The Sea King helicopter, designed in the United States and manufactured under license by Agusta Westland in Britain, has been in service for more than 25 years in navies and air forces of many countries, most of them NATO members. Powered by two Rolls Royce engines, the single-rotor helicopter can fly at a maximum speed of 232 km per hour. With six flexible bag fuel tanks, the helicopter can cruise at 1,500 km. The ferry range can be extended to 1,750 km with an additional fuel tank.

The helicopter has been used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue operations (SAR), and airborne early warning (AEW). It could carry four torpedoes and two anti-ship missiles, either Sea Eagle or Exocet. The SAR Sea Kings are equipped with a hydraulic hoist, and the cabin can hold up to 22 survivors or nine stretchers and two medical officers. For early warning, a search water radar fitted on the helicopter can detect low flying aircraft trying to attack surface ships while flying under conventional ship-born radar cover.

A variant of the Sea King helicopter was used to transport troops for logistic support. The helicopter's total load capacity could reach 3,692 kg and it had seats for up to 28 fully equipped troops. Special dark green versions of the Sea King were used by the US Marine Corps to shuttle US presidents from the White House around the Washington area. Features detailed interiors with pilot figures, sliding doors, authentic insignia, interchangeable undercarriage, and flying and static rotor options. SH-3A, 151526 served with MX14 Squadron at Quantico Marine Corps Air Station, Maryland, in 1970.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a US Navy Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1) "Fleet Angels," then embarked upon the USS Hancock (CVA-19) during 1970s. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Rotorspan: 10-1/4-inches

Release Date: April 2026

Historical Account: "Angels" - Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1) was a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy operating several helicopter types in support of United States Pacific Fleet ships and other units. The squadron was established on 1 April 1948 and disestablished on April 29th, 1994. It was nicknamed "Pacific Fleet Angels" or just "Angels".

Early experience with helicopters by the Navy was developed by Helicopter Development Squadron THREE (VX-3) which operated out of Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey. This led to the creation of the service's first two designated helicopter squadrons, Helicopter Utility Squadron (HU-1) and HU-2 on 1 April 1948.

As the Navy changed the scope of roles for its utility helicopter squadrons, it also re-designated them Helicopter Combat Support Squadrons. HU-1 was duly re-designated HC-1 on 1 July 1965.

Performing SAR and flying SH3G and CH53E helos, HC-1 operated out of Naval Air Station North Island - NASNI - in Coronado, CA. Fleet Angels. So Others May Live.

A detachment of HC-1 participated in Operation Desert Storm aboard USS Tarawa and during its return played a key role assisting civilians in aftermath of the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone.