Westland “Sea King” Mk. 41 – the British/German rescue helicopter

The Sikorsky “Sea King” helicopter first flew in 1959 and entered service in the US Navy in 1961 as the HSS-2. In 1962, due to the unification of markings, these helicopters began to be designated H-3, to which are added markings, indicating the purpose. Initially, these helicopters were intended exclusively for anti-submarine warfare, later - for combat against conventional fleets, rescue helicopter, as well as a transport and communications machine. Westland "Sea King" - British modified, licensed version of the US Sikorsky SH-3 "Sea King", produced since 1969. British copies replaced American engines with British-made Rolls-Royce "Bristol Gnome", and also installed British-made avionics and anti-submarine warfare equipment. Its further development took place independently of the American versions, which is why many versions and variants of this helicopter are now in service. In addition to the main anti-submarine warfare version, anti-conventional warfare, early warning (AEW) and rescue (SAR) versions are produced. In addition, the helicopter is adapted for the transportation of military units, fire support and electronic jamming operations. Sea Kings have been exported to Australia, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, India, Norway, Pakistan and Qatar. Since 1975, 23 “Sea Kings” have been in service with the Marine-flieger (Marine Aviation), which entered Marinefliegergeschwadeer 5, based at the Kiel-Holtfenau base on the Kiel Canal. Maritime rescue was the main task of this unit for many years. The machines on duty were waiting for a call at the Westerland, Borkum and Parow bases and on the island of Heligoland. In the late 80s, the German “Sea Kings” were adapted for more combat missions, installing “Sea Spray” radars, radar warning systems, electronic jamming equipment and arming them with “Kormoran” air-to-water missiles. “Sea Kings” are now also used for transport purposes by the Bundesmarine, Luftwaffe and Bundeswehr in peacetime operations. They were first used in this role during the Persian Gulf War. Together with “Tornado” fighters, “Atlantic” aircraft and “Lynx” deck helicopters, they can be used in rapid response forces.

A fairly large model of a large helicopter with full interior detailing. Also excellently detailed landing gear, rotors, exterior detailing. Even without the interior equipment detailing, model is intended only for medium-experienced and experienced modelers, and even for them it will not be easy. There is no color reserves, the textual instruction is large, detailed and informative in Polish, the graphical one is perhaps a bit too small, but also informative. The model recreates the Marinefliegergeschwader 5 Kriegsmarine from the Kiel-Holtfenau base rescue helicopter Westland "Sea King" Mk. 41.  Antiquarian publication.