One of the major variants of the Sea King to be produced was a model for civil operators, which was designated as the Sikorsky S-61L. The first operator of the S-61L was Los Angeles Airways, who introduced the type to service on 11 March 1962.Apostolo, G. "Sikorsky S-61".The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. Bonanza Books, 1984. {{ISBN|0-517-43935-2}}.[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,895186,00.html "The Self-Supporting Helicopter"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726211342/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,895186,00.html |date=26 July 2012 }} Time Magazine. 26 December 1960. Another noteworthy Sea King variant, the significant change this time being the adoption of a conventional fuselage, the Sikorsky S-61R, was also concurrently developed for transport and search and rescue (SAR) duties, this type being extensively operated by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard.Apostolo, Giorgio. "Sikorsky S-61R". The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. New York: Bonanza Books. 1984. {{ISBN|978-0-517-43935-7}}.

In US Navy service, the initial SH-3A model of the Sea King would be progressively converted into the improved SH-3D and SH-3H variants; these featured more powerful engines and improved sensors that gave the type greater operational capabilities as an ASW platform. It was also common for Sea Kings to be converted for non-ASW activities, these roles included minesweeping, combat search and rescue, and as a cargo/passenger utility transport. The aircrew on ASW-tasked Sea Kings were routinely trained to carry out these secondary roles as aircraft could often be quickly adapted to perform different missions in the face of operational needs.Williamson 2000, pp. 149, 167.

File:NH-3A NAN8-65.jpg

The NH-3A (S-61F) was an experimental high-speed compound helicopter based on the Sea King tested in the 1960s.{{Cite web |title=Sikorsky S-61F NH-3A |url=https://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/WatkinsRay/10648.htm |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=1000aircraftphotos.com}} Later modified with a tail rotor able to rotate 90° to serve as a pusher propeller; this helicopter demonstrated "Roto-Prop" pusher propeller for Sikorsky's S-66 design.Leoni 2007, pp. 26–28.

: A minesweeper version of the Sea King for the U.S. Navy was made, with nine converted from SH-3A aircraft and then called the RH-3A.

In addition to those Sea Kings that were manufactured by Sikorsky, several license agreements were enacted with other firms to produce the type. These included the Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi and the Italian aerospace company Agusta. Another licensee was the British helicopter manufacturer Westland Helicopters, which substantially redesigned the Sea King to produce various models of their own, collectively referred to as the Westland Sea King.Uttley 2001, p. 206.McGowen 2005, p. 119.Thorn and Frawley 1998, p. 164. In contrast to the US Navy's Sea Kings, the Westland Sea King was intended for greater operational autonomy.Lake 1996, pp. 114–115. In total, Westland produced 330 Sea Kings; outside of its British-based operators, various export customers were found for the Westland Sea King. including the Indian Naval Air Arm, the German Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Norwegian Air Force.McGowen 2005, pp. 120, 126.

While Sikorsky opted to terminate its own Sea King production line during the 1970s, the type has had a lengthy service life. In September 2009, it was reported that nearly 600 Sea Kings were believed to still be operational.Baruzzi, Cara. [https://archive.today/20130130004548/http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/09/06/business/doc4aa339217d423809881899.txt "Flight Plan: At 50, Sikorsky's Sea King gets an upgrade."] New Haven Register, 6 September 2009.

The Sea King was produced in the USA, and under license in the U.K. by Westland, Italy by Augusta, Canada by United Aircraft of Canada, and in Japan by Mitsubishi.{{Cite web|title=Sikorsky Aircraft Sikorsky S-61 Sea King (CH-3 / SH-3) - Specifications - Technical Data / Description |url=http://www.flugzeuginfo.net/acdata_php/acdata_s61_en.php |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=flugzeuginfo.net}} Total production was about 1100 to 1300.{{Cn|date=November 2024}} The S-61 family includes the S-61L and S-61N, which are commercial models. The S-61R, which is the CH-3C/E Sea King, HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, and HH-3F Pelican. The S-61 license built by Westland had different engines and is usually called the Westland Sea King. Canadian Sea Kings were called CH-124 and license made by United Aircraft of Canada. They were made in Italy by Agusta and called AS-61 and ASH-3. In Japan, the Mitsubishi version was called the HSS-2.

The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King is a twin-engine medium-sized amphibious rotorcraft. Many of the features on board the Sea King represented a considerable advancement over preceding helicopters. In addition to being fully amphibious and capable of operating under all weather conditions, it is the first operational American helicopter to be able to simultaneously hunt and destroy submarines. Its twin-turboshaft powerplant layout gave the SH-3 a higher payload and greater reliability than previous anti-submarine helicopters. In the event of a single engine failing, the Sea King could continue flying on a single engine.Bishop and Chant 2004, p. 208. The powerplant used on the Sea King was the General Electric T58-GE-8B, which was initially capable of generating up to {{convert|1250|shp|abbr=on}} each.

File:SH-3H sonar HS-8 CV-64 1989.jpg, 1989]]

In normal operations, the Sea King typically would have a four-man crew on board; these being a pilot and copilot in the cockpit, and two aircrew stationed within the main cabin area. When conducting anti-submarine missions, the rear aircrew operated the aircraft's sensors and interpreted the generated data.Williamson 2000, p. 169. For search-and-rescue missions, the Sea King's cabin could accommodate up to 22 survivors. In a medical layout, a maximum of nine stretchers plus two medical officers could be carried. In the troop transport role, up to 28 soldiers can be accommodated.[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1959/1959%20-%201425.html "HSS-2."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418094332/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1959/1959%20-%201425.html |date=18 April 2016 }} Flight International, 15 May 1959. p. 697.

