Sikorsky Sea King SH-3A – Chink 69, HS-2, US Navy, Vietnam 1967

Corgi Aviation Archive 1/72 scale US33411: Sikorsky Sea King SH-3A in the superb markings of “Chink 69” of HS-2, US Navy during the Vietnam conflict. Excellent limited edition of only 1,600 pieces in battle-scarred paintwork. Complete with opening side door and optional undercarriage and rotor blades. Intended mainly for US issue, highly sought after and now hard to find.

Length 12.25 inches   Rotor Span 10.25 inches

This SH-3 (BuNo 148992) of HS-2 was flown by Lieutenant Steve Millikin when he rescued a downed pilot from Haiphong Harbor in North Vietnam while under enemy fire. Millikin earned a Silver Star for the mission.

The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King (company designation S-61) is a twin-engined anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter. It was a landmark design, being the first ASW helicopter to take advantage of turboshaft engines, as well as being the first amphibious helicopter in the world. Introduced in 1961, it served with the United States Navy, and remains in service in many countries around the world. The Sea King has been built under license in Italy and Japan, and in the United Kingdom as the Westland Sea King. The major civil versions are the S-61L and S-61N.

The SH-3 was used by the US Navy in a variety of roles from Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) to Search and Rescue. When operating in the ASW role, it carried a crew of four – one pilot, one copilot and two radar/sonar operators. The SH-3A was the first helicopter to fly nonstop across the United States, taking off from the USS Hornet in San Francisco and arriving at the USS Roosevelt 15 hours and 52 minutes later. The SH-3A set many speed records for helicopters, achieving speeds of up to 210 miles per hour in 1962.