Farewell to an old friend – the RAF Sea King retires

When aviation enthusiasts look back at 2015 in the years to come, it will undoubtedly be dominated by a number of significant events. The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain was a major commemoration and throughout the year, many shows included displays to mark the achievements and sacrifices of the glorious few during the summer of 1940. Avro Vulcan XH558 thrilled Airshow audiences throughout 2015, before embarking on an ambitious and ultimately triumphant national tour, allowing as many people as possible to see her flying one last time. At the end of October and to the dismay of many enthusiasts, she finally brought an end to her spectacular 55 year flying career.

Without doubt, 2015 will also be remembered for the terrible tragedy that occurred at the Shoreham Airshow and affected so many people in the immediate area and around the UK. Although many of us thoroughly enjoy attending Airshows during the summer months, the safety of spectators and people in the surrounding area has to be the primary concern and the events of 2015 may have a significant impact on future Airshow events.

For this latest edition of Aerodrome we will be taking a look at the 2015 retirement of some much loved aircraft, that were almost allowed to slip away unnoticed after providing many years of steadfast service. Often regarded by the public as ‘Angels on our shoulders’, the Search and Rescue Sea King helicopters of both the RAF and the Royal Navy were some of the highest profile and instantly recognisable aircraft to have ever served our country. In Aerodrome edition 31, we will take a look at why these ageing helicopters were held in such high regard by the UK population.

Britain adopts a US classic

In the years that followed the end of the Second World War, the astonishing rate of technological development in aviation produced aircraft that were faster, larger and more capable than anything that had gone before them. Despite this high profile race for speed and destructive capability, one area of aviation development began to ascend above others for its versatility and operational effectiveness – the helicopter. As rotary technology became more reliable and heavy piston engines gave way to lighter and more powerful turbo-shaft powerplants, the undoubted potential of the helicopter became a reality and the latest machines were capable of performing roles that simply could not be carried out by other forms of aviation. With a multitude of military and civilian applications, the age of the helicopter had arrived.

At the forefront of world helicopter design and development, the US Sikorsky Company were awarded an important contract in 1957, to produce an all weather amphibious helicopter for the US Navy. Its main mission profile would be that of an anti submarine warfare aircraft to protect the US fleet, but the design proved to be flexible enough to take on a multitude of secondary roles, becoming one of the world’s most capable helicopters. The aircraft, which was known as the SH-3 Sea King, was produced with an amphibious hull and was capable of landing on water, as well as the more usual decks of US Navy ships. Powered by a twin turboshaft arrangement, the Sea King was a large machine, capable of carrying large loads of men, equipment, or general supplies and was a genuine revolution in naval aviation. When it entered service in 1961, the Sea King was the most advanced aircraft of its type in the world and the US Navy had a highly capable aeroplane.

A US Navy Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King in action

Sikorsky were keen to build on the success of their new helicopter and they developed a civilian version of the aircraft, which was designated S-61. The Sea King was also of great interest to overseas air arms, particularly those that operated large naval forces, who were all keen to obtain this extremely capable helicopter. In Britain, an existing licence agreement between Westland Helicopters and Sikorsky to build their helicopters in the UK was extended to include the SH-3 Sea King, not long after the first flight of the prototype aircraft. Even at this early stage, the potential of this new helicopter was clearly evident and Britain was keen to secure large numbers.

Britain’s Sea Kings – the same, but different!

From the outside, Westland-manufactured Sea King helicopters displayed the same classic lines of the original aircraft, but internally they were very different machines. As soon as the licence agreement was in place, Westland began to develop the design, determined to integrate systems specific to British requirements and including technology from numerous British Companies. Perhaps the most significant difference came with the choice of powerplant – a pair of Rolls Royce Gnome engines replaced the original General Electric T58-GE-10 Turboshafts. Other internal differences included the inclusion of an automatic flight control system and a powerful search radar unit, along with the general fitting out of the new helicopter being handled by home-based businesses.

Operationally, although British and US Sea Kings were both called upon to perform the important anti-submarine warfare role, they were operated in very different ways. US Sea Kings were integrated under the tactical control of the aircraft carrier on which they were based, but these vessels were much larger and arguably much better equipped than their British counterparts. The British machines operated very differently and were required to be much more autonomous – Sea King crews often operated alone and were required to coordinate search and attack situations with other aircraft, or surface vessels, when required. They also had a slightly different crew arrangement on British machines, as the observer on board the Sea King would be acting as sortie controller, as opposed to the pilot.