The Sea King features many design elements to support naval-orientated operations. The main rotor blades and the tail section can be folded via fully automated systems for storage on board ships. The adoption of an amphibious hull allowed a Sea King to conduct a water landing and, being completely watertight, would enable the rotorcraft to remaining floating for prolonged periods on the ocean's surface. Deployable airbags in the aircraft's sponsons added to the rotorcraft's stability and buoyancy, resisting pitching and rolling.Jackson 2005, p. 207. The hull design was compatible with landing on challenging terrain, including ice, snow, swamp land, and tundra. Wheels are installed in the sponsons for land operations.

The armament fitted upon a Sea King could vary considerably. For anti-submarine missions, the aircraft could carry up to four torpedoes or four depth charges. For anti-ship duties, some models were outfitted to carry one or two missiles, typically Sea Eagles or Exocets.Byers 1986, p. 232. The Sea King could also be fitted to deploy the B57 nuclear bomb.Fieldhouse and Taoka 1989, pp. 72–73. ASW equipment used on Sea Kings has included the AQS-13A/B/E dipping sonar which included specialized computers for processing sonar and sonobuoy data, various models of sonobuoys, ARR-75 Sonobuoy Receivers, and the ASQ-81 magnetic anomaly detector. The commonly fitted AKT-22 data link enabled the rapid dissemination of sonar information to other friendly elements.Biass 1985, p. 543. Some later Sea King models featured the TACNAV digital navigation system (first generation GPS) and overhauled cockpit instrumentation for night vision compatibility.Chesneau 1985, pp. 2–3, 5.

File:SH3H HS15 CVW15 1995.JPEG

File:US Navy 031029-N-5067K-031 Several UH-3H Sea King helicopters depart Montgomery Field.jpg in San Diego, California, in 2003]]

During June 1961, the Sea King became operational with the US Navy as the HSS-2; at the time, it was not only the largest amphibious helicopter in the world, but was also the first all-weather rotorcraft to reach production status for the US Navy. When the unified aircraft designation system was introduced, the rotorcraft's designation was changed to SH-3A. It was used primarily for anti-submarine warfare: the largely involved the detection and tracking of Soviet submarines. In the event of open warfare breaking out between the two powers, Sea Kings would have been used to attack these submarines with the intent to sink them.Blair 2004, p. 42.

The Sea King was able to operate from the flight decks of many of the US Navy's vessels as well as shore bases. It could also operate from offshore platforms to extend their surveillance and strike ranges. The type was capable of conducting nighttime ASW operations, albeit these usually posed considerable difficulty for the flight crew.S.R. Arends, Harrington, J.H., Karlsson, C.R., Pellerin, A. E., and Staley, M. "Military Use of Offshore Platforms." Naval War College Newport, 9 April 1979. ADA075840.

The Sea King also performed various other roles and missions such as search-and-rescue, transport, anti-shipping and airborne early warning operations. Aircraft carriers would typically deploy Sea Kings to operate near the carrier as a plane guard, ready to rescue air crew who crashed during takeoff or landing.Bishop and Chant 2004, p. 91. They were routinely used in a logistical capacity at sea, transferring personnel, mail, and other lighter cargoes between vessels.Dorsey, Jack. [http://hamptonroads.com/2006/01/navy-bids-farewell-sea-king-helicopter "Navy bids farewell to Sea King helicopter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728173707/http://hamptonroads.com/2006/01/navy-bids-farewell-sea-king-helicopter |date=28 July 2013 }} Pilot Online, 28 January 2006.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) became a major operator of the Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King following its introduction to service in 1963. It remained Canada's dominant maritime helicopter for over 50 years, finally being withdrawn in 2018.Gordon, Lisa, [http://www.verticalmag.com/features/features_article/The-king-at-sea#.UqiykNLuIqY "The King at sea"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214224028/http://www.verticalmag.com/features/features_article/The-king-at-sea#.UqiykNLuIqY |date=14 December 2013 }} Vertical Magazine, 9 December 2013. Accessed: 11 December 2013. One notable innovation in Canadian operations, which was subsequently adopted by several other nations, was the use of a winch 'hauldown' landing and securing method, referred to as a 'Beartrap'. This device considerably increased the ability of Sea Kings to land in difficult conditions, such as on small flight decks or during poor weather conditions.{{cite web|url=http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/canada/current/seaking/|title=Haze Gray & Underway – The Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today – Sea King|access-date=1 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215062559/http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/canada/current/seaking/|archive-date=15 December 2013|url-status=live}}

The Sea King was exported in large numbers to various nations, such as Brazil, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom.Chant 1988, pp. 182–183. Several operators have kept their Sea Kings in use for more than 50 years.Tutton, Michael. [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/gritty-sea-king-helicopter-still-flying-after-50-years-of-service/article13523127/ "Gritty Sea King helicopters still flying after 50 years of service."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304222908/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/gritty-sea-king-helicopter-still-flying-after-50-years-of-service/article13523127/ |date=4 March 2016 }} Globe and Mail, 31 July 2013.[http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/news/bbc-2-sea-king-britains-flying-past "BBC 2 programme Sea King: Britain's flying past 28 February 2013."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200043/http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/news/bbc-2-sea-king-britains-flying-past |date=2 January 2014 }} Fleet Air Arm Officers Association 18 February 2013.

During the Vietnam War, SH-3s rescued the crews of downed aircraft at sea and over land, typically being equipped with self-sealing fuel tanks, multiple machine guns and heavy armor when performing such missions.Marolda 1996, pp. 70–80. Due to the type's greater range and the safety of having two engines, it was often used during rescue sorties into North Vietnam to retrieve downed aircrew. The Sea King was also used for medical evacuations and disaster relief efforts.

