View source for Westland Sea King

{{short description|Military helicopter, 1969-present}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= WS-61 Sea King <br />Commando
 |image= Westland WS-61 Sea King HAR3, UK - Air Force AN0769355.jpg
 |caption= [[Royal Air Force]] Sea King HAR3
 |type= [[Anti-submarine warfare]], medium-lift [[military transport aircraft#Transport helicopters|transport]] and [[utility helicopter]]
 |manufacturer= [[Westland Helicopters]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= Sea King: 7 May 1969<br />Commando: 26 September 1979
 |introduction=
 |retired=
 |status= Active service
 |primary_user= [[Royal Navy]] (Retired)<!-- List only one user; for military aircraft, this is a nation or a service arm. Please DON'T add flag templates, as they limit horizontal space. -->
 |more_users ={{unbulleted list|
*[[Royal Air Force]] (Retired)
*[[German Navy]] (Retired)
*[[Indian Navy]]}} <!-- Limited to THREE (3) "more users" here (4 total users).  List users with {{plainlist}} or {{unbulleted list}}. -->
 |produced= 1969–1995
 |number_built= 344 (Westland Sea King) / 13 (Westland Sea King AEW Mk.2/ASac MK.7 variant)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/sea-king-helicopter/|title=Sea King}}</ref>
 |developed_from = [[Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King]]
 |variants=
}}
[[File:ZE418 - 86 Westland WS-61 Sea King ASaC7 (cn WA956) Royal Navy. (9515204834).jpg|thumb|The AEW version (ASaC7) with radar down, and a Search and Rescue version together in flight, 2013]]
The '''Westland WS-61 Sea King''' is a British licence-built version of the American [[SH-3 Sea King|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 known as the '''Commando''' was developed by Westland to serve as a troop transport.

In British service, the Westland Sea King provided a wide range of services in both the [[Royal Navy]] and the [[Royal Air Force]]. As well as wartime roles in the [[Falklands War]], the [[Gulf War]], the [[Bosnian War]], the [[Iraq War]] and the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan War]], it was used as a [[History of Royal Navy Helicopter Search and Rescue|Royal Navy Search and Rescue]] (red and grey livery) and [[RAF Search and Rescue Force]] (yellow livery) helicopter. The Sea King was also adapted to meet the Royal Navy's requirement for a ship-based [[airborne early warning]] platform.

On 26 September 2018, the last remaining Sea King variant in Royal Navy service was retired. Many operators have replaced, or are planning to replace, the Sea King with new helicopters, such as the [[NHIndustries NH90]], [[SH-60 Seahawk]], and the [[AgustaWestland AW101]]. Germany retired the type in March 2024; however, it is still in widespread service around the globe, including India and several Middle Eastern countries.

==Design and development==
[[File:Sea King and Whirlwind 2.jpg|thumb|right|Westland Sea King HAS.1 air-lifting a [[Westland Whirlwind (helicopter)|Westland Whirlwind]] HAS.7 near [[RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk)|RNAS Culdrose]], 1971]]

===Origins===
Westland Helicopters, which had a long-standing [[licence-built|licence agreement]] with [[Sikorsky Aircraft]] to allow it to build Sikorsky's helicopters, extended the agreement to cover the [[Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King]] soon after the Sea King's first flight in 1959.<ref name="James p377-8">James 1991, pp. 377–378.</ref><ref>Uttley 2001, p. 206.</ref> Westland proceeded to independently develop the Sea King, integrating a significant proportion of components from British suppliers; key changes include the use of a pair of Rolls-Royce Gnome [[turboshaft]] engines and the implementation of an automatic [[flight control system]].<ref name ='mcgowen 119'>McGowen 2005, p. 119.</ref> On this matter, authors Jim Thorn and Gerald Frawley stated that: "Despite appearances, Westland's Sea King [is a] very different aircraft from Sikorsky's".<ref>Thorn and Frawley 1998, p. 164.</ref> Many of the differences between the Westland-built Sea King and the original helicopter were as a result of differing operational doctrine. While the U.S. Navy Sea Kings were intended to be under tactical control of the carrier from which they operated, the Royal Navy intended its helicopters to be much more autonomous, capable of operating alone, or co-ordinating with other aircraft or surface vessels. This resulted in a different crew arrangement, with operations being controlled by an observer rather than the pilot, as well as fitting a search radar.<ref name="Variants p114-5">Lake 1996, pp. 114–115.</ref>

The [[Royal Navy]] selected the Sea King to meet a requirement for an [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) helicopter to replace the [[Westland Wessex]], placing an order with Westland for 60 SH-3D Sea Kings in June 1966.<ref name="Omni p215">''Air International'' May 1981, p. 215.</ref> The prototype and three pre-production aircraft were built by Sikorsky at [[Stratford, Connecticut]] and shipped to the United Kingdom to act as trials and pattern aircraft.<ref name="abheli229">Howard et al. 2011, pp. 229–230.</ref> The first of the SH-3Ds was initially fitted with General Electric T58s and, after being shipped from the United States, was flown in October 1966 from the dockside at Avonmouth to [[Yeovil/Westland Airport|Yeovil airfield]]. The other three were delivered from the docks, by road to Yeovil, for completion with British systems and Rolls-Royce Gnome engines.<ref name="abheli229" /> The first Westland-built helicopter, [[British military aircraft designation systems|designated]] '''Sea King HAS1''', flew on 7 May 1969 at Yeovil.<ref name="abheli229" /> The first two helicopters were used for trials and evaluation by Westland and the [[Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment]]; subsequent production Sea Kings were delivered to the Royal Navy's [[700 Naval Air Squadron]] from August 1969 onwards.<ref name ='mcgowen 119'/>

By 1979, the Royal Navy had ordered 56 HAS1s and 21 HAS2s to meet the anti-submarine requirements, these were also configured for the secondary [[anti-surface warfare|anti-ship]] role.<ref>Hewish 1979, p. 76.</ref> The Westland Sea King was updated and adapted for numerous roles, subsequent variants include the ''HAS2'', ''HAS5'' and ''HAS6''. Changes from initial production aircraft included an expansion of the cabin and upgraded engines.<ref>McGowen 2005, pp. 119–120.</ref>

===Commando and further developments===
[[File:Royal Marine jumps into the sea from Sea King helicopter MOD 45147719.jpg|thumb|Westland HC4 on exercises, 2007]]
[[File:Royal Navy Seaking Mk4 Helicopters Over Northern Norway MOD 45156767.jpg|thumb|Two HC4 in northern Norway, 2014]]
One of the most extensively modified variants was the '''Westland Commando''', operated by the Royal Navy as the HC4.<ref name ='mcgowen 120'>McGowen 2005, p. 120.</ref><ref>''Air Forces'', May 2012, p.6, Key Publishing, {{ISSN|0955-7091}}</ref> The Commando had capacity for up to 28 fully equipped troops and had originally been developed to meet an [[Egyptian Air Force]] requirement.<ref name="McGowen pp. 120, 126.">McGowen 2005, pp. 120, 126.</ref> Due to the deletion of the [[Amphibious helicopter|amphibious]] capability, not required in the Egyptian desert, the most noticeable change from the Sea King was the deletion of the side floats, the main undercarriage being carried on stub sponsons. An improved variant of the Egyptian Commando, with changes including the fitting of folding blades common to the ASW variants, was designated as the Sea King HC4 by the Royal Navy and all the aircraft were new build. First flying on 26 September 1979, due to its operational range of up to 600 nautical miles without refuelling, the HC4 'Commando' became an important asset for [[amphibious warfare]] and troop transport duties, in particular.<ref name="McGowen pp. 120, 126."/><ref>"Westland – Sea King/Commando." ''Flight International'', 3 August 1985, p. 42.</ref> Several Royal Naval Air Squadrons have operated the Commando variant, such as [[845 Naval Air Squadron]], [[846 Naval Air Squadron]] and [[848 Naval Air Squadron]]. In British service, the Sea King HC4 was deployed on operations in the Falklands, the Balkans, both Gulf Wars, [[Operation Palliser|Sierra Leone]], Lebanon and Afghanistan. Towards the end of the Sea King's operational life, several HAS6s were repurposed by the removal of the ASW equipment, as troop transports. In 2010, the last of the UK's converted ASW Sea Kings to troop transports were retired.<ref name="Allen, Peter p. 33, 2">Allen, Peter. "UK RN retires final Commando Sea King Mk 6CR." ''Jane's Defence Weekly,'' Volume 47, Issue 2, 2 June 2010, p. 33.</ref>

[[File:Sea Kings, Prestwick, 1972 - Flickr - PhillipC.jpg|thumb|left|A formation of four Sea Kings hovering close to the ground, Prestwick, 1972]]

In the 1970s, Westland's experience with the Sea King led the company to conduct the [[British Experimental Rotor Program]] (BERP), in coordination with the [[Royal Aircraft Establishment]], which applied innovations in composite materials and new design principles to the [[helicopter rotor]]. Initial trials carried out with active Sea Kings found several advantages to the BERP rotor, including a longer [[Fatigue (material)|fatigue life]] and improved aerodynamic characteristics. Subsequent Westland helicopters, such as the record-breaking [[Westland Lynx|Lynx]] and the AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin, took advantage of BERP rotors for greater performance.<ref>Bud and Gummett 2002, pp. 75–79.</ref> Westland equipped later-built Sea Kings with the new composite rotors as well.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%201336.html? "Westland – Sea King."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522033248/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%201336.html |date=22 May 2013 }} ''[[Flight International]]'', 1 August 1987, p. 34. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref>

