Westland Seaking Mk7 | |
|---|---|
| Pays | Royaume-uni |
| Type | Hélicoptère |
Galerie de photos d’un Westland Seaking Mk7, The Westland WS-61 Sea King is a British licence-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines (derived from the US General Electric T58), British-made anti-submarine warfare systems and a fully computerised flight control system. The Sea King was primarily designed for performing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. A Sea King variant was adapted by Westland as troop transport known as the Commando.
Source: Westland Seaking Mk7 sur Wiki
| Westland Seaking | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Erik Gustavsson |
| Localisation | Inconnu |
| Photos | 35 |
Achetez-moi un café| Westland Sea King Mk.41 KWS (Sikorsky S-61) Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Burhand Donke |
| Localisation | Inconnu |
| Photos | 15 |
Voir aussi :
| Sea King Mk48 (RS05) Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Jean Thomas Rembert |
| Localisation | Inconnu |
| Photos | 41 |
An American Concept with a British Soul
While the Westland Sea King originated from the Sikorsky S-61 design, it was far more than a licensed copy. Westland re-engineered the aircraft specifically for the Royal Navy, replacing the American engines and flight systems with British technology. The result was a highly autonomous « chasseur-tueur » that didn’t need a mother ship to process its radar and sonar data. Beyond its anti-submarine roots, the Sea King became a national icon in the UK through its decades of service as the primary Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter, instantly recognizable in its bright yellow livery.
| Attribute | Technical Specification (Sea King HAS.5) |
|---|---|
| Rôle | ASW / SAR / Airborne Early Warning (AEW) |
| Crew | 2-4 (Pilots, Observer, Acoustic Warfare Officer) |
| First Flight | May 7, 1969 (First Westland build) |
| Groupe motopropulseur | 2 × Rolls-Royce Gnome H1400 turboshafts |
| Horsepower | 1,660 shp (1,238 kW) each |
| Vitesse maximale | 208 km/h (129 mph) |
| Endurance | Over 4 hours (Standard fuel) |
| Armement | 4 × Mk 46/44 torpedoes or depth charges |
Design Engineering: The Amphibious Hunter
- The Boat Hull: The Sea King features a sealed, boat-shaped lower fuselage. While not intended for regular water takeoffs, it allowed the helicopter to settle on the water in emergencies or during specialized naval operations.
- Rolls-Royce Gnome Engines: Unlike the American T58, the British « Gnome » engines were optimized for the damp, salty environments of the North Atlantic, providing high reliability for low-altitude hovering over the sea.
- Computerized Sonar: The British Sea King was the first to feature a fully integrated tactical data system. This allowed the crew to « dip » their sonar, track a submarine, and coordinate an attack entirely from the helicopter’s internal computer.
- Lla « Baggage » (AEW): Following the Falklands War, some Sea Kings were fitted with a massive, inflatable black dome on the side. This was a search radar that could be swung down in flight to detect low-flying enemy aircraft.
Legendary Careers: From War to Rescue
- Falklands War (1982): Sea Kings flew around the clock, performing anti-submarine screens, troop transport, and the « decoy » role—hovering near ships to lure away Exocet missiles with their large radar signatures.
- The Yellow Harvesters: For the British public, the Sea King is the « Yellow Helicopter. » Operated by the RAF and Royal Navy SAR units, these aircraft saved thousands of sailors and hikers, often in storms that grounded all other aircraft.
- Lla « King » in Ukraine: In 2022/2023, the UK donated several retired Sea Kings to Ukraine. Despite their age, they have been vital for maritime patrol and transport, proving the airframe’s enduring durability.
- The Prince’s Mount: Both Prince Charles and Prince William flew the Sea King during their military careers, with Prince William serving as a SAR pilot at RAF Valley.
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