File:Marine One Whitehouse.jpg, landing on the south lawn of the White House]]

The SH-3 was the primary helicopter for retrieving crewed space capsules starting with Mercury-Atlas 7 in May 1962.Blair 2004, p. 87. Helicopter 66 was the primary recovery vehicle for Apollo missions 8 and 10 to 13.{{cite news|last1=Day|first1=Dwayne|title=The last flight of Helo 66|url=http://www.thespacereview.com/article/895/1|access-date=3 November 2017|work=Space Review|date=25 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714062503/http://www.thespacereview.com/article/895/1|archive-date=14 July 2007|url-status=live}} In February 1971, an SH-3A, operating from the amphibious assault ship USS New Orleans, recovered Apollo 14.[https://archive.today/20120805101505/http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~7~7~34282~138149:Apollo-14-crewmen-step-aboard-U-S-S "Apollo 14 crewmen step aboard U.S.S. New Orleans after splashdown."] NASA Images, Retrieved: 17 April 2012. A specialist search and rescue variant of the SH-3, the HH-3, also performed in this capacity.

Several Sea Kings, operated by the United States Marine Corps's HMX-1 unit, are used as the official helicopters of the President of the United States; in this capacity, the call sign 'Marine One' is used by the helicopter currently occupied by the President. As of 2012, a replacement helicopter fleet for the Sea King was pending under the VXX program.Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/06/08/342926/boeing-says-aw101-one-of-its-three-options-for-vxx.html "Boeing says AW101 one of its three options for VXX."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611091546/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/06/08/342926/boeing-says-aw101-one-of-its-three-options-for-vxx.html |date=11 June 2010 }} FlightGlobal.com, 8 June 2010. Retrieved: 10 June 2010.Cavas, Christopher P. [http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4589379&c=AIR&s=TOP "Former Competitors Join Forces for Helo Program."] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120729002646/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4589379&c=AIR&s=TOP |date=29 July 2012 }} Defense News, 19 April 2010. In 1992, the US Justice Department sued Sikorsky over allegations of overcharged component pricing and deliberately misleading US Navy negotiators."Sikorsky sued over alleged Sea King overcharges." Defense Daily, 1 July 1992. In 1997, the Justice Department issued further accusations against Sikorsky of willful overcharging on a contract to upgrade the Navy's Sea Kings.Pazniokas, Mark. [https://www.courant.com/1997/07/17/testimony-begins-in-sikorsky-trial/ "Testimony Begins In Sikorsky Trial."] Hartford Courant, 17 July 1997. In 2024, the VH-3D was replaced by the VH-92 Patriot as the Marine One helicopter.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-19 |title=Biden takes inaugural flight in long-delayed new 'Marine One' helicopter |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-presidential-helicopter-convention-marine-one-d260ca6dc141979003670189eaebe53b |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=AP News |language=en}}

During the 1990s, the Sea King was replaced in the ASW and SAR roles by the U.S. Navy with the newer Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk.Blair 2004, p. 44. However, the SH-3 continued to operate in reserve units in roles including logistical support, search and rescue, and transport. On 27 January 2006, the SH-3 was ceremonially retired at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, by Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2)."U.S. Navy Retires Sea Kings." Rotor & Wing, 15 March 2006. They have been replaced by increasingly advanced variants of the SH-60 Sea Hawk. In the early 21st century, following their drawdown in US service, there have been a number of initiatives to refurbish ex-military Sea Kings for continued operations; in addition to civil operators, nations such as Egypt and India acquired refurbished former US Sea Kings to supplement their own aging fleets."India Buys Six U.S. Navy Sea Kings." Sea Power, 1 February 2007.[http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,80989,00.html "Last U.S. Navy Sea King Helicopter Delivered."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125025944/http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,80989,00.html |date=25 November 2005 }} Navy News, 21 November 2005.[http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NAVAIRNewsStory&id=4136 "Former Presidential helicopter redelivered to the Egyptian Government."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925120353/http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NAVAIRNewsStory&id=4136 |date=25 September 2012 }} NavAir News, 17 June 2009.

File:SH-3 Sea King of HC-1 recovers Apollo 17 astronauts off USS Ticonderoga (CVS-14), 19 December 1972 (Ap17-S72-55974).jpg. {{USS|Ticonderoga|CV-14|2}} is in the background]]

File:Sikorsky HH-3A Sea King of HC-7 landing aboard USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), circa in the late 1960s.jpg

File:Sea King VH3A.jpg, a VH-3A "Sea King" that served in the Presidential fleet from 1961 to 1976, on permanent display at the Nixon Library ]]

File:Sikorsky SH-3G Sea King of HC-1 refuels from USS Bagley (FF-1069) on 9 March 1981 (6395673).jpg

;XHSS-2: The only prototype of the H-3 Sea King.Eden 2004, p. 410.

;YHSS-2: Pre-production S-61 aircraft, seven built for the U.S. Navy,Donald 1997, p. 843. re-designated YSH-3A in 1962.

;HSS-2: Original designation of the Sea King. Changed to SH-3A by the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system

;SH-3A : Anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the U.S. Navy; 245 built. Originally designated HSS-2.

;HH-3A: Combat search and rescue helicopter for the U.S. Navy. 12 converted from SH-3A.

;CH-3A: Military transport version for the U.S. Air Force; three converted from SH-3As into CH-3A configuration; they later became CH-3Bs.Eden 2004, p. 413.

;NH-3A (S-61F): Experimental high-speed compound helicopter, with extensive streamlining, no floats, short wings carrying two turbojet engines for extra speed; one converted from SH-3A.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}} Later modified with a tail rotor able to rotate 90° to serve as a pusher propeller; this helicopter demonstrated "Roto-Prop" pusher propeller for Sikorsky's S-66 design.Leoni 2007, pp. 26–28.

;RH-3A: Minesweeper helicopter for the U.S. Navy. Nine converted from SH-3A aircraft.