Westland has produced a total of 330 Sea Kings;<ref name ='mcgowen 126'>McGowen 2005, p. 126.</ref> export customers include the [[Indian Naval Air Arm]], the [[German Navy]], the [[Royal Australian Navy]], and the [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]].<ref name ='mcgowen 120'/> The last of the Royal Navy's Sea Kings in the ASW role was retired in 2003, being replaced by the [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin HM1]]. The Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) variant is expected to be replaced around the introduction of the two {{sclass|Queen Elizabeth|aircraft carrier|0}} aircraft carriers.<ref name='navy matters'>Beedall, Richard. [http://navy-matters.beedall.com/masc.htm "Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control (MASC) (UK MoD)."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927052605/http://navy-matters.beedall.com/masc.htm |date=27 September 2011 }} ''Navy Matters'', 18 May 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref> The UK has also planned to retire the HC4 and [[search and rescue]] variants in March 2016.<ref name="rescue"/>

===Search and rescue===
[[File:RAF Sea King HAR3.jpg|thumb|RAF Sea King HAR3 over Mount Snowdon, 1989]]
A dedicated search and rescue (SAR) version, the '''HAR3''', was developed for the [[RAF Search and Rescue Force]]. The type entered service in 1978 to replace the [[Westland Whirlwind (helicopter)|Westland Whirlwind HAR.10]].<ref name = 'MOD 120'>Ministry of Defence 2006, p. 120.</ref> A 16th helicopter was ordered shortly after, and following the [[Falklands War]] of 1982, three more were purchased to enable operation of a SAR flight in the islands, initially from Navy Point on the north side of [[Stanley, Falkland Islands|Stanley]] harbour, and later from RAF Mount Pleasant. In 1992, six further helicopters were ordered to replace the last remaining Westland Wessex helicopters in the SAR role, entering service in 1996.<ref name = 'MOD 120'/> However, teething problems resulted in the actual operational use of the HAR3A's being delayed until mid 1997. The six Sea King HAR3As featured updated systems, including a digital navigation system and more modern avionics.<ref name = 'MOD 120'/><ref>Chesneau 1985, pp. 2–3.</ref>

[[File:050625-Kiel-x06-600.jpg|thumb|German [[search and rescue|SAR]] Sea King during an operation, 2005]]
Westland also manufactured SAR versions of the Sea King for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the German Navy and the [[Belgian Air Force]].<ref>Chesneau 1985, p. 2.</ref> On SAR variants, the cabin was enlarged by a stretch of the fuselage behind the door; another key feature, used for additional flotation in the unusual event of a water landing, inflatable buoyancy bags were housed inside the aircraft's [[sponson]]s.<ref>Chesneau 1985, pp. 2–4.</ref> Upgrades and changes made to SAR Sea Kings include the addition of [[radar warning receiver]]s, a [[Cargo hook (helicopter)|cargo hook]] for the underslung carriage of goods, and the redesigning of the cockpit for compatibility with [[night vision goggles]].<ref>Chesneau 1985, p. 5.</ref>

{{As of|2006}}, up to 12 HAR3/3As were dispersed across the UK, a further two HAR3s were attached to the Falkland Islands, providing 24-hour rescue coverage.<ref name = 'MOD 120'/> Some Royal Navy HAS5 ASW variants were adapted for the SAR role and served with [[771 Naval Air Squadron]], [[RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk)|Culdrose]] and [[HMS Gannet SAR Flight]] at [[Prestwick Airport#Military use|Prestwick Airport]] in Scotland. They were expected to remain in service until 2016, being replaced with civilian operated SAR rotorcraft.<ref name="rescue">Carrara 2009, pp. 78–82.</ref> Both [[Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor]] (formerly Prince Andrew) and [[William, Prince of Wales]] have flown SAR Sea Kings in front-line roles.<ref>Harding, Thomas. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1543577/Harry-gets-his-wish-to-see-action-in-Iraq.html "Harry gets his wish to see action in Iraq."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925143200/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1543577/Harry-gets-his-wish-to-see-action-in-Iraq.html |date=25 September 2015 }} ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', 23 February 2007. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref>

===Airborne early warning===
[[File:SeaKing AEW 849Sqn CVN-73 1998.JPEG|thumb|left|[[Royal Navy]] Sea King AEW2A in 1998]]
[[File:Westland WS-61 Sea King ASaC7, UK - Navy AN1290600.jpg|thumb|left|RAN Sea King in flight, with the radar in position]]
The Royal Navy's [[airborne early warning]] (AEW) capability had been lost when the [[Fairey Gannet AEW.3|Fairey Gannet]] aeroplane was withdrawn after the last of the RN's fleet carriers was decommissioned in 1978. During the Falklands War, a number of warships were lost and casualties suffered due to the lack of an AEW platform.<ref name = 'Armistead 131'>Armistead and Armistead 2002, p. 131.</ref> The proposed fleet cover by the RAF [[Avro Shackleton|Shackleton]] AEW.2 was too unresponsive and at too great a distance to be practical. Consequently, two Sea King HAS2s were modified in 1982 with the addition of the [[Thorn-EMI]] ARI 5980/3 [[Searchwater (radar)|Searchwater LAST radar]] attached to the fuselage on a swivel arm and protected by an inflatable dome.<ref name = 'Armistead 131'/> This allowed the radar to be lowered below the fuselage during flight and for it to be raised for landing. These prototypes, designated '''HAS2(AEW)''', were both flying within 11 weeks and deployed with 824 "D" Flight on [[HMS Illustrious (R06)|HMS ''Illustrious'']], serving in the Falklands after the cessation of hostilities.<ref>''Instant Airborne Radar Heads South.'' "New Scientist", 12 August 1982, 95(1318), p. 428.</ref> A further eight HAS2s were modified to a production standard, known as the '''AEW2'''. Two remained "fitted for but not with".  These entered operational service in 1985, being deployed by [[849 Naval Air Squadron]]. Three Sea King HAS5/6s were later converted as part of the ASaC Mk7 programme, bringing the Mk7 fleet to 13; still 3 below the requirement.

The upgrade programme resulted in the Sea King AEW fleet being upgraded with a new mission system, Comms, NavAids, [[Joint Tactical Information Distribution System|JTIDS]], Active Noise Reduction and Videographic recording.  The Mission System Upgrade (MSU) component (Radar and partial JTIDS integration) was based around the improved Searchwater 2000AEW radar, with an all-new Man-Machine Interface.  This MSU component was later termed "Project Cerberus" by Thales, after successful integration was conducted by Westland and GEC-Marconi. This variant was initially referred to as the ''Sea King AEW7'', but renamed ''ASaC7'' (Airborne Surveillance and Control Mk.7) just before In Service Date. The main role of the Sea King ASaC7 is detection of low-flying attack aircraft; it also provides interception/attack control and over-the-horizon targeting for surface-launched weapon systems. In comparison to older versions, the new radar enables the ASaC7 to simultaneously track up to 400 targets, instead of an earlier limit of 250 targets.<ref>[http://articles.janes.com/articles/jdu2002/Cerberus-set-for-service-aboard-Sea-King-Whiskey.html "Cerberus set for service aboard Sea King Whiskey, Upgrade Update."] {{webarchive|url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110708063750/http://articles.janes.com/articles/jdu2002/Cerberus-set-for-service-aboard-Sea-King-Whiskey.html |date=8 July 2011 }} ''Jane's International Defence Review'', 24 September 2002. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref> The effectiveness of the AEW7 was greatly increased via the addition of a [[Link 16]] data link, allowing gathered radar information to be analysed and rapidly put to use by multiple allied platforms in range.<ref name ='Armistead 132-134'>Armistead and Armistead 2002, pp. 132–134.</ref>

The ASaC7s remained in service until they were replaced under the "Crowsnest" programme; intended as a podded capability onboard Merlins.{{Incomprehensible inline|date=June 2024|reason=sentence fragment}}  Previous proposed replacement programmes - Future Organic Airborne Early Warning (FOAEW) and MASC (Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control) - were initiated and then cancelled, due largely to the erroneous assumption that the entire ASaC Mk7 system could simply be lifted and plugged into another aircraft type.  However, as a result of the time gap between the planned out of service date of the Sea King in 2016, and the introduction of "Crowsnest", seven Sea King ASaC.7 helicopters remained in service with the RN through to the second half of 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/37615/uk-extends-sea-king-asac-7-life-out-to-2018 |title=Janes &#124; Latest defence and security news |access-date=2014-06-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529145845/http://www.janes.com/article/37615/uk-extends-sea-king-asac-7-life-out-to-2018 |archive-date=29 May 2014 }}</ref>