A Westland built Sea King HAS.1 of the Royal Navy

The highly capable Westland Sea King was selected by the Royal Navy to meet their requirement for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter to replace the venerable old Westland Wessex and they placed an order for sixty aircraft in the summer of 1966. The first Westland built Sea King, which was designated Sea King HAS.1 flew on 7th May 1969 from their factory at Yeovil and the first Royal Navy machines were delivered to No.700 NAS (Operational Evaluation Unit) at RNAS Yeovilton later the same year.

As the Sea King became established in Royal Naval service, it became clear that the aircraft was extremely capable and highly adaptable. As a consequence of this flexibility, the Sea King would be destined to fulfil a variety of additional roles above that of the original ASW support for which it was intended and would benefit from successive upgrades during a long and illustrious service career.

Search and Rescue Sea Kings

Westland Sea King HAR.3 ZE370 at RAF Valley

Even though Westland Helicopters eventually produced well over 300 Sea Kings, a relatively small number of these machines were to become some of the highest profile aircraft to ever serve with Britain’s armed forces. The robust and stable design of the Sea King made it an ideal aircraft to perform the dedicated Search & Rescue role in the UK and Westland developed a number of Sea Kings specifically for this task. Designated HAR.3 and produced for the Royal Air Force, the Search and Rescue Sea Kings were fitted with highly advanced search and navigation equipment and were capable of operating in this demanding role in all weather and at night. Importantly, the aircraft were also equipped with a powerful autopilot and on-board computer system, which would allow the Sea King to position and hover above a rescue situation, allowing for the safe extraction of the casualty, or casualties. With a crew of four, the Sea King was capable of carrying up to six stretchers, or 18 casualties. Equipped with a powerful hydraulic winch with 75 metres of steel cable, this could deliver the winchman to most rescue locations and could lift up to three people simultaneously. The winch operator would normally be a trained paramedic and would be able to administer immediate first-aid either at the rescue site itself, or as soon as the casualty was presented in the aircraft – the Sea King was equipped with an extensive array of life saving medical equipment.

The RAF HAR.3 Sea Kings entered service in 1978, where they replaced the Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 in providing search and rescue cover for the United Kingdom. The highly demanding nature of flying Search and Rescue operations across Britain dictated that Sea King crews were some of the most capable airmen in the country and very much regarded as specialist aircrew. They would receive constant training to prepare them for every possible rescue scenario and as new equipment became available, such as night vision goggles, they were trained to use this latest technology. Critical to the effectiveness of the service, the UK SAR force forged excellent links with other rescue agencies, such as Mountain Rescue Teams and HM Coastguard units, to ensure that any rescue situation was dealt with as effectively as possible.

Maintaining a 24 hour Search and Rescue service covering the entire UK mainland and surrounding coastal areas, a total of twelve helicopter rescue units were strategically positioned at bases around the UK to maximise their response times to any potential situation. Comprising RAF, Navy and Coastguard helicopter units, crews were required to get airborne at short notice in the event of a rescue scramble and even though they would often be heading towards a situation that could be extremely hazardous for them, there would be no consideration for their own safety until the casualties were safely on board the aircraft. Whether it was the crew of a ship adrift in stormy seas, or an injured climber on one of Britain’s mountains, a SAR Sea King was usually the most effective way in which to attempt a rescue, but if this were not possible, it would act as rescue coordinator.

Sentinels of the sky – the distinctive RAF SAR Sea King

The RAF SAR force was primarily established to provide rescue assistance to aircrew, or other military personnel who found themselves in difficulties, however the vast majority of rescue scrambles would actually be to assist members of the public who were in dangerous situations. As the helicopter is usually the fastest and most effective way to attend any rescue situation, the yellow Sea Kings of the Royal Air Force and the red and grey machines of the Royal Navy became highly visible indicators that help was on the way. There is no doubt that a great many people owe their lives to the SAR Sea Kings and their valiant crews. As many of these rescue incidents were seen on either national, or local news programmes, the SAR Sea Kings became familiar to most of the UK population and are very much associated with saving peoples lives – when you find yourself in a perilous situation, a Sea King would soon be there to help! For this reason and because of the nature of the work they did, the rescue Sea Kings of the RAF were always held in extremely high regard by the people of Great Britain, which was a fact not lost on the crews. When they were conducting general patrols anywhere in the country, but especially around Britain’s coastline, they could count on many admiring glances in their direction and copious amounts of waving from appreciative holidaymakers who were secretly hoping that they never had to call upon their services. These genuinely did become some of the best loved aircraft to have ever served in Britain’s armed forces.