;VH-3A: VIP transport (Better known as Marine One or Army One 1957–76) helicopter for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps; originally designated HSS-2Z. Eight built, plus two SH-3A conversions rebuilt from damaged helicopters (one YHSS-2 and one SH-3A).{{Citation needed|date= April 2014}} The rest were returned to the U.S. Navy in 1975–76 and replaced by the VH-3D.

;CH-3B: Military transport helicopter for the U.S. Air Force.

;SH-3D: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the U.S. Navy. 73 built and two conversions from SH-3As.

;VH-3D: VIP Presidential transport helicopter (better known as Marine One) for the U.S. Marine Corps, 11 built. It entered service in 1976.Eden 2004, p. 411.

;SH-3G: Cargo, utility transport helicopter for the U.S. Navy. 105 conversions from SH-3A and SH-3D.

;SH-3H: Upgrade of the SH-3G as an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter for the U.S. Navy. It included SH-3G features with improvements for ASW, anti-ship missile detection and other airframe improvements. 163 SH-3A/D/Gs were upgraded to SH-3H configuration.

;SH-3H AEW: Airborne early warning version for the Spanish navy.

;UH-3H: Cargo, utility transport version for the U.S. Navy; converted from SH-3H by removing ASW systems.

;S-61: Company designation for the Sea King.

;S-61A: Export version for the Royal Danish Air Force. Wider pontoons without flotation bags, a 530-liter center tank instead of a dipping sonar and no automatic powered folding system.page 435 in Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1980, {{ISBN|0-531-03953-6}}

;S-61A-4 Nuri: Military transport, search and rescue helicopter for the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It can seat up to 31 combat troops. 38 built.

;S-61A/AH: Utility helicopter for survey work and search and rescue in the Antarctic.

;S-61B: Export version of the SH-3 anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.

;S-61D-3: Export version for the Brazilian Navy.

;S-61D-4: Export version for the Argentine Navy.

;S-61NR: Search and rescue version for the Argentine Air Force.

;S-61V: Company designation for the VH-3A. One built for Indonesia.

;S-61L/N:

{{Main|Sikorsky S-61}}

:Civil versions of the Sea King.

;S-61R:

{{Main|Sikorsky S-61R}}

:The S-61R served in the United States Air Force as the CH-3C/E Sea King and the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, and with the United States Coast Guard and the Italian Air Force as the HH-3F Sea King (more commonly referred to by the nickname "Pelican").United States, 1974, p. A-40; 1998, p. A-43; 2004, p. 43.

{{Main|CH-124 Sea King}}

File:CH-124 Sea King.jpg

;CH-124: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Royal Canadian Navy (41 assembled by United Aircraft of Canada).Durning, Michael. [https://web.archive.org/web/20070911183438/http://www.sfu.ca/casr/bg-helo-ch124-variants.htm "CH-124 Sea King Variants."] Canadian American Strategic Review (web archive). Retrieved: 18 April 2012.

;CH-124A: The Sea King Improvement Program (SKIP) added modernized avionics as well as improved safety features.

;CH-124B: Alternate version of the CH-124A without a dipping sonar but formerly with a MAD sensor and additional storage for deployable stores. In 2006, the five aircraft of this variant were converted to support the Standing Contingency Task Force (SCTF), and were modified with additional troop seats, and frequency agile radios. Plans to add fast-rope capability, EAPSNIPS (Engine Air Particle Separator / Snow & Ice Particle Separator) did not come to fruition.

;CH-124B2: Six CH-124Bs were upgraded to the CH-124B2 standard in 1991–1992. The revised CH-124B2 retained the sonobuoy processing gear to passively detect submarines but was also fitted with a towed-array sonar to supplement the ship's sonar. Since anti-submarine warfare is no longer a major priority within the Canadian Forces, the CH-124B2 were refitted again to become improvised troop carriers for the newly formed Standing Contingency Task Force.

;CH-124C: One CH-124 operated by the Helicopter Operational Test and Evaluation Facility located at CFB Shearwater. Used for testing new gear, and when not testing new gear, it is deployable to any Canadian Forces ship requiring a helicopter.

;CH-124U: Unofficial designation for four CH-124s that were modified for passenger/freight transport. One crashed in 1973, and the survivors were later refitted to become CH-124A's.

{{Main|Westland Sea King}}

File:SeaKing AEW 849Sqn CVN-73 1998.JPEG in 1998]]

File:1980 Seaking FGS Deutschland.jpg

The Westland Sea King variant was manufactured under license by Westland Helicopters Ltd in the United Kingdom, who developed a specially modified version for the Royal Navy. It is powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Gnome turbines (license-built T58s), and has British avionics and ASW equipment. This variant first flew in 1969, and entered service the next year. It was until 2017 also used by the Royal Air Force in a search and rescue capacity, and has been sold to many countries around the world.

;AS-61: Company designation for the H-3 Sea King built under license in Italy by Agusta.

;AS-61A-1: Italian export model for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

;AS-61A-4: Military transport, search and rescue helicopter.

;AS-61N-1 Silver: License built model of the S-61N, with a shortened cabin.

;AS-61R: version basing upon Sikorsky S-61R

;AS-61VIP: VIP transport helicopter.

;ASH-3A (SH-3G): Utility transport helicopter

;ASH-3D: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter. Flown by the Italian, Brazilian, Iranian, Peruvian and Argentinian navies.

;ASH-3TS: VIP, executive transport mission helicopter. Also known as the ASH-3D/TS, the Italian Air Force operated 2 from 1975 until 2012.{{cite web|url= http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/museoVdV/collezione_aeromobili/hangarSkema/Pagine/AgustaSikorsky.aspx|title= Agusta Sikorsky SH-3D/TS|publisher= aeronautica.difesa.it|year= 2014|access-date= 4 December 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141109184832/http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/museoVdV/collezione_aeromobili/hangarSkema/Pagine/AgustaSikorsky.aspx|archive-date= 9 November 2014|url-status= live}}

;ASH-3H: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter.Chant 1988, p. 356.