The last Sea Kings were retired in September 2018, marking almost half a century of service, with the last three taking a ceremonial flight before retirement.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |first=David | last=Donald |title=Royal Navy Bids Farewell to the Sea King {{!}} AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-09-27/royal-navy-bids-farewell-sea-king |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref>

==Operational history==

===United Kingdom===
[[File:Westland WS-61 Sea King HAR3A, UK - Air Force AN2317662.jpg|thumb|Royal Air Force Sea King in 2013]]
====Falklands Conflict====
A number of Sea Kings were deployed during the Falklands Conflict. They were transported to the combat zone and operated from the decks of various ships of the Royal Navy, such as the [[landing platform dock]] {{HMS|Fearless|L10|6}}.<ref>Chant 2001, pp. 15–16.</ref> In the theatre, they performed a wide range of missions, from anti-submarine patrols and reconnaissance flights to replenishment operations and the insertion of [[special forces]].<ref>Freedman 2005, pp. 298, 728.</ref> Support provided by the Sea Kings in the form of transport for men and supplies has been viewed as vital to the success of the British operation.<ref>McGowen 2005, p. 15.</ref> Sea Kings also protected the fleet by acting as [[decoy]]s against incoming [[Exocet missile]]s, with some missions being flown by the former Prince Andrew.<ref>"Prince Andrew Tells of Being Decoy for Exocet." ''[[Glasgow Herald]]'', 19 June 1982, p. 1.</ref>

Anti-Submarine Sea Kings of [[820 Naval Air Squadron]] were embarked in {{HMS|Invincible|R05|6}}. With 11 HAS.5s, the squadron operated anti-submarine and search and rescue sorties with one helicopter always airborne on surface search duties.<ref name="barg820">Burden et al. 1986, pp. 237–240.</ref> On 14 June, an 820 NAS Sea King HAS.5 was used to transport Major General [[Jeremy Moore]] to Port Stanley to accept the surrender of Argentine troops on the island.<ref name="barg820" /> The squadron flew 1,650 sorties during the war.<ref name="barg820" /> ''A'' Flight of 824 Naval Air Squadron embarked two Sea King HAS.2As aboard {{ship|RFA|Olmeda|A124|6}} and were used to move supplies to other ships on the way south and later anti-submarine patrols.<ref name="barg824">Burden et al. 1986, pp. 241–243.</ref> ''C'' Flight had three Sea King HAS.2As on board {{ship|RFA|Fort Grange||6}} which were used for replenishment duties, supplying over 2,000 tons of stores.<ref name="barg824" />

825 Naval Air Squadron was formed for the war with 10 Sea King HAS.2s modified as utility variants to support ground forces.<ref name="barg825">Burden et al. 1986, pp. 244–247.</ref> The anti-submarine equipment was removed and the helicopters fitted with troop seats.<ref name="barg824" /> Two aircraft embarked in ''[[Queen Elizabeth 2]]'' and were later used for moving troops from ''QE2'' to other ships, the remainder embarked in ''Atlantic Causeway'' and were used for troop movements around the islands.<ref name="barg826" /> Embarked in {{HMS|Hermes|R12|6}} was 826 Naval Air Squadron with nine HAS.5s, which carried out continuous anti-submarine sorties.<ref name="barg826">Burden et al. 1986, pp. 247–250.</ref> From the departure of ''Hermes'' from Ascension in April until the Argentine surrender, the squadron operated at least three helicopters airborne continuously for fleet protection.<ref name="barg826" />

On 23 April 1982, a Sea King HC4 was [[ditching|ditched]] while performing a risky transfer of supplies to a ship at night, operating from the flagship HMS ''Hermes''.<ref>Chant 2001, p. 34.</ref> On 12 May, a Sea King operating from ''Hermes'' crashed into the sea due to an [[altimeter]] problem; all crew were rescued.<ref name="Falk p248-9">Burden et al. 1986, pp. 248–249.</ref> On 19 May 1982 a Sea King, in the process of transporting SAS troops to {{HMS|Intrepid|L11|6}} from ''Hermes'', crashed into the sea while attempting to land on ''Intrepid''. Twenty-two men were killed and nine survived. Bird [[feather]]s were found in the debris, suggesting a [[bird strike]], although investigations of the cause of the accident proved to be inconclusive.<ref name="Falk p253">Burden et al. 1986, p. 253.</ref> The SAS lost 18 men in the crash, their highest number of casualties on one day since the [[World War II|Second World War]]. The [[Royal Corps of Signals|Royal Signals]] lost one man and the RAF one man.<ref>Freedman 2005, pp. 461–462.</ref><!-- who were the other 2 (18+1+1<22) ? -->

====Gulf War====
During the 1991 [[Gulf War]] Sea Kings from several nations, including Canada, Britain, and the U.S., were present in the coalition forces against [[Saddam Hussein]]'s Iraq regime.<ref>Donald and Chant 2001, pp. 15, 41, 54.</ref> Due to the threat of potential use of any Iraqi [[Weapon of mass destruction|weapons of mass destruction]], it was standard practice for Sea King crews to wear fully enclosed [[NBC suit|NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protective suit]]s.<ref>Donald and Chant 2001, p. 15.</ref> Britain's Sea Kings primarily engaged in inter-ship transport duties, including ferrying troops between the fleet and land.<ref>Donald and Chant 2001, p. 33.</ref> Six Sea King Mk4 helicopters from [[845 Naval Air Squadron]] and six of [[848 Naval Air Squadron|848 Squadron]], which had been reformed to meet this operational demand, worked in support of the ground advance.<ref>Gethin, Howard. "RN set to re-organise Sea Kings." ''Flight International'', 9 August 1994.</ref> There was thorough radar coverage by U.S. [[airborne early warning and control]] (AWACS) aircraft; British AEW Sea Kings were not deployed.<ref>Armistead and Armistead 2002, pp. 179–180.</ref>

Following the end of hostilities, the available Sea Kings remained on deployment in the region to conduct transport missions to relocate people displaced by the conflict to [[refugee camp]]s and [[Repatriation|repatriate]] citizens to their home countries.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2245&dat=19910502&id=uZszAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wTIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=2327,7879851 "Kurdish Refugees Stream Back to Iraq."] ''The Associated Press,'' 2 May 1991.</ref>

====Balkans====
The Sea King participated in the [[United Nations|UN]] and [[NATO intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina]]. 845 Naval Air Squadron and their Sea Kings had been dispatched to the region in late 1992 in response to escalating tensions in the region.<ref name = 'Ripley 92'>Ripley 2001, p. 92.</ref> They performed various logistical and transport missions, such as the repositioning of [[Royal Artillery]] [[L118 Light Gun]]s in the region and in the evacuation of casualties. In one incident on 24 March 1993, during an attempt to establish an air evacuation route to a UN-declared safe zone, a flight of French [[Aérospatiale Puma]]s and Sea King HC4 helicopters were shelled while taking off from an improvised landing zone. Two further Sea Kings arrived to evacuate several UN casualties, managing to fly the wounded to the Bosnian city of [[Tuzla]], where they came under further enemy fire while unloading.<ref>Ripley 2001, pp. 16–17.</ref>

During NATO's intervention in [[Kosovo]], Sea Kings of [[814 Naval Air Squadron]], operating from numerous Royal Navy vessels in the Adriatic, including the aircraft carrier HMS ''Invincible'', maintained a patrol of the Balkans' coast.<ref>Hall, Macer. "Fighting Invincible to be mothballed". ''The Daily Telegraph'', 17 December 2000.</ref> The Sea Kings were also heavily used in the transport role during the preparations for a ground invasion of Kosovo.<ref>"Troops waiting in the wings." ''Sunday Herald'', 30 May 1999.</ref>

====2000s====
[[File:Royal Navy Seaking Mk4 Helicopter Over Northern Norway MOD 45156765.jpg|thumb|Sea King of the Royal Navy in 2014, in Norway]]
In 2000, Sea King HC.4s of 846 NAS participated in [[Operation Palliser]] in Sierra Leone.<ref name="abheli274">Howard et al. 2011, p. 274.</ref>
[[File:Royal Navy SeaKing Helicopter Cockpit During Flying Operations Over Afghanistan MOD 45153250.jpg|thumb|Royal Navy Sea King, cockpit view over Afghanistan, 2011]]

During the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], multiple Sea King ASaC7 from 849 NAS were operated from [[HMS Ark Royal (R07)|HMS ''Ark Royal'']]. On 22 March 2003, two AEW Sea Kings from 849 NAS operating from ''Ark Royal'' collided over the [[Persian Gulf]], resulting in the death of seven personnel. A report into the collision called for Sea Kings to be outfitted with night vision goggles, as well as better onboard safety equipment, and recommended changes to procedure regarding the use of radar at night.<ref>"Iraq war crash: 'Critical' shortfalls in Sea Kings exposed Official report tells MoD to upgrade Navy helicopters and revise flying rules to avoid further collisions." ''[[The Independent]]'', 25 January 2004.</ref><ref>"MPs 'misled' over cause of Sea King collision." ''The Independent'', 1 February 2004.</ref> However, it later transpired that the Board of Inquiry had not been told that the three main contributory factors it reported coincided with the three main areas of degradation between the Mk2 and Mk7. (NVG, Anti-Collision lighting and Interoperability with ships). These had been identified and two contracts let to mitigate the risks had been cancelled by an administrative official. Moreover, in 1994 the RN had rejected the recommendation of the programme manager to retain NVG.<ref>'Breaking the Military Covenant' (David Hill, 2018)</ref>

