Westland Sea King HAR.3

Developed as a licence-built version of the Sikorsky S-61, the Westland Sea King was once a common sight over the UK. Produced as a battlefield transport and as a Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter, the Sea King was an export success and can still be found today in service with some militaries. Retired British examples have been donated to Ukraine who actively use them on the battlefield. In UK service, the SAR Sea King fleet was replaced by a private contract in 2015 and the commando assault mission was taken over by the Merlin.

22 Squadron flew the Sea King HAR.3 as the RAF’s primary SAR helicopter until 2026 and their crews which included the Prince of Wales were well known for their daring rescue missions. Historic Helicopters based in Chard have been acquiring retired British-made helicopters and returning them to airworthy status, their fleet currently includes ex-RAF, Royal Navy and Belgian Air Force examples of the Whirlwind, Wessex, Sea King, and Lynx.

Historic Helicopters will be providing one of their ex-RAF Sea King HAR.3 for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo.

Photo Credit: Andrew Evans