;S-61A: License-built version of the S-61A as Search-and-Rescue and Utility helicopters for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. 18 built.

;HSS-2: License-built version of the S-61B as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. 55 built.

;HSS-2A: License-built version of the S-61B (SH-3D) as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. 28 built.

;HSS-2B: License-built version of the S-61B (SH-3H) as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. 23 built.

File:Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King Users.png

File:Brazilian navy SH-3 Sea King (2).jpg

;{{ARG}}

• Argentine Naval Aviation{{cite web|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|title= World Air Forces 2018|publisher= Flightglobal Insight|year= 2018|access-date= 7 September 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180206123925/https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|archive-date= 6 February 2018|url-status= live}}

;{{IND}}

• Indian Navy

;{{INA}}

• National Disaster Management Authority – An S-61A is leased from Cardig Air.{{Cite web|date=18 March 2016|url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8225364|title=N5193Y Sikorsky S-61A Cardig Air|access-date=11 December 2020|website=jetphotos.com}}{{Cite web|date=19 July 2017|url=https://www.antaranews.com/berita/641389/bpbd-jambi-kedatangan-helikopter-pemadam-karhutla-tertunda|title=BPBD Jambi: Kedatangan helikopter pemadam karhutla tertunda|access-date=11 December 2020|website=antaranews.com|language=id}}{{Cite web|date=12 September 2019|url=https://wartaniaga.com/2019/09/helikopter-bnpb-mendadak-mendarat/|title=Helikopter BNPB Mendadak Mendarat|access-date=11 December 2020|website=wartaniaga.com|language=id}}

File:Iranian navy's sikorsky SH-3 sea king in velayat-90 naval exercise.jpg

;{{IRN}}

• Iranian Navy

;{{PER}}

• Peruvian NavyFile:SH 3D en Santander.jpg

;{{UKR}}

• Ukrainian Navy

;{{USA}}

• United States Marine Corps{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmx-1.htm |title= Marine Helicopter Squadron-1 (HMX-1) Nighthawks |publisher= globalsecurity.org |access-date= 23 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130402002804/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmx-1.htm |archive-date= 2 April 2013 |url-status= live }}
• HMX-1

File:51-8158 Sikorsky S-61 JSDF NGO 20MAY03 (8409035818).jpg]]

;{{VEN}}

• Venezuelan Army

;{{BRA}}

• Brazilian Navy

;{{CAN}}

• Royal Canadian Navy{{cite news|url= http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/848/|title= Royal Canadian Navy (1945–1968) |newspaper= Helis.com |access-date= 23 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140703024831/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/848/ |archive-date= 3 July 2014|url-status= live}} – transferred to Air Command in 1968
• Royal Canadian Air Force (See: CH-124 Sea King) – retired in December 2018{{cite web |last1= Jennings |first1=Gareth |title=Canada retires Sea King after 55 years |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85291/canada-retires-sea-king-after-55-years |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218174436/https://www.janes.com/article/85291/canada-retires-sea-king-after-55-years |archive-date=18 December 2018 |location= London |date=18 December 2018 |url-status=live}}

;{{flaglist|Denmark}}

• Royal Danish Air Force{{cite news|url= http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/346/|title= Flyvevåbnet H-3|newspaper= Helis.com|access-date= 23 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202185505/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/346/|archive-date= 2 February 2014|url-status= live}}{{cite web|url=http://www2.forsvaret.dk/nyheder/overige_nyheder/Pages/Helikoptermed45%C3%A5rp%C3%A5bageng%C3%A5rp%C3%A5pension.aspx|title=Danish Defence Website: Helicopters retired after 45 years (Article in Danish)|access-date=8 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018221801/http://www2.forsvaret.dk/nyheder/overige_nyheder/Pages/Helikoptermed45%C3%A5rp%C3%A5bageng%C3%A5rp%C3%A5pension.aspx|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/redningshelikopter-sendes-paa-pension|title=DR Broadcaster: Helicopters retired (Article in Danish)|date=16 June 2010|access-date=16 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923190754/http://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/redningshelikopter-sendes-paa-pension|archive-date=23 September 2016|url-status=live}}

;{{IRQ}}

• Iraqi Air Force{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202515.html |title= World's Air Forces 1987 pg. 65 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 23 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516145026/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202515.html |archive-date= 16 May 2013 |url-status= live }}

File:LACS N950DF Sea King.jpg's Rescue 5, flies offshore near Rancho Palos Verdes.]]

;{{ITA}}

• Italian Air Force{{cite web|title=Agusta Sikorsky SH-3D TS|url=http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/storia/museostorico/Pagine/AgustaSikorskySH3DTS.aspx|publisher=Aeronautica Militare|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715050655/http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/storia/museostorico/Pagine/AgustaSikorskySH3DTS.aspx|archive-date=15 July 2018|access-date=22 May 2019}} – retired in September 2014{{Cite web|title=Farewell HH-3F: i Pelican dell'Aeronautica Militare lasciano il servizio attivo|url=https://www.aviation-report.com/farewell-hh-3f-i-pelican-dellaeronautica-militare-lasciano-il-servizio-attivo/|last=Monteleone|first=Stefano|date=2014-09-29|website=Aviation Report|language=it-IT|access-date=2020-05-15}}
• Italian Navy – retired in June 2013{{Cite web|title=100 anni di Aviazione Navale: l'impiego del cielo a sostegno delle forze navali|url=https://www.aviation-report.com/100-anni-di-aviazione-navale-limpiego-del-cielo-a-sostegno-delle-forze-navali/|date=2013-07-10|website=Aviation Report|language=it-IT|access-date=2020-05-15}}

;{{JPN}}

• Japan Maritime Self Defense Force{{cite news |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/773/ |title=JMSDF S-61 |newspaper=Helis.com |access-date=23 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707093546/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/773/ |archive-date=7 July 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/formal/gallery/aircraft/rensyu/index.html|title=海上自衛隊航空機|access-date=9 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208163619/http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/formal/gallery/aircraft/rensyu/index.html|archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=live}}

;{{MAS}}

• Royal Malaysian Air Force – some helicopter transferred to Malaysian Army Aviation
• Malaysian Army Aviation – ex-RMAF, was assigned to No. 882 Squadron.