In July 2006, Sea King HC.4 helicopters based at [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]] were temporarily deployed to [[Cyprus]] to assist in Operation Highbrow, the evacuation of British citizens from [[Lebanon]].<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/5191474.stm "Helicopters go to aid evacuation."] ''[[BBC News]]'', 18 July 2006. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref>

In October 2011, following several years of service in Afghanistan as troop transports for the [[International Security Assistance Force]] (ISAF) forces stationed there, the Sea King HC.4s returned to the UK; their replacement is the AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin.<ref>"Sea Kings Come Home after Successful Afghan Missions." ''Western Gazette Yeovil'', 20 October 2011.</ref> Between April 2009 and July 2011, the Royal Navy's Sea Kings stationed at [[Camp Bastion]] conducted over 1000 operational missions.<ref>"Navy Sea Kings Complete 1,000th Mission in Afghanistan." ''States News Service'', 21 July 2011.</ref>

The last Sea King flight in service was in September 2018, marking an end to half a century of service with the Royal Navy.<ref name=":5" />

===Australia===
[[File:Sea King 070624-N-6710M-001.jpg|thumb|left|An Australian Sea King landing on the flight deck of {{USS|Tortuga|LSD-46|6}}, 2007]]

In 1974, Australia purchased 12 Westland Sea King Mk 50s as the [[Royal Australian Navy]]'s new ASW helicopter; the Sea Kings replaced the aircraft carrier {{HMAS|Melbourne|R21|6}}'s complement of Westland Wessex HAS31 in the following year.<ref>Hewish 1984, p. 231.</ref> Early operations were troubled by a series of accidents. Between October 1975 to May 1979, four aircraft were lost in accidents, the primary causes were the loss of oil from the main gearbox.<ref>Gillett 1986, p. 70.</ref><ref>Matherell, Mark and Cynthia Banham. [http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Bumpy-ride-but-Sea-King-pulls-its-weight/2005/04/03/1112489350295.html "Bumpy ride, but Sea King pulls its weight."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924194035/http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Bumpy-ride-but-Sea-King-pulls-its-weight/2005/04/03/1112489350295.html |date=24 September 2015 }} ''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 4 April 2005. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref>

The Australian Sea Kings had similar avionics to that of the Sea King HAS.1, with the same ARI 5995 search radar in a dorsal radome, but had American Bendix [[AN/AQS-13A]] dipping sonar instead of the Plessey sonar of the Royal Navy Sea Kings. They also had more powerful engines giving improved high temperature hover performance.<ref name="variant p132"/> Australia's Sea Kings were flown by [[817 Squadron RAN]] from HMAS ''Melbourne'' until the carrier was retired from service, without replacement. As the Sea King was too large to operate from the {{sclass|Adelaide|frigate|1}}s, 817 Squadron was then forced to operate from land bases, in both ASW and utility roles, with the Sea King relinquishing the anti-submarine mission in 1990.<ref name="variant p132-3">Lake 1996, pp. 132–133.</ref>

[[File:Royal Australian Navy Sea King exercising with Royal Navy divers in 2007.jpg|thumb|Royal Australian Navy Sea King on exercises with divers]]
During the 2003 Iraq War, Sea Kings were heavily used in logistical roles, such as the first delivery of humanitarian aid to the Iraqi capital, [[Baghdad]].<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-04-13/raaf-plane-delivers-supplies-to-baghdad/1835822 "RAAF plane delivers supplies to Baghdad."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525050448/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-04-13/raaf-plane-delivers-supplies-to-baghdad/1835822 |date=25 May 2013 }} ''[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]'', 13 April 2003. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref> In the aftermath of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]], Australian Sea Kings played a major role in disaster relief efforts in Indonesia's Aceh province, delivering medical teams and supplies from Royal Australian Navy ships. Prior to retirement, the last major missions were flown during the [[2010–11 Queensland floods]], in which Sea Kings provided SAR coverage of the region and delivered aid relief to citizens in the flooded areas.<ref name='aus sale'>Waldon, Greg. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-offers-five-sea-kings-for-sale-361483 "Australia offers five Sea Kings for sale."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929222631/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-offers-five-sea-kings-for-sale-361483/ |date=29 September 2013 }} ''Flight International'', 1 September 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref>

The replacement of the [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm's]] Sea King fleet commenced faster than initially planned following the [[2005 Nias Island WS-61 Sea King crash|loss of a Sea King]] during a humanitarian aid mission in Indonesia in April 2005, resulting in nine deaths. Investigators uncovered serious faults in the condition of the Sea King's mechanical flight control system, resulting from maintenance deficiencies.<ref>Kerin, John. "Sea King servicing to blame." ''[[Australasian Business Intelligence]]'', 21 June 2007.</ref> In May 2007, the six remaining Sea Kings were grounded for two months following the discovery of a number of missing parts.<ref name='dodd 2007'>Dodd, Mark. [http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/sea-kings-grounded-over-safety-fears/story-e6frg6nf-1111113558033 "Sea Kings grounded over safety fears."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611225352/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/sea-kings-grounded-over-safety-fears/story-e6frg6nf-1111113558033 |date=11 June 2013 }} ''[[The Australian]]'', 17 May 2007. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref>

On 1 September 2011, the Australian Minister for Defence Materiel, [[Jason Clare]], announced that the Sea Kings would be withdrawn from service in December 2011; having flown in excess of 60,000 hours in operations in Australia and overseas in that time.<ref>Flanagan, Korena. [http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/09/01/minister-for-defence-materiel-navy-sea-king-helicopters-for-sale "Minister for Defence Materiel – Navy Sea King helicopters for sale."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119185223/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/09/01/minister-for-defence-materiel-navy-sea-king-helicopters-for-sale/ |date=19 January 2012 }} ''minister.defence.gov.au,'' 1 September 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref> The farewell flight was conducted on 15 December 2011, three Sea Kings flew over [[Port Jackson|Sydney Harbour]] and across to [[Canberra]], passing [[Lake Burley Griffin]] and the [[Australian War Memorial]] before landing at [[HMAS Albatross (air station)|Nowra]]. On 16 December 2011, the [[Chief of Navy (Australia)|Chief of Navy]] presided over the ceremonial decommissioning of 817 Squadron RAN at NAS Nowra. Five of the withdrawn helicopters have been made available for sale.<ref name = 'aus sale'/><ref>"Sea Kings and 817 Squadron make their Final Flight." ''States News Service'', 16 December 2011.</ref> The replacement for the Sea King was intended to be the [[NHIndustries NH90|MRH 90]].<ref name ='dodd 2007'/> However, in the 2010s issues with that design lead to only six being acquired and the SH-60 Seahawk ended up being the main successor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australian Army Aviation Command |url=https://premium.globalsecurity.org/military/world/australia/mrh-90.htm |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=premium.globalsecurity.org}}</ref>

===India===
[[File:Seaking 42B of Indian Navy test launching NASAM-SR anti ship missile (cropped).jpg|thumb|Indian Navy Sea King launching [[NASM-SR]] Anti-Ship missile.]]
Following the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], Pakistan invested heavily in modern submarines and long-range torpedoes. In response, India opted to procure six Westland Sea Kings from Britain in 1969, for ASW duties, designated as '''Mk42'''. The purchase also included the provision of air-droppable [[homing torpedo]]es for use against submarines. The delivery of the aircraft began a few months before the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]].<ref>Hiranandani 2005, p. 21.</ref> Due to training shortfalls on the new helicopters, Sea King operations were considerably restricted during the 1971 war; by November 1971, increased aircrew experience had enabled offensive anti-submarine operations to be conducted.<ref>Hiranandani 2005, pp. 87–88.</ref> The [[1942 Design Light Fleet Carrier|''Majestic''-class aircraft carrier]] {{INS|Vikrant|1961|6}} was also refitted in 1972–1974 to enable extensive Sea King operations, becoming the carrier's primary anti-submarine aircraft.<ref>Hiranandani 2005, pp. 88–89.</ref>

During the early 1960s, India and Britain agreed upon the domestic production of the {{sclass|Leander|frigate|1}}. The initial helicopter deployed aboard India's ''Leander''s, known as the {{sclass|Nilgiri|frigate|4||1972}}, was the [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]], however, this offered much less capability in the anti-submarine role compared with the Sea King and the need for design changes was realised to allow the Sea King to be deployed upon the flight deck of the ''Nilgiri'' class, a practice pioneered by the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] using their [[Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King]]s on similar-sized frigates.<ref>Hiranandani 2005, pp. 57–58.</ref><ref name="Singh p37">Singh ''Air International'' January 1991, p. 37.</ref> It proved unfeasible to operate the Sea King from the unmodified ''Nilgiri'' class, with the last two ships of the class being fitted with an enlarged flight deck and hangar. This required removal of the ship's [[Limbo (weapon)|Limbo]] anti-submarine [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]].<ref name="Singh p37"/><ref>Hiranandani 2005, pp. 58–59, 62.</ref><ref name="cf98 p325">Baker 1998, p. 325.</ref> Beyond the original 1971 procurement, India chose to acquire a further six Mk42s in 1974, and three more in 1980; these three had been specifically modified to operate from the flight deck of the last two ''Nilgiri''s and designated as '''Mk42A'''.<ref>Hiranandani 2005, p. 96.</ref>
As a follow-on to the ''Nilgiri''s, India commenced development of a new frigate, based on the ''Leander''/''Nilgiri'', but larger. The resultant {{sclass|Godavari|frigate|4}}, also known as Project 16, could operate two Sea Kings simultaneously.<ref name="Singh p37"/><ref>Hiranandani 2005, p. 64.</ref>

