The H-3H is a twin engine, all-weather helicopter. The SH-3H is used to detect, classify, track and destroy enemy submarines. It also provides logistic support and search and rescue capability. The UH-3H and VH-3 are configured for combat support roles.
The first version of this workhorse helicopter was flown more than 20 years ago. The Sea King is being replaced by SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopters as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The transition will last into the late 1990s. The Sea King then be converted to a search and rescue helicopter.
Contractor: Sikorsky
Unit Cost: $6.4 million
Propulsion: Two General Electric T58-GE-10 turboshaft engines
Length: 73 feet (21.9 meters)
Fuselage length: 54 feet, 9 inches (16.5 meters)
Height: 17 feet (5.1 meters)
Weight: 11, 865 lbs. (5,339 kg) empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 21,000 pounds (9,450 kg)
Range: 542 nautical miles (623.3 statute miles, 997 km.)
Ceiling: 14,700 feet (4,410 meters)
Cruising Speed: 136 miles (217.6 km) per hour
Crew: Four (Two pilots, one navigator, and one radar operator)
Armament: Two Mk-46 torpedoes
Date Deployed: First flight, March 1959; Operational, June 1961