;{{SAU}}

• Royal Saudi Air Force{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202531.html |title= World's Air Forces 1987 pg. 81 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 23 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140201215842/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202531.html |archive-date= 1 February 2014 |url-status= live }}

;{{ESP}}

• Spanish Navy

;{{USA}}

• L.A. County Sheriff's Department{{cite web |url=http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/10/04/3-super-puma-helicopters-acquired-for-sheriffs-department-air-rescue-squad/ |title=3 Super Puma Helicopters Acquired For Sheriff's Department Air Rescue |date=4 October 2012 |publisher= CBS Local Media |access-date=2012-11-29 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121205041850/http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/10/04/3-super-puma-helicopters-acquired-for-sheriffs-department-air-rescue-squad/ |archive-date=5 December 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |title= LA County Sheriff Takes Delivery of First Modified Super Puma |magazine= Los Angeles Times |date= September 2012|page=C5}}
• United States Air Force{{cite web |last1=Brattland |first1=Harold A. |title=Texas Tower Helicopter Operations: The Final Two Years |url=http://www.usafhpa.org/texastowers/TTheliopsupdateJun2011.pdf |website=USAF Helicopter Pilot Association |access-date=7 January 2025}}
• United States Navy{{cite web|url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/sh-3.htm |title=US Navy SH-3| work = Global security |access-date=23 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402034246/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/sh-3.htm |archive-date=2 April 2013|url-status=live}}

Argentina

• 0675 – S-61D-4 on static display at the Argentine Naval Aviation Museum in Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires.{{cite web|title=Sea King |url=http://www.museoaeronaval.ara.mil.ar/Hangar%20N%C2%BA1/Hangar%20de%20Restauracion/Sea%20King/sea_king.htm|publisher=Museo de la Aviación Naval Armada Argentina|access-date=30 May 2017|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401200516/http://www.museoaeronaval.ara.mil.ar/Hangar%20N%C2%BA1/Hangar%20de%20Restauracion/Sea%20King/sea_king.htm|archive-date=1 April 2010}}{{cite web|title=Descanso del Rey del Mar |url=http://www.museoaeronaval.ara.mil.ar/Actualidad/Rey_del_Mar/Descanso_del_Rey_del_Mar.htm|publisher=Museo de la Aviación Naval Armada Argentina|access-date=30 May 2017 |language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307044215/http://www.museoaeronaval.ara.mil.ar/Actualidad/Rey_del_Mar/Descanso_del_Rey_del_Mar.htm|archive-date=7 March 2010}}

Denmark

• U-240 – S-61A on static display at the Danmarks Flymuseum in Skjern, Central Denmark.{{cite web|title=Sikorsky S-61A Sea King|url=http://flymuseum.dk/fly?id=226|publisher=Danmarks Flymuseum|access-date=30 May 2017|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003328/http://flymuseum.dk/fly?id=226|archive-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live}}