In 1982, India signed a contract to purchase several Mk42B Sea Kings, an upgraded variant to perform dual-purpose: [[anti-ship missile|anti-shipping]] and anti-submarine missions, following a competition for the order against the [[Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma|Aérospatiale Super Puma]].<ref name="Hiranandani pp. 97–98">Hiranandani 2005, pp. 97–98.</ref> These helicopters would operate from the ''Godavari''-class frigates as well as replace the existing Sea Kings.<ref name="Singh p37"/> A team of Indian engineers was sent to Britain to help develop the Mk42B's avionics, especially the onboard software. Changes from the older Sea Kings included a brand new avionics suite, the use of composite materials throughout the fuselage and in the rotor blades, as well as the integration of the [[Sea Eagle missile]], which had been procured from Britain in 1983.<ref name="Hiranandani pp. 97–98"/><ref>Byers 1986, p. 232.</ref> Between 1988 and 1992, a total of 20 Mk42B Sea Kings were delivered to the Indian Navy.<ref>Hiranandani 2012, p. 157.</ref>

Six Sea Kings with troop-carrying capacity, designated '''Mk42C''', were also procured in 1987.<ref>Hiranandani 2005, p. 99.</ref> Although the Indian Navy considered the AEW Sea King, expected to be designated as Mk42D, it was judged to be too expensive, consequently, in 2003, the Russian [[Kamov Ka-31]] was procured instead.<ref>Hiranandani 2005, p. 107.</ref> The indigenous [[HAL Dhruv]] was the intended replacement for the Sea King in the ASW role, however, in 2000, it was deemed unsuited, as the Indian Navy were dissatisfied with the design's folding blade mechanism and by the Dhruv's maintenance record.<ref>Govindasamy, Siv. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/11/13/219256/indian-navy-opens-up-utility-helicopter-requirement.html "Indian navy opens up utility helicopter requirement."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629234825/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/11/13/219256/indian-navy-opens-up-utility-helicopter-requirement.html |date=29 June 2008 }} ''Flight International'', 13 November 2007. Retrieved 19 April 2012.</ref><ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/Nation/2008-10-22/478115news.html "Navy has not rejected Dhruv: Defence Minister."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927061720/http://zeenews.india.com/Nation/2008-10-22/478115news.html |date=27 September 2012 }} ''Zeenews.com'', 22 October 2008.  Retrieved: 21 August 2011.</ref>

In May 1998, the United States enacted sanctions upon India as a part of the international response to [[Pokhran-II|a series of nuclear weapons tests by India]]. {{As of|1999}}, these sanctions effectively grounded India's Sea Kings because India could not purchase any US-supplied spare parts for the fleet. Westland also complied with the sanctions by refusing to maintain any US-made components.<ref>Bilgrami 2004, pp. 186–187.</ref> A limited number of Sea Kings were kept operational by cannibalising other aircraft and the manufacture of some components by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL). In December 2000, President [[Bill Clinton]] permitted a relaxation of the sanctions.<ref>Bilgrami 2004, pp. 187, 199.</ref> In the late 2000s, HAL and [[AgustaWestland]] signed an agreement to jointly maintain and perform upgrades to India's fleet of Sea Kings.<ref>Hiranandani 2012, p. 158.</ref>

===Norway===
[[File:NoRAF Sea King 071.jpg|thumb|[[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] Sea King Mk43B]]
The Norwegian [[Ministry of Justice and the Police (Norway)|Ministry of Justice]] owns 12 Mk43B Sea Kings<ref name="Variant p130"/> which are operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Forces's [[No. 330 Squadron RNoAF|330 Squadron]]. The aircraft are used for SAR and air ambulance missions and are under the command of the [[Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of Southern Norway]] and [[Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of Northern Norway|Northern Norway]]. Introduced in May 1973, they were originally stationed at [[Bodø Main Air Station]], [[Ørland Main Air Station]], [[Sola Air Station]] and [[Station Group Banak]]. In 1997, the squadron conducted 237 SAR and 747 air ambulance missions. From 1995 to 1998, one helicopter was stationed at [[Ålesund Airport, Vigra]], and since 1999, one has been stationed at [[Rygge Air Station]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/kilde/jd/bro/2003/0005/ddd/pdfv/183865-infohefte_engelsk.pdf |title=The Norwegian Search and Rescue Service |publisher=[[Ministry of Justice and the Police (Norway)]] |year=1999 |page=9 |access-date=20 April 2012 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522093939/http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/kilde/jd/bro/2003/0005/ddd/pdfv/183865-infohefte_engelsk.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Florø Airport]] became a station for one helicopter from 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bt.no/nyheter/Her-sliter-redningshelikoptrene-1941912.html |title=Her sliter redningshelikoptrene |work=[[Bergens Tidende]] |date=29 September 2009 |language=no |access-date=20 April 2012 |archive-date=24 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524174650/http://www.bt.no/nyheter/Her-sliter-redningshelikoptrene-1941912.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The helicopters are to be replaced by AgustaWestland AW101 under the Norwegian All-Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) programme gradually from September 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/sar-queen-helicopters-are-now-operational-in-norway/|title = SAR Queen helicopters are now operational in Norway}}</ref> The candidates for the NAWSARH contract of 10–12 helicopters was the AgustaWestland AW101, NHIndustries NH90, [[Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma|Eurocopter EC225]] and [[Sikorsky S-92]].<ref name="Candidates">[https://archive.today/20121209030349/http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/jd/kampanjer/helicopters/news-2/candidates-that-have-passed-the-pre-qual.html?id=673100 "Candidates that passed the Pre-qualification process for delivery of future SAR helicopters for Iceland and Norway."] ''[[Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police|Royal Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police]].'' Retrieved: 26 February 2012.</ref>
July 2013, AgustaWestland AW101 and Eurocopter (EC225) was short-listed to conduct further discussions for the NAWSARH programme for up to 16 helicopters.

===Germany===
[[File:Westland Sea King Mk41, Germany - Navy AN1378003.jpg|thumb|left|German Navy Mk41 at RIAT 2008]]
The German Navy placed an order for 22 Sea King Mk.41s on 20 June 1969 as a replacement for the [[Grumman HU-16 Albatross|Grumman Albatross]] [[flying boat]] in the Search and Rescue Role. This was the first export sale for the Westland Sea King, and was the first dedicated Search and Rescue Sea King variant, with an enlarged cabin and more fuel. The German Sea Kings had similar radar and navigation equipment to the HAS.1, but was not fitted with sonar.<ref name="James p389">James 1991, p. 389.</ref> The 22 Sea Kings were delivered between April 1973 and September 1974, equipping ''Marinefliegergeschwader'' 5 (MFG 5) (Naval Air Wing 5). An additional Sea King was delivered in April 1975 to replace one destroyed in a gale.<ref name="Variant p128" /><ref name="de sea king"/> The surviving Sea Kings were upgraded between 1986 and 1988, adding the capability to carry [[Sea Skua]] anti-ship missiles, which required the addition of a Ferranti Seaspray radar in a nose radome.<ref name="Variant p128"/>
[[File:Westland WS-61 Sea King Mk41, Germany - Navy AN2325162.jpg|thumb|Westland WS-61 Sea King Mk41 of the German Navy, 2013]]
The 21 remaining Sea Kings are tasked to a variety of roles including SAR, transport, disaster relief, tactical land–sea transport, evacuation, surveillance, reconnaissance and naval support. The main base is [[Nordholz]], although units are always stationed at [[Heligoland Airfield]] and [[Warnemünde]], and sometimes at [[Borkum Airfield]]. The helicopters are scheduled to be replaced by the NH-90.<ref name="de sea king">{{cite web |url=http://www.marine.de/portal/a/marine/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP3I5EyrpHK93MQivfLEtLTUvNI8vbSc0vSq1NJ0veLs3Gz9gmxHRQBjQQ93/ |title=Sea King Mk 41 |publisher=[[German Navy]] |date=23 November 2011 |language=de |access-date=20 April 2012 |archive-date=1 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401222257/http://www.marine.de/portal/a/marine/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP3I5EyrpHK93MQivfLEtLTUvNI8vbSc0vSq1NJ0veLs3Gz9gmxHRQBjQQ93/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[HeliOperations]] continue to operate three Mk 5 Sea Kings, based at [[RNAS Portland]], training German Navy pilots as of 2017.<ref name="navaltoday.com">{{Cite web |date=27 July 2017 |title=Former Royal Navy Sea King Mk5s leased to HeliOperations UK |url=https://navaltoday.com/2017/07/27/former-royal-navy-sea-king-mk5s-leased-to-helioperations-uk/}}</ref> The last German Navy Sea Kings were retired in March 2024, making their last operational flight that month.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Germany decommissions Sea King helicopters |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/germany-decommissions-sea-king-helicopters/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Ukraine===