2015 and the end of an era

This was probably the last time that I would sea an RAF Sea King at Valley

There can be no doubting that after almost 38 years of service, the SAR Sea Kings of both the RAF and the Royal Navy were beginning to show their age, but as news began to circulate that these revered aircraft were soon to be retired, aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike expressed their dismay at the prospect. If this were not a difficult prospect to come to terms with, the Government also announced plans that the Search and Rescue responsibilities of the RAF and Navy would be passed to a civilian organisation, in conjunction with HM Coastguard. The famous yellow Sea King helicopters loved by the British public would be replaced by modern machines operated by Bristow Helicopters, in the red and white livery of the Coastguard. Even though there is no doubting that this service will be equally as effective as the military operated SAR service, the thought of losing the distinctive Search and Rescue Sea Kings we had all grown so fond of caused many people to question this radical decision.

Since this announcement was made public, there have been a number of articles published, which suggest that this demanding role would be more effective if it remained under military control. The counter argument is that nostalgia will not save lives, but more modern and capable helicopters will and the new service would enhance the effectiveness of Britain’s SAR capability and bring a much needed equipment upgrade. Indeed, many of the former RAF and Navy SAR crews will man the new Bristow’s helicopters and will bring their professionalism and experience with them. Despite these facts, the yellow Sea Kings of the Royal Air Force and the red and grey machines of the Royal Navy will be sorely missed.

With all the other aviation developments taking place during 2015, the withdrawal of the SAR Sea Kings has passed largely unnoticed, which seems surprising considering the affection in which these aircraft are held and the magnificent service they have given over the past 38 years. At this current time, RAF Sea Kings have already been withdrawn from service and the last remaining Navy machines will soon follow them into the aviation history books. From a personal perspective, the inevitability of the situation manifested itself during August this year, whilst I was attending the Valley Aviation Society Enthusiasts Day – RAF Valley was home to ‘C’ Flight of No.22 Squadron and their Sea King HAR.3A helicopters. Many of us were pleasantly surprised to see one of their beautiful yellow aircraft in the small static display that had been set out for our visit and it quickly became the centre of attention, as we all tried to get a last few photographs of one of these iconic aircraft. Unfortunately, its immediate future quickly became apparent to us and it did not make for a pretty sight – on the far side of the airfield, outside the 22 Squadron facility, a dismantled Sea King had been lashed onto two low-loaders and was being prepared for its final journey. As the convoy made one final slow circuit of the airfield, before heading for the A55 North Wales Expressway, a distinctly sombre atmosphere descended on the group. Even though the delightful old Sea Kings were now a little long in the tooth, this was still an extremely sad thing to see and we can only hope that this particular aircraft ends up in one of Britain’s many aviation museums.

A sad sight indeed. The end of the line for RAF Sea King helicopters

A Sea King leaves RAF Valley for the last time

End of an era - an RAF SAR Sea King makes its way past the RAF Valley gate guardian Hunter
As many enthusiasts were aware that the RAF Sea Kings were due for imminent withdrawal from service, any opportunity they had to photograph one this year was gratefully accepted. With examples turning up at a number of Airshows during 2015, these will now be the last pictures of these much loved helicopters we have in our collections and as such, these final images will be jealously guarded for posterity. In the years to come, we will surely grow to love the new Bristow helicopters, but it remains to be seen if they will ever be viewed with the same affection as the venerable old Sea Kings.

Britain’s Civilian SAR Future

As the RAF Sea King helicopters have already been withdrawn from service, many people will have already seen one of the new Coastguard liveried SAR helicopters of the Bristow’s fleet. The UK SAR contact began in April this year and will run until 2026, when it will probably be put out for tender again. Bristow helicopters have a proud heritage in providing first class SAR services in the UK and were the most suitable organisation to fulfil this highly specialised and demanding role, once it was decided to relinquish military control of this service. Once the final Royal Navy SAR Sea Kings are retired next year, Bristow helicopters will have the sole responsibility for providing the UK’s helicopter search and rescue service. Operating from 10 strategically located bases across the UK, they have been positioned close to known SAR hotspots, to enable the most efficient use of the assets at their disposal. Seven of the bases are totally new facilities, with the remaining three being upgraded existing Bristow helicopter bases – they will cover the entire UK SAR area, from bases at Newquay in the south, to Sumburgh in the north.

