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The Westland Sea King is a licence-built
version of the US Sikorsky S-61. The Royal Navy's HAS Mark 1 aircraft's
first flight was in 1969. Since that time, the aircraft has been
extensively upgraded and passed through a series of Marks.
The AEW 2 is used for airborne early-warning and is a Sea King HAS Mark
2 fitted with a Thorn EMI Search Water Radar carried in a radardome that
can be swivelled down underneath the aircraft for operational searches.
A detachment of 3 x AEW 2 aircraft generally deploys with each aircraft
carrier.
The Sea King HC4 (Commando) is a tactical military helicopter capable of
transporting 28 fully equipped troops or 6,000 lbs (2,720 kg) as an
internal load. Carrying 28 troops the aircraft has a range of about 246
miles (396 km). The first HC4 deliveries were made to the Royal Navy in
1979.
The Mk 5 aircraft in service with 771 Sqn are SAR aircraft (Search &
Rescue). RN SAR aircraft are stationed at Prestwick and Culdrose.
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Sea King HC 4 Specifications |
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Crew |
1 x pilot and 1 x
aircrewman |
|
Fuselage Length |
22m |
|
Width |
3.78m |
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Height |
4.72m |
|
Weight (empty) |
6201kg |
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Max Take-off
weight |
9525kg |
|
Rotor Diameter |
18.9m |
|
Cruising Speed |
208km/h (129mph) at
sea level |
| Service Ceiling |
1,220m |
| Engines |
2 x Rolls Royce Gnome H
1400 IT turboshafts mounted side by side above the cabin |
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