In November 2022, in response to the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]] the [[United Kingdom]] announced they were donating three former [[Royal Navy]] Sea Kings to [[Armed Forces of Ukraine|Ukraine]].<ref>Beale, Jonathan. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63725431 "Britain sending helicopters to Ukraine for first time - Ben Wallace"]. ''BBC News''. 23 November 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2022.</ref> In January 2023, the first Sea King was videoed being used by the [[Ukrainian Naval Aviation]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Perreira |first=Julian |title=UK donated Sea King helicopter seen for the first time operating near Black Sea |url=https://www.forces.net/ukraine/uk-donated-sea-king-helicopter-seen-first-time-operating-near-black-sea |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=Forces Network |date=22 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Stetson |date=2023-01-21 |title=Ukraine Situation Report: Donated Sea King Helicopter Makes Debut Near Black Sea |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-donated-sea-king-helicopter-makes-debut-near-black-sea |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=The Drive |language=en}}</ref>

In April 2023, the BBC did an interview with one of the co-pilots of a UK donated Sea King to Ukraine. These helicopters served in the Falklands War so they are at least some 40 years old. The co-pilot has said that the Sea King is used for rescuing pilots who have ejected, delivering soldiers, and conducting reconnaissance, among other tasks. One engineer also told the BBC: "They are old...but they have gone through modernisation, and we need them very much. I believe this is just the start of our work together." The BBC also reports that a third Sea King is being prepared to be sent to Ukraine in the "coming weeks".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Landale |first=James |date=2023-04-13 |title=The 40-year-old British helicopter flying in Ukraine |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65242823 |website=BBC |language=en}}</ref> The third Sea King HU.5 was delivered to Ukraine in May 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/sea-king-in-ukrainian-colours |title=Sea King in Ukrainian Colours |website=scramble.nl |date=14 May 2023 |access-date=15 May 2023}}</ref>

In January 2024, Germany agreed to send 6 further Sea Kings to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-send-ukraine-six-sea-king-helicopters-air-defence-2024-01-23/ | title=Germany to send Ukraine six 'Sea King' helicopters for air defence | date=2024-01-23 | website=www.reuters.com | publisher=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>

===Egypt===
[[File:Westland Commando Mk1 Egypt 1980.jpeg|thumb|Egyptian ''Commando'' Mk 1, June 1980]]
Egypt is a prolific operator of the Sea King, using many different variants for a wide variety of purposes. In addition to operating ASW Sea Kings for coastal patrols,<ref name="Variant p131"/> Egypt procured a land-based transport adapted from the basic Sea King, marketed by Westland as the Commando, including a VIP subvariant.<ref name="Variant p133-4">Lake 1996, pp. 133–134.</ref><ref name="James p392">James 1991, p. 392.</ref> An electronic warfare version was also deployed by the Egyptian Air Force, featuring sophisticated onboard jamming systems.<ref name="Variant p135">Lake 1996, p. 135.</ref> As of 2011, 23 Sea Kings/Commandos remain in service with Egypt.<ref name="fiwaf p38">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 38.</ref>

===Qatar===
The [[Qatar Armed Forces|Qatar Emiri Air Force]] also operates Westland's Commando variant, as a standard utility transport for ground forces, a single one was also equipped specially to perform VIP transport duties.<ref name="Variant p134">Lake 1996, p. 134.</ref> A few Qatari Sea Kings serve in an anti-shipping capacity and have been outfitted to carry, and deploy if required, two Exocet anti-ship missiles.<ref name="Variant p135"/>

===Pakistan===
Pakistan's Navy took delivery of six ''Mk.45'' Sea Kings, a variant based on the Royal Navy's Sea King HAS.1 from 1975. It served in a combined anti-submarine and anti-ship role, carrying the Exocet missile as an alternative to the normal anti-submarine weapon load of four [[Mark 44 torpedo|Mark 44]] or [[Mark 46 torpedo]]es. One of Pakistan's Sea Kings was lost in an accident in February 1986, and was replaced by an ex-Royal Navy HAS.5, redesignated Mk.45C, in January 1989.

===Belgium===
[[File:Westland Sea King Mk 48 Belgium - Air Force RS04 (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Belgian Sea King, 2014]]

The Belgian Air Force ordered five Sea King Mk.48s to perform Search and Rescue missions in 1974, which entered service in 1976.<ref name="variant p132">Lake 1996, p. 132.</ref> They were upgraded with new rotor blades in 1987–1988,<ref name="James p394">James 1991, p. 394.</ref> and with revised avionics, including new radar and provision of a [[FLIR]] turret under the nose from 1995.<ref name="variant p132"/> In 2007 Belgium ordered eight [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]] helicopters, of which four were navalised NFH helicopters intended to replace the Sea Kings in the SAR role. Delays in delivery of Belgium's NH90s, together with an increased demand for the NH90s to operate from the [[Belgian Navy]]'s frigates, resulted in the retirement date for the Sea Kings being pushed back to 2018. Three Sea Kings remained operational in 2017.<ref name="AI317 p85">Harding ''Air International'' March 2017, p. 85.</ref> 
[[File:Westland Sea King Mk48, RS05, Royal Belgan Air Force, Kleine Brogel, Belgian Air Force Days 2018 pic2.jpg|thumb|Sea King of the Royal Belgian Air Force, 2018]]
Belgian Sea Kings had been carried out over 3300 SAR sorties by the end of 2016, with over 1750 lives saved.<ref name="AI317 p87">Harding ''Air International'' March 2017, p. 87.</ref> Belgium retired its last Sea King on 21 March 2019, with a farewell flypass over the Belgian coast. Their SAR role was taken on by four [[NHIndustries NH90|NHIndustries NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters]] (NFHs) flying out of [[Koksijde Air Base]] near the coast of [[West Flanders|Flanders]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last1=Jennings |first1=Gareth |date=19 December 2018 |title=Belgium retires Sea King helos |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85343/belgium-retires-sea-king-helos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220142213/https://www.janes.com/article/85343/belgium-retires-sea-king-helos |archive-date=20 December 2018 |access-date=20 December 2018 |website=IHS Jane's 360 |location=London}}</ref> RS05 was donated to "Het Vlaams Luchtvaartopleidingscentrum" (VLOC) and performed its ferry flight on 26/03/2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vloc.eu/seaking-rs-05-als-lesmateriaal-naar-vloc-te-oostende/|title=SeaKing RS-05 als lesmateriaal naar VLOC te Oostende – Vlaams Luchtvaartopleidingscentrum|date=28 March 2019 }}</ref> Two of the three Belgian Sea Kings were bought by Historic Helicopters of Chard Equestrian, Somerset, which already owned five Westland helicopters that had seen service with the [[Royal Navy]] or the [[RAF]].<ref>[https://www.rtbf.be/info/belgique/detail_deux-des-anciens-sea-king-militaires-sauves-et-rachetes-par-une-association-britannique?id=10536956 Deux des anciens Sea King militaires sauvés et rachetés par une association britannique] (fr), published 6 July 2020.</ref> Both Sea Kings left [[Koksijde Air Base]] on 20/10/2021 as OO-SEE (RS02) & OO-KNG (RS04) to the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUjW46ULZeQ|title = An Emotional Farewell of Two Restored Seaking RS01&RS02 leaving their homebase at Koksijde 4K UHD|website = [[YouTube]]| date=21 October 2021 }}</ref>