The future for Britain’s Search and Rescue service (Image courtesy of HM Coastguard)

The helicopters operated by Bristow’s in the SAR role are some of the most advanced machines available and will bring enhanced features and reliability to this important service. The Sikorsky S-92 is the most advanced helicopter in Sikorsky’s civilian product line and is certified to the most stringent operating standards. Setting new standards in reliability, the S-92s have a twin hoist system, comprehensive medical suite and the capability to carry up to 21 people. It also supports the use of night vision equipment and has a high tech ‘glass cockpit’.

The Bristow’s fleet will also feature the Augusta/Westland AW189, which is the very latest SAR helicopter produced by this manufacturing consortium. Slightly smaller than the S-92, this is a highly capable machine, produced specifically to perform the highly demanding SAR role and possessing excellent range and endurance credentials. Both of these new Search and Rescue helicopters will wear the distinctive red and white livery of the HM Coastguard service and as they take over sole responsibility for Britain’s SAR cover during 2016, we can expect these aircraft to become familiar to the entire population in the years to come. As their use will usually mean danger for someone, we can only hope that their services will not be called upon too many times in the future!

The Sea King in the Corgi Aviation Archive range

Corgi Sea King HAR.3 AA33420, as flown by HRH Prince William

As one of the worlds most famous helicopters, it did not take Corgi long to introduce the mighty Sea King in to their successful 1/72nd scale Aviation Archive range and it has proved to be one of the most popular die-cast helicopter model tooling’s in the history of the hobby. The first Corgi Sea King was released in 2002 and marked a Royal Navy HAS.2 machine that took part in the Falklands conflict. Since this first model was produced, the Sea King has been a popular subject in the range, with a large number of models, in a wide variety of liveries being produced over the years.

Without doubt, the most popular liveries have been the Search and Rescue Sea Kings of the RAF and Royal Navy and even though these models were produced in relatively large numbers, they all reside in the collections of die-cast model enthusiasts across the world and very rarely come up for sale on the secondary market. The last Corgi Sea King to be released was AA33419 and presented the collector with a Royal Navy HU.5 variant in the distinctive red and grey SAR scheme, operating from RNAS Prestwick, in Scotland. This fantastic release followed in the footsteps of so many of the previous Corgi Sea King releases and sold out in super quick time, leaving the current range without an example of this famous helicopter. With the imminent launch of the January to June 2016 catalogue, many collectors will be hoping that a Sea King will once again be available in the Aviation Archive range.

Newly tooled Sea King is a triumph for Airfix

The beautiful artwork featured on the box of the new Airfix Royal Navy Sea King HC.4

2015 has been another significant year for Airfix, as they continue to increase their range of models with newly tooled examples of some of the world’s most famous aircraft. Utilising the very latest design and development technologies to produce models with exceptional levels of detail, the range has further expanded this year with the announcement of a magnificent new Westland Sea King tooling. Not content with producing one version of this famous British helicopter, the modeller will be presented with two new Sea King models to choose from. The first release from this new tooling will be A04056 Westland Sea King HC.4 Commando, of the Royal Navy – this magnificent model features exceptionally high levels of detail and a number of construction options for the modeller to consider whilst building their model. Due to arrive in the New Year, you can see more images and check the latest release information by heading for the Airfix website.

Computer rendered CAD image of the new RAF Sea King HAR.3

To mark the service withdrawal of the much loved RAF Search and Rescue Sea King helicopters, Airfix have also announced A55307 Westland Sea King HAR.3, which includes decal options to finish the model as a ‘C’ Flight, No.22 Squadron machine from RAF Valley. In fact, this option allows the modeller to finish their kit in the livery of an aircraft flown by HRH Prince William, whilst he was based at RAF Valley in the SAR role. This model comes as one of the popular Airfix Gift Set options and is due to be released in March 2016 – again, you can find out more details and keep up to date with all the latest release information by heading for the Airfix website. Both of these new Sea King models have been produced in 1/72nd scale and look destined to feature in many build projects during 2016, as British enthusiasts prepare for life without our beloved Sea Kings.

That’s it for yet another edition of Aerodrome. With an aircraft as popular as the Sea King, I am sure that many of our readers will have pictures and stories related to this week’s feature and it would be great if you would share them with us. For next year, we will be looking to feature a number of reader stories within Aerodrome and it could be your story that ends up on the Hornby website – if you have an interesting aviation related story, please drop us a line.

As usual, we are always keen for readers to discuss our latest blog either on the Airfix Aerodrome Forum or Corgi Aerodrome Forum. If you have any specific comments, questions or suggestions for future editions of Aerodrome, please feel free to let us know via Airfix or Corgi Facebook, or on Airfix or Corgi Twitter using #aerodrome.

Until next week, thank you very much for reading.

Michael

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