Ukraine officially receives British Sea King helicopters


According to information published by Военный Осведомитель on January 21, 2023, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has announced the arrival of Sea King helicopters in Ukraine. The aircraft were handed over to the naval forces.
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Russian Vyborg Shipyard laid the Purga ice class coastguard ship of project 23550 925 001 Sea King helicopter. (Picture source: Военный Осведомитель)


The Sea King is a British military helicopter that was primarily used for maritime search and rescue operations. It was first introduced into service in 1969 and was in active service with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy until 2018. It was also used by several other countries, including Canada, Australia, India and Belgium. It was known for its reliability and versatility, and was used in a wide range of roles, including anti-submarine warfare, troop transport, and search and rescue.

The helicopter is a twin-engine, single-rotor helicopter that was manufactured by Westland Helicopters, a subsidiary of the British company GKN. It has a maximum speed of around 150 knots (173 mph) and a maximum range of around 500 nautical miles (578 miles). It is equipped with various sensors and equipment for its primary role of maritime search and rescue, including radar, a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera, and a rescue hoist. It can carry up to 22 passengers or a combination of passengers and cargo.

The Sea King is powered by two Rolls-Royce Gnome H1400-1 turboshaft engines, each rated at 1,400 horsepower. The helicopter is also equipped with an automatic flight control system to help with stability and navigation, with a radar warning receiver, a missile approach warning system, and defensive countermeasures. The helicopter had a crew of four, including a pilot, a co-pilot, and two crew members.

It was used in several conflicts and military operations, including the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief missions.