==Variants==
;Sea King HAS.1
:The first anti-submarine version for the Royal Navy, with Gnome H.1400 engines, a five-bladed tail rotor, a Plessey Type 195 dipping sonar and MEL ARI 5995 search radar in a dorsal radome.<ref name="Variant p122-3">Lake 1996, pp. 122–123.</ref> The Westland Sea King HAS.1 first flew on 7 May 1969.<ref name="Variant p122">Lake 1996, p. 122.</ref> 56 built, many of which were converted to HAS.2.<ref name="Variant p122-3"/>
;Sea King HAS.2
:Upgraded anti-submarine version for the Royal Navy, based on Australian Mk 50. More powerful Gnome H.1400-1 engines, six bladed tail rotor and upgraded avionics (including new Type 2069 dipping sonar), and improved navigation and communications equipment; 21 new build aircraft plus conversions from HAS.1s.<ref name="Variant p123">Lake 1996, p. 123.</ref> Some were later converted for AEW (Airborne Early Warning) duties.
[[File:800 Squadron NSW (Naval Strike Wing), based at RAF Cottesmore, embarked HMS Illustrious for a 6 week deployment. The Sqn were about to commence Exercise Neptune Warrior as part of the cold weather programme for the year. MOD 45147440.jpg|thumb|A Sea King AEW 2 Helicopter of [[849 Naval Air Squadron|849 Squadron]] (radar folded)]]
;Sea King AEW.2
:Conversion of Sea King HAS.1 or HAS.2s into AEW aircraft after lack of AEW cover was revealed during the [[Falklands War]]. Fitted with Thorn EMI Searchwater radar in inflatable radome, with sonar removed. Normally flown with three person (pilot and two observers) crew compared with four-person crew for ASW Sea Kings. Nine converted.<ref name="Variant p123-4">Lake 1996, pp. 123–124.</ref>
;Sea King HAR.3
:Search and rescue version for the Royal Air Force. Fitted with relocated rear cabin bulkhead giving greater cabin length, extra fuel and additional observation windows; 19 built.<ref name="Variant p124">Lake 1996, p. 124.</ref>
;Sea King HAR.3A
:Improved search and rescue version of the Sea King HAR.3 for the Royal Air Force. Fitted with upgraded avionics; six built.<ref name="Variant p124"/>
;Sea King HC.4 / Westland Commando
:Commando assault and utility transport version for the Royal Navy, with simplified undercarriage, and lengthened cabin. Capable of transporting 28 fully equipped troops; 42 built.<ref name="Variant p125">Lake 1996, p. 125.</ref>
;Sea King HC.4X
:One aircraft first flown on 10 April 1989 for the [[Empire Test Pilots' School]].<ref name="ABheli278">Howard et al. 2011, p. 278.</ref>
;Sea King Mk.4X
:Two helicopters based on the HC.4 for trials/test beds at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. Fitted with various nose and/or dorsal sensor installations.<ref name="Variant p125"/>
;Sea King HAS.5
[[File:Sea Kings on deck HMAS Melbourne 1980.jpg|thumb|RAN Sea King Mk50s of HS-817 Squadron preparing to launch from HMAS ''Melbourne'']]
:Upgraded anti-submarine warfare version for the Royal Navy, with longer range MEL Super Searcher radar in enlarged dorsal radome, new AQS902 acoustic processing system with provision to use sonobuoys. Entered service in June 1981; 30 new build aircraft plus about 55 converted from earlier versions.<ref name="Variant p126">Lake 1996, p. 126.</ref> Some later converted into the HAR.5 for Search and Rescue.
;Sea King HAR.5
:Conversion of HAS.5 to search and rescue role for the Royal Navy, with ASW equipment removed but retaining Sea Searcher radar.<ref name="Variant p127">Lake 1996, p. 127.</ref>
;Sea King AEW.5
:Four Sea King HAS.5s were converted into AEW helicopters for the Royal Navy.<ref name = 'Armistead 131-3'>Armistead and Armistead 2002, pp. 131–133.</ref>
;Sea King HU.5
:Surplus HAS.5 ASW helicopters converted into utility role for the Royal Navy.
;Sea King HAS.6
:Upgraded anti-submarine warfare version for the Royal Navy. fitted with improved avionics, with new sonar processor, improved tactical displays and better communications equipment; five new build aircraft plus conversions.<ref name="Variant p127-8">Lake 1996, pp. 127–128.</ref>
;Sea King HAS.6(CR)
:Five surplus HAS.6 ASW helicopters converted into the utility role for the Royal Navy. The last of the Royal Navy's HAS.6(CR) helicopters was retired from service with 846 NAS on 31 March 2010.<ref name="Allen, Peter p. 33, 2"/>
;Sea King ASaC7
:Upgraded AEW2/5 for the Royal Navy with Searchwater 2000AEW replacing original Searchwater radar.<ref name ='Armistead 132-134'/>
;Sea King Mk.41
[[File:Goodbye King, ILA 2024, Schoenefeld (ILA45236).jpg|thumb|Sea King Mk. 41 of the German Navy in special livery marking the end of its service]]
:Search and rescue version of the Sea King HAS.1 for the [[German Navy]], with longer cabin; 23 built, delivered between 1973 and 1975. A total of 20 were upgraded from 1986 onwards with additional [[Ferranti]] [[Seaspray (radar)|Seaspray]] radar in nose and capability to carry four [[Sea Skua]] [[Anti-ship missile]]s.<ref name="Variant p128">Lake 1996, p. 128.</ref> To be replaced by [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]]s by 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/02/german-navy-receives-18th-and-final-nh-90-sea-lion-helicopter/ | title=German Navy Receives 18th and final NH-90 'Sea Lion' Helicopter | date=6 February 2023 }}</ref>
;Sea King Mk.42
:Anti-submarine warfare version of the Sea King HAS.1 for the Indian Navy; 12 built.<ref name="Variant p128-9">Lake 1996, pp. 128–129.</ref>
;Sea King Mk.42A
:Anti-submarine warfare version of the Sea King HAS.2 for the Indian Navy, fitted with haul-down system for operating from small ships; three built.<ref name="Variant p129">Lake 1996, p. 129.</ref>
;Sea King Mk.42B
:Multi-purpose version for the Indian Navy, equipped for anti-submarine warfare, with dipping sonar and advanced avionics, and anti-shipping operations, with two Sea Eagle missiles; 21 built (one crashing before delivery).<ref name="Variant p129"/>
;Sea King Mk.42C
[[File:Sea King HAR3 XZ585 at RIAT 2010 arp.jpg|thumb|[[RAF]] Sea King HAR.3 rescue helicopter at 2010 [[RIAT]] ]]
[[File:Egyptian Westland Commando Mark 2 helicopter.JPEG|thumb|Egyptian ''Commando'' Mk.1, 1985]]
[[File:Westland Seaking of INS Dega (cropped).jpg|thumb|An [[Indian Navy]] Sea King]]
[[File:Westland Sea King Germany Navy.jpg |thumb|A German Navy Sea King Mark 41 departs {{USS|Oak Hill|LSD-51|6}}]]
[[File:Royal Navy, XV666, Westland Sea King HAS5 (30416432618).jpg|thumb|right|HeliOperations Sea King HU5 in 2018]]
:Search and rescue/utility transport version for the Indian Navy with nose mounted Bendix search radar; six built.<ref name="Variant p129"/>
;Sea King Mk.43
:Search and rescue version of the Sea King HAS.1 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, with lengthened cabin; 10 built.<ref name="Variant p130">Lake 1996, p. 130.</ref>
;Sea King Mk.43A
:Uprated version of the Sea King Mk.43 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, with airframe of Mk.2 but engines of Mk.1; single example built.<ref name="Variant p130"/>
;Sea King Mk.43B
:Upgraded version of the Sea King Mk.43 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Upgraded avionics, including MEL Sea Searcher radar in large dorsal radome, weather radar in nose and [[FLIR]] turret under nose. Three new-build plus upgrade of remaining Mk.43 and Mk.43A helicopters.<ref name="Variant p130"/>
;Sea King Mk.45
 
:Anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare version of the Sea King HAS.1 for the Pakistan Navy. Provision for carrying [[Exocet]] anti-ship missile; six built.<ref name="Variant p130"/>
;Sea King Mk.45A
:One ex-Royal Navy Sea King HAS.5 helicopter was sold to Pakistan as an attrition replacement.<ref name="Variant p131">Lake 1996, p. 131.</ref>
;Sea King Mk.47
:Anti-submarine version of the Sea King HAS.2 for the Egyptian Navy; six built.<ref name="Variant p131"/>
;Sea King Mk.48
:Search and rescue version for the Belgian Air Force. Airframe similar to HAS.2 but with extended cabin; five built, delivered 1976.<ref name="variant p132"/> Retired in 2018.
;Sea King Mk.50
:Multi-role version for the Royal Australian Navy, equivalent to (but preceding) HAS.2; 10 built.<ref name="variant p132"/>
;Sea King Mk.50A
:Two improved Sea Kings were sold to the Royal Australian Navy as part of a follow-on order in 1981.<ref name="variant p133">Lake 1996, p. 133.</ref>
;Sea King Mk.50B
:Upgraded multi-role version for the Royal Australian Navy.
;Commando Mk.1
:Minimum change assault and utility transport version for the Egyptian Air Force, with lengthened cabin but retaining sponsons with floatation gear;<ref name="variant p133"/> five built.<ref name="James p392"/>
;Commando Mk.2
:Improved assault and utility transport version for the Egyptian Air Force, fitted with more powerful engines, non-folding rotors and omitting undercarriage sponsons and floatation gear; 17 built.<ref name="Variant p133-4"/>
;Commando Mk.2A
:Assault and utility transport version for the Qatar Emiri Air Force, almost identical to Egyptian Mk.2; three built.<ref name="Variant p134"/>
;Commando Mk.2B
:VIP transport version of Commando Mk.2 for the Egyptian Air Force; two built.<ref name="Variant p134"/>
;Commando Mk.2C
:VIP transport version of Commando Mk.2A for the Qatar Emiri Air Force; one built.<ref name="Variant p134"/>
;Commando Mk.2E
:Electronic warfare version for the Egyptian Air Force, fitted with integrated ESM and jamming system, with radomes on side of fuselage; four built.<ref name="Variant p135"/>
;Commando Mk.3
:Anti-ship warfare version for the [[Qatar Armed Forces|Qatar Emiri Air Force]], fitted with dorsal radome and capable of carrying two Exocet missiles. Eight built.<ref name="Variant p135"/>

