Sea King HAR Mk3 Helicopter RAF

The Westland Sea King HAR Mk3 Helicopter entered RAF service in 1978 and the Mk3A in 1996; both marks of aircraft are used in the Search and Rescue (SAR) role. The aircraft are operated from six locations around the UK, with each location supporting two aircraft. There is also a detachment of two Sea King HAR3s Helicopter providing SAR cover in the Falkland Islands. The SAR squadrons provide 24-hour cover around the UK and the Falkland Islands throughout each year. Each squadron maintains a 15-minutes readiness state during daylight hours and a 45-minutes readiness state during the hours of darkness.

For the search aspect of its role, the Sea King Helicopter is able to operate to precise navigational standards and is fitted with a multi-band homing system, satellite navigation systems, a search radar, a comprehensive avionics suite and a large selection of radios. For its rescue role, the aircraft is equipped with a hydraulically-operated main rescue hoist, an electrically-operated emergency rescue hoist and electrical connections suitable for powering medical equipment such as incubators.

The SAR fleet of Sea Kings will shortly be fitted with a video/infrared detection pod, which is similar to the equipment used by police helicopters, to help search for casualties. All SAR crews are trained to operate using night-vision goggles over unfamiliar terrain. The standard SAR crew is made up of four members: two pilots, one of whom is the aircraft captain, a radar operator who acts as the winch operator at the rescue scene and a winchman, normally trained to paramedic standard, who will supply immediate first-aid and recovery services at the rescue site.

Specifications
Powerplant: Two Rolls-Royce Gnome turboshaft
Thrust: 2778shp combined
Length: 22.15m (72ft 8ins)
Fuselage length: 14.4m (47ft 3ins)
Width: 4.98m (116ft 4ins)
Height: 5.13m (16ft l0ins)
Rotor span: 18.90m (62ft 2ins)
Max T/O weight: 9705kg (21,350lbs)
Max speed: l25kts (144mph)
Max altitude: 10,000ft