United States

File:SH-3 Sea King Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.tif

File:148999 Sikorsky SH3H Sea King.jpg

• 147140 – HH-3A on static display at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kekaha, Hawaii.{{Cn|date=October 2024}}
• 148038 – UH-3A on static display at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park, Maryland.{{cite web|title=Its reign in the fleet over, naval Sea King helicopter now rests at Pax Museum|url=http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NAVAIRNewsStory&id=5939|publisher=Naval Air Systems Command|access-date=30 May 2017|date=29 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904115428/http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NavairNewsStory&id=5939|archive-date=4 September 2016|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |title=Gallery 2 |url=https://www.paxmuseum.com/search-rescue-helicopter |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=Patuxent River Naval Air Museum |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Navy Serial Number Search Results |url=http://cgibin.rcn.com/jeremy.k/cgi-bin/gzNavySearch.pl?target=148038&series=3 |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=cgibin.rcn.com}}
• 148042 – UH-3H on static display at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.{{Cn|date=October 2024}}
• 148999 – SH-3H on static display at the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, California.{{cite web|title=SH-3H SeaKing|url=http://www.uss-hornet.org/visit-hornet/aircraft/sh-3h-seaking|publisher=USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum|access-date=30 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624003015/https://www.uss-hornet.org/visit-hornet/aircraft/sh-3h-seaking/|archive-date=24 June 2016}}
• 149006 – UH-3H on static display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.{{cite web|title=Helicopters|url=http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/helicopters|publisher=Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531024716/http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/helicopters|archive-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live}} It is painted as Apollo 11 recovery helicopter.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}
• 149695 – SH-3G on static display at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida.{{cite web|title=Aircraft Heritage Park|url=https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Regions/cnrse/installations/nas_jacksonville/about/history/aircraft_heritage_park1/|website=CNIC|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112083800/https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/nas_jacksonville/about/history/aircraft_heritage_park1.html|archive-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live}}
• 149711 – SH-3H on static display at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California.{{cite web|title=Aircraft Data Sheet |url=http://www.midwaysaircraft.org/acft/SH3.htm|website=Midway's Aircraft|access-date=30 May 2017|date=19 December 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206112153/http://midwaysaircraft.org/acft/SH3.htm|archive-date=6 February 2016}}
• 149738 – SH-3H on static display at the Hickory Aviation Museum in Hickory, North Carolina.{{cite web |title=Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King |url=http://www.hickoryaviationmuseum.org/aircraft/sikorsky-sh-3h-sea-king |website=Hickory Aviation Museum |access-date=14 November 2023}} It was previously on display at the Quonset Air Museum in North Kingston, Rhode Island.{{cite web|title=Exhibitions|url=http://www.quonsetairmuseum.com/index.php?page=exhibitions|publisher=The Quonset Air Museum|access-date=30 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026024437/http://www.quonsetairmuseum.com/index.php?page=exhibitions|archive-date=26 October 2016}}
• 149932 – SH-3G on static display at Patriots Point in Charleston, South Carolina.{{cite web|title=SH-3G SEA KING|url=http://www.patriotspoint.org/assets/pdf/aircraft/h-3_sea_king.pdf|website=Patriots Point|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114211518/https://www.patriotspoint.org/assets/pdf/aircraft/h-3_sea_king.pdf|archive-date=14 January 2017|url-status=live}}
• 150611 – VH-3A on static display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.{{cite web|title=AIR FORCE ONE|url=http://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/permanent-exhibitions/air-force-one|publisher=The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126154229/https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/permanent-exhibitions/air-force-one/|archive-date=26 January 2017|url-status=live}}
• 150613 – VH-3A on static display at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.{{cite web|title=VH-3 MARINE ONE|url=http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=vh-3|publisher=National Naval Aviation Museum|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705160746/http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=vh-3|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}}
• 150617 – VH-3A on static display at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California.{{cite web|title=The Helicopter|url=http://www.nixonlibrary.gov/themuseum/helicopter.php|publisher=Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906141830/http://www.nixonlibrary.gov/themuseum/helicopter.php|archive-date=6 September 2016|url-status=dead}}
• 156484 – SH-3D on static display at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.{{cite web|title=SH-3A SEA KING|url=http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=sh-3_sea|publisher=National Naval Aviation Museum|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705142406/http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=sh-3_sea|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}}
• 156501 – SH-3H on static display at Aviation Heritage Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.{{cite web |title=Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King |url=http://www.aviationheritagepark.com/aircraft/sikorsky-sh-3h-sea-king |website=Aviation Heritage Park |date=14 December 2020 |access-date=14 November 2023}}
• 159358 – VH-3D on static display at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas.{{cite news |last1=Wasel |first1=Megan |title=Retired Marine One Makes a Memorable Final Stop |url=http://www.navalaviationnews.navy.mil/Editorial-Staff-Tools/Article-Submission/Article-Display/Article/3901885/retired-marine-one-makes-a-memorable-final-stop |access-date=21 April 2025 |work=Naval Aviation News |date=13 September 2024}}

{{Expand section|date=April 2024}}

• Malaysia (Royal Malaysia Airforce)

{{further|:Category:Accidents and incidents involving the Sikorsky S-61}}

File:Sikorksy SH-3 Sea King drawing.svg

{{External media |width=20% |float= right |video1= [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaDkkD3NRNc SH-3 at NAS Oceana Airshow, 2004] |video2= [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhL4_snDcCM External and cockpit footage of Sea King start up and take off]}}

{{Aircraft specs

|ref= Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1979-80{{cite book |editor1-last= Taylor |editor1-first=John W. R. |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1979-80 |date=1979 |publisher=Franklin Watts |location=New York |isbn= 0-531-03915-3 |pages=440–41 |url= https://archive.org/details/janesallworldsai7980fran/page/n525/mode/1up |access-date=9 September 2021}}

|prime units?=kts

|crew=2 flight crew + 2 sonar operators

|capacity=(S-61A transport) 26 troops, or 15 stretchers, or 12 VIP passengers

|length ft=54

|length in=9

|length note=

|width ft=16

|width in=4

|width note=(rotors folded)

|height ft=16

|height in=10

|height note=

|empty weight lb=11865

|empty weight note=

|gross weight lb=18626

|gross weight note=(ASW mission)

|max takeoff weight lb=21500

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|lift lb=

|lift note=

|more general=

|eng1 number=2

|eng1 name=General Electric T58-GE-10

|eng1 type=turboshaft engines

|eng1 shp=1400

|eng1 sigfig=4

|eng1 note=(total power limited to {{cvt|2500|hp|sigfig=4}} by main gearbox){{cite web |title=S-61 |url=https://www.sikorskyarchives.com/S-61%20(HSS-2)%20Flupd.php |website=Sikorsky Archives |access-date=9 September 2021}}

|rot number=1

|rot dia m=

|rot dia ft=62

|rot dia in=0

|rot area sqft=3019

|rot area note=

• Blade section: NACA 0012{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url= https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig | publisher= U. Illinois |access-date=16 April 2019}}

|max speed kts=144

|max speed note=

|cruise speed kts=118

|cruise speed note=for max range

|never exceed speed kts=

|never exceed speed note=

|range nmi=542

|range mi=625

|range km=1005

|range note=with max fuel, 10% reserves

|combat range nmi=

|combat range note=

|ferry range nmi=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling ft=14700

|ceiling sigfig=3

|ceiling note=

|g limits=

|roll rate=

|climb rate ftmin=2200

|climb rate sigfig=3

|climb rate note=at sea level

|time to altitude=

|disk loading lb/sqft=

|disk loading note=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=

|power/mass=

|thrust/weight=

|more performance=

• (All performance figures at weight of {{cvt|20500|lb}})

|armament=

• Up to {{cvt|840|lb}} of weapons total
• 2× Mk 46/44 anti-submarine torpedoes (SH-3H)
• Various sonobuoys and pyrotechnic devices
• B57 nuclear depth charge

