VH-3D Sea King Helicopter

Last updated: 22 Sep 2021

Point of Contact
Naval Air Systems Command
Presidential Helicopter Program Public Affairs

47123 Buse Road, Bldg 2272, Ste 161
Patuxent River, MD 20670-5440

(301) 995-2774

Description
VH-3D is the Executive transport helicopter. It is a twin engine, all-weather helicopter flown by Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1).

Features
VH-3D includes Day/night/all-weather operations, self-contained navigation system, GPS, TCAS, survivability systems, and crash-survivable flight information recorder sensor, and carries no weapons. Communications include extensive secure and non-secure communication systems; and EMP hardening.

Background
The first version of this workhorse helicopter was flown more than 40 years ago and was derived from the Sikorsky S-61 series. Originally developed as an antisubmarine sensor carrier for the U.S. Navy, the Sea King has been replaced in that role by the SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter as the anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The VH-3D was delivered to HMX-1 in December 1974 as a replacement for the VH-3A, which entered service in 1963. By the end of 1976, the VH-3A had been completely replaced by the VH-3D. Today the 41 year old VH-3D Sea King has been replaced by VH-92A Presidential Replacement Helicopter.

General Characteristics

Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Technologies, Stratford, CT.

Date Deployed: December 1974.

Propulsion: Two General Electric T58-GE-400B turboshaft engines.

Length: 73 feet (21.9 meters); Fuselage length: 54 feet, 9 inches (16.5 meters).

Height: 17 feet (5.1 meters).

Weight: Basic: 15,200 lbs. empty (6,895 Kg); Maximum Takeoff Weight: 21,500 lbs. (9,752 Kg).

Crew: Four.

Point of Contact
Naval Air Systems Command
Presidential Helicopter Program Public Affairs

47123 Buse Road, Bldg 2272, Ste 161
Patuxent River, MD 20670-5440

(301) 995-2774

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