The Sikorsky S-61 civilian and SH-3 military helicopters first flew in 1959. To date they are in military and civil use by numerous nations around the world and still going strong.
In addition to being produced in North America, the Sikorsky S-61 is also produced under license in Italy by Agusta and in Japan by Mitsubishi.
The military version of the Sikorsky S-61 was much used in an anti submarine capacity. It carries a search radar, prominently mounted in the nose of the aircraft. Additionally it may be equipped with a look down radar, generally mounted mid-ship on the underbelly. The helicopter has folding rotor blades which allow shipboard operation in confined spaces. The civilian Sikorsky S-61 can seat up to thirty and are widely used as transports for offshore oil platforms.
Through the years, the Sikorsky S-61 has been upgraded with more advanced avionics, increased fuel capacity, and more powerful engines. Payload capacity has more than doubled. The helicopter retains its capacity to put down in the water in case of an emergency. This is aided by its sponsons which housed flotation gear.
The last operational Sea King helicopter of the United States Navy was retired from its service on December 11, 2009. It was turned over to the USMC to be used for training purposes.
The U.S. State Department continues using the Sikorsky S-61 civilian version. To date they have purchased 29 of the helicopters.
A Sikorsky S-61, designated Marine One, is the official helicopter transport for the U.S. president.
Sikorsky S-61
Sikorsky S-61 in Navy colors from Century.
Century Helicopter has a rc Sikorsky S-61 fuselage that is 54" long, 12" high, 18 1/2" wide including sponsons, and uses .60 size engines.
All up weight is around 13 lbs. Tony Mejia built the nice example in U.S. Navy markings shown below.
If you would like to tell us about a rc Sikorsky S-61 or SH-3, please email us.
Sikorsky Sea King