|avionics=

}}

{{Portal|Aviation}}

{{aircontent

|related=

• Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King
• Sikorsky S-61L/N
• Sikorsky S-61R
• Sikorsky HH-52 Seaguard
• Sikorsky S-67 Blackhawk
• Sikorsky S-72
• Westland Sea King

|similar aircraft=

• Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon
• Kaman SH-2 Seasprite
• Kamov Ka-25
• Mil Mi-14
• Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk
• Westland Lynx

|lists=

• List of active United States military aircraft

}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}

• Andrade, John. Militair 1982. London: Aviation Press, 1982. {{ISBN|0 907898 01 7}}
• Biass, Eric H. World Helicopter Systems. Geneva, Switzerland: Interavia Data, 1985.
• Bishop, Chris and Chris Chant. Aircraft Carriers. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Zenith Imprint, 2004. {{ISBN|0-7603-2005-5}}.
• Blair, Don. Splashdown! Nasa and the Navy. Nashville, Tennessee: Turner Publishing, 2004. {{ISBN|1-56311-985-4}}.
• Byers, R.B. The Denuclearisation of the Oceans. London: Taylor & Francis, 1986. {{ISBN|0-7099-3936-1}}.
• Chant, Christopher. A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware. London: Routledge, 1988. {{ISBN|0-7102-0720-4}}.
• Chesneau, Roger. Aeroguide 10: Westland Sea King HAR Mk 3. Essex, UK: Linewrights, 1985. {{ISBN|0-946958-09-2}}.
• DOD 4120.15-L Model Designation of Military Aircraft, Rockets, and Guided Missiles. Washington, D.C.: Department of Defense, 1974.
• DOD 4120.15-L Model Designation of Military Aircraft, Rockets, and Guided Missiles. Washington, D.C.: Department of Defense, 1998.
• DOD 4120.15-L Model Designation of Military Aircraft, Rockets, and Guided Missiles. Washington, D.C.: Department of Defense, 2004.
• Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7607-0592-5}}.
• {{Cite book|editor-last=Eden|editor-first=Paul|title=The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft|date=July 2006 |location=London|publisher=Amber Books, 2004|isbn=1-904687-84-9|ref={{harvid|Eden|2004}}}}
• Fieldhouse, Richard and Taoka Shunji. Superpowers at Sea: An Assessment of the Naval Arms Race. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1989. {{ISBN|0-19829-135-3}}.
• Frawley, Gerard. The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003–2004. Fyshwick, Australian Capital Territory: Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. {{ISBN|1-875671-58-7}}.
• Jackson, Robert, ed. "Sikorsky S-61/SH-3 Sea King." Helicopters: Military, Civilian, and Rescue Rotorcraft (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books Ltd, 2005. {{ISBN|1-84013-812-2}}.
• Lake, Jon. "Westland Sea King: Variant Briefing". World Air Power Journal, Volume 25, Summer 1996, pp. 110–135. London: Aerospace Publishing. {{ISBN|978-1-874023-79-1}}. {{ISSN|0959-7050}}.
• Leoni, Ron D. Black Hawk: The Story of a World Class Helicopter. Reston, Virginia: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007. {{ISBN|1-56347-918-4}}.
• Marolda, Edward J. By Sea, Air, and Land: An Illustrated History of the U. S. Navy and the War in Southeast Asia. Darby, Pennsylvania: DIANE Publishing, 1996. {{ISBN|0-7881-3250-4}}.
• McGowen, Stanley S. Helicopters: An Illustrated History of their Impact. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, 2005. {{ISBN|1-85109-468-7}}.
• Mutza, Wayne. Helicopter Gunships: Deadly Combat Weapon Systems. Specialty Press, 2010. {{ISBN|1-5800-7154-6}}.
• Uttley, Matthew. [https://books.google.com/books?id=vHAI5T-u9fUC&q=Sea+king&pg=PA12 Westland and the British Helicopter Industry, 1945–1960: Licensed Production versus Indigenous Innovation.] London: Routledge, 2001. {{ISBN|0-7146-5194-X}}.
• Williamson, Ronald M. Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, 1940–2000: An Illustrated History. Nashville, Tennessee: Turner Publishing, 2000. {{ISBN|1-5631-1730-4}}.

{{Refend}}

• {{Cite book |last1=Núñez Padin |first1=Jorge Felix |title=Sikorsky S-61D.4 & UH-3H Sea King |year=2014 |editor-first=Jorge Felix |editor-last=Núñez Padin |publisher=Fuerzas Aeronavales |series=Serie Aeronaval |volume=32 |language=es |location=Bahía Blanca, Argentina |url=http://www.fuerzasaeronavales.com/?product=sikorsky-s-61d-4-uh-3h-sea-king-serie-aeronaval-no32 |access-date=2014-08-25 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403144830/http://www.fuerzasaeronavales.com/?product=sikorsky-s-61d-4-uh-3h-sea-king-serie-aeronaval-no32 |archive-date=3 April 2015 }}

{{Commons|H-3 Sea King}}

• [http://www.flugzeuginfo.net/acdata_php/acdata_s61_en.php S-61 Specs & Photo on flugzeuginfo.net]
• [http://www.helis.com/database/model/53/ HELIS.com Sikorsky S-61/H-3/HSS-2 Database]

{{Sikorsky Aircraft}}

{{Sikorsky S-61 family}}

{{AircraftDesignationNavboxShell

|1={{USN helicopters}}

|2={{US helicopters}}

|3={{Italian military aircraft}}

|4={{Spanish helicopters}}

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{{Authority control}}

SH-3 Sea King

Category:United States military helicopters

Category:1950s United States anti-submarine aircraft

Category:1950s United States military utility aircraft

Category:Amphibious helicopters

Category:1950s United States helicopters

Category:Twin-turbine helicopters

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1959

Category:Anti-submarine helicopters

Category:Sikorsky S-61

Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear