Aircraft Data Sheet: Sea King (1967)

First flight:	7th May 1969 (Westland Built)
Rotor diameter:	18.9m/62ft 0ins
Length:	22.15m/72ft 8ins
Max weight:	9,707kg/21,400lb
Max speed:	209kph/113knots
Power:	Two 1,500shp/1,119kW Rolls-Royce Gnome 1400 turboshafts
Accommodation:	Pilot plus three( ASW). Two + 28 troops
No Built:	330 (All versions)

Westland undertook to build the Sikorsky SH-3D under licence as the Sea King. The Westland version included several modifications to improve its use in the ASW role, and was subsequently adapted for SAR, Commando and AEW roles.

Four airframes were purchased from Sikorsky and modified to the British standard to take Rolls-Royce Gnome engines with electric fuel systems and a comprehensive electronic fit, including radar.

The first Sea King HAS MkI entered service with the Royal Navy in 1969, and has continued to serve in the anti-submarine role with a number of upgrades as HAS Mk2, 5 and 6. The Sea king has been delivered to Australia, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, India, Norway, Pakistan and Qatar. In total 330 Sea king have been built at Westland, Yeovil between the years of 1968 - 1990.