Westland Sea King Search and Rescue Helicopter

The Westland Sea King originates from the American-built Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King, which was initially designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare and other naval duties. It’s an extremely versatile helicopter and has been used in a multitude of roles such as Search and Rescue (as this yellow RAF one is), troop transport and Airborne Early Warning. The type has been operated by several other countries throughout the world including Germany, India, Australia and Canada to name but a few. Yellow RAF Search and Rescue Sea Kings such as this one here were a familiar sight over the skies of Wales, where they operated from RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey. The type also played a pivotal role in the 1982 Falklands War, conducting anti-submarine patrols and ferrying both men and equipment to and from the islands, from the British Task Force Fleet. Many countries have started to phase-out the Sea King in favour of more modern types such as the Agusta Westland AW101 Merlin.