H-3 Sea King




The H-3 is a twin engine, all-weather helicopter. The SH-3H model is used by the Navy Reserves to detect, classify, track and destroy enemy submarines. It also provides logistical support and a search and rescue capability. The UH-3H model is utility configured for logistical support and search and rescue missions. The VH-3A model supports the Executive Transport Mission. The first version of this workhorse helicopter was flown more than 35 years ago. The Sea King has been replaced by the SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopters as the anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The transition was completed in the mid 1990s. The remaining Sea King helicopters have been configured for logistical support and search and rescue missions.

H-3 AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION

Contractor:

Sikorsky Aircraft, Division of United Technologies

Type:

  • General purpose, single rotary wing, twin turbine powered helicopter with emergency amphibious capabilities
  • Available in Anti-Submarine Warfare (SH-3H/D) and Utility (UH-3H/SH-3G) configurations

Power Plant:

  • SH-3H/UH-3H: Two General Electric T-58-GE-402 turboshaft engines. Each engine can produce approximately 1,500 shaft horsepower. Standard since 1991.
  • SH-3D: Two General Electric T58-GE-10 turboshaft engines. Each engine can produce approximately 1,400 shaft horsepower.
  • SH-3G: Two General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft engines. Each engine can produce approximately 1,250 shaft horsepower.

Accommodations:

  • SH-3H/D: Crew of four (two pilots, two sensor operators) and up to three passengers
  • UH-3H/SH-3G: Can be configured for up to 15 passengers in addition to the aircrew

Performance:

  • SH-3D/H helicopters are capable of airspeeds up to 120 KIAS.
  • Endurance varies between 3.5 and 5.5 hours depending on the mission.
  • Maximum allowable weight (SH-3H/UH-3H): 21,000 pounds
  • Maximum allowable weight (SH-3D): 20,500 pounds
  • Maximum allowable weight (SH-3G): 19,100 pounds
  • Provisions for carrying up to 6,000 pounds of external loads can be added.

Countermeasures:

Not applicable

Armament:

  • Two MK-46/44 anti-submarine torpedoes
  • Various sonobouys and pyrotechnic devices

Mission and Capabilities:

  • Class IB aircraft designed for both shore- and ship-based operations
  • U.S. Navy missions have included anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and miscellaneous utility roles, including limited external cargo capability.
  • In the ASW role, major sensors include: AQS-13 and AQS-18 dipping sonar systems, various sonobuoys, and the ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detector. In addition, airborne search and weather radar have been mounted on the radar.
  • Fully configured instruments for all weather operations
  • Capable of automatic approach to a stabilized sustained hover
  • The Teledyne AQS-123 TACNAV, a Doppler-based tactical navigation system, is installed in the SH-3H and UH-3H.
  • Provisions for installation of a Global Position System (GPS) are being added to some models.

 

posted by Urooj Salman on 12:42 PM under

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