== Operators ==

=== Current operators ===
'''{{Flagicon|Egypt}} [[Egypt]]'''
* [[Egyptian Air Force]]<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Embraer |first=In association with |title=2023 World Air Forces directory |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/2023-world-air-forces-directory/151088.article |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Westland Sea King operators |url=https://www.helis.com/database/model/Westland-Sea-King/org |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Helis.com |language=en}}</ref>
** 545 Air Wing: 11 Squadron (Mersa Matruh, wfu) → AW149
** 546 Air Wing: 12 Squadron ([[Almaza Air Base]])
'''{{Flagicon|India}} [[India]]'''
* [[Indian Naval Air Arm]]<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
'''{{Flagicon|Pakistan}}''' '''[[Pakistan]]'''
* [[Pakistan Naval Air Arm]]<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=The Newspaper's Staff |date=2022-01-25 |title=PNS Tughril, 10 Sea King helicopters inducted into Navy |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1671271 |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4" />
'''{{Flagicon|Ukraine}}''' '''[[Ukraine]]'''
* [[Ukrainian Naval Aviation]]<ref>{{cite news |date=23 November 2022 |title=Britain sending helicopters to Ukraine for first time - Ben Wallace |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63725431}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" />
** [[10th Naval Aviation Brigade (Ukraine)|10th Naval Aviation Brigade]]
'''{{Flagicon|United Kingdom}}''' '''[[United Kingdom]]'''
* [[HeliOperations]] – Private operator providing training for German Naval Aviation Command<ref name="navaltoday.com" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Daniels |first=Liam |title=UK Sea King flies on |magazine=[[Air International]] |volume=93 |issue=4 |page=15 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref>

=== Former operators ===
[[File:Sea King HU5 RN (24959707371).jpg|thumb|Westland Sea King HU.5 at Helidays airshow 2003]]
'''{{Flagicon|Australia}}''' '''[[Australia]]'''

* [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm]] - in service from 1976 to 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sea King in Fleet Air Arm (RAN) |url=https://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/Australia-Sea-King/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Helis.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4" />

'''{{Flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]]'''

* [[Belgian Air Component]] - in service from 1976 to 2019<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sea King Mk.48 in Force Aérienne Belge |url=https://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/Belgium-Sea-King/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Helis.com |language=en}}</ref>

'''{{Flagicon|Germany}}''' '''[[Germany]]'''

* [[Marineflieger|German Naval Aviation Command]]<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

'''{{Flagicon|Norway}} [[Norway]]'''

* [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]]<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

'''{{Flagicon|Qatar}}''' '''[[Qatar]]'''

* [[Qatar Emiri Air Force]] - in service from 1975 to 2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=Embraer |first=In association with |title=World Air Forces directory 2022 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref>

'''{{Flagicon|Sierra Leone}}''' '''[[Sierra Leone]]'''

* [[Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces]] - in service from 2006 to 2015<ref>{{Cite web |title=RSLAF |url=http://www.mod.gov.sl/rslaf-airwing.html |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=www.mod.gov.sl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aircraft Photo of SL-01 {{!}} Westland WS-61 Commando Mk2C {{!}} Sierra Leone - Air Force {{!}} AirHistory.net #269228 |url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/269228/SL-01 |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=AirHistory.net |language=en}}</ref>

'''{{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[United Kingdom]]'''

* [[Royal Air Force]] - in service from 1978 to 2015<ref>{{Cite web |title=Westland Sea King HAR3 |url=https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/westland-sea-king-har3/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=RAF Museum |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* [[Fleet Air Arm]] - in service from 1969 to 2018<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donald |first=David |title=Royal Navy Bids Farewell to the Sea King |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-09-27/royal-navy-bids-farewell-sea-king |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Aviation International News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Qinetiq|Qinetiq Group]] - Used from 2010 to 2016<ref>{{Cite web |title=XV651 Westland Sea King HAS.1 C/N wa 639 |url=https://www.helis.com/database/cn/4938/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Helis.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==
;Australia
* N16-118 – Sea King Mk 50 on static display at the [[Fleet Air Arm Museum (Australia)|Fleet Air Arm Museum]] near [[Nowra]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Fleet Air Arm Museum|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/history/museums/fleet-air-arm-museum|website=Navy|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia|access-date=30 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212000638/http://www.navy.gov.au/history/museums/fleet-air-arm-museum|archive-date=12 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=RAN N16 Westland Sea King Mk.50A|url=http://www.adf-serials.com.au/n16.htm|website=ADF-Serials|access-date=31 May 2017|date=2 April 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814160347/http://www.adf-serials.com.au/n16.htm|archive-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Sea King helicopter at the Fleet Air Arm Museum February 2015.jpg|thumb|"Shark 07" at the Australian Fleet Air Arm Museum]]
;Belgium
* RS01 – Sea King Mk 48 on static display at the [[Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History]] in [[Brussels]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Brackx|first1=Daniel|title=Sea King RS01 retired to the Royal Army Museum at Brussels|url=http://www.belgian-wings.be/Webpages/Navigator/News/Special%20Features/Sea%20King%20Retired%20to%20Army%20Museum%20171208/Sea%20King%20RS01%20Retired%20to%20Army%20Museum.html|website=Belgian Wings|access-date=31 May 2017|date=31 December 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704061621/http://belgian-wings.be/Webpages/Navigator/News/Special%20Features/Sea%20King%20Retired%20to%20Army%20Museum%20171208/Sea%20King%20RS01%20Retired%20to%20Army%20Museum.html|archive-date=4 July 2014}}</ref>
*RS03 – preserved at Koksijde
*RS05 – Preserved at Ostend Air College, used as an instructional airframe.
*RS02 & RS04 – preserved in flying condition by the Historic Helicopter Group, Somerset

;Brazil
*18 – Sea King SH3 displayed at the Brazilian Navy Cultural Centre, [[Rio de Janeiro]].

;India
* IN504 – Sea King Mk 42 on static display at the [[HAL Aerospace Museum]] in [[Bangalore, Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pillarisetti|first1=Jagan|title=Westland Seaking Mk 42 [IN504]|url=http://www.warbirds.in/karnataka/bangalore/hal/154-westland-seaking-mk-42-in504.html|website=Warbirds of India|access-date=31 May 2017|date=25 November 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803180951/http://warbirds.in/karnataka/bangalore/hal/154-westland-seaking-mk-42-in504.html|archive-date=3 August 2016}}</ref>
* IN505 – Sea King Mk 42 on static display at the [[Naval Aviation Museum (India)|Naval Aviation Museum]] in [[Dabolim|Dabolim, Goa]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pillarisetti|first1=Jagan|title=Westland Sea King [IN505]|url=http://www.warbirds.in/goa/nam/52-westland-sea-king-in505.html|website=Warbirds of India|access-date=31 May 2017|date=17 November 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921005129/http://www.warbirds.in/goa/nam/52-westland-sea-king-in505.html|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Sikorsky-Westland Sea King 42, s/n IN505 BNS, c/n WA737|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=151597|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=31 May 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Duxford, Cambridgeshire, UK 16th February 2019 66’.jpg|thumb|Built in 1972, it saw service in the Gulf, Bosnia, and Kosovo and was put on display at the  Imperial War Museum, Duxford in 2010]]
;United Kingdom
* XV677 – Sea King HAS.6 on static display at the [[South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum]] in [[Doncaster, South Yorkshire]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Aircraft List|url=http://www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk/aircraftlist|website=AeroVenture|publisher=South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum|access-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330002043/https://www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk/aircraftlist|archive-date=30 March 2018}}</ref>
* XV712 – Sea King HAS.6 on static display at the [[Imperial War Museum Duxford]] in [[Duxford, Cambridgeshire]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Westland Sea King HAS Mk.6|url=http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/70000409|website=Imperial War Museums|publisher=IWM|access-date=31 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Sikorsky-Westland Sea King HAS.6, s/n XV712 RN, c/n WA683|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=57608|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320105224/http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=57608|archive-date=20 March 2016}}</ref>
* XZ574 – Sea King HAS.5 on static display at the [[Fleet Air Arm Museum]] in [[Yeovilton, Somerset]]. The aircraft was delivered to the Royal Navy in 1976 and was operated from HMS ''Invincible'' during [[Operation Corporate]]. During the rescue of the crew from ditched Sea King HC.4 ''ZA311'' on 23 April 1982, the helicopter was flown by  the former Prince Andrew.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sea King HAS.5 (XZ574)|url=http://www.fleetairarm.com/exhibit/sea-king-has5-xz574/1-37-99.aspx|website=Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum|publisher=Fleet Air Arm Museum|access-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512081915/http://www.fleetairarm.com/exhibit/sea-king-has5-xz574/1-37-99.aspx|archive-date=12 May 2014}}</ref><ref>Howard et al. 2011, p. 354.</ref>
* XZ585 – Sea King HAR.3 on static display at the [https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/westland-sea-king-har3/ RAF Museum] in London.
* XZ592 – Sea King HAR.3 is on static display at [[Morayvia]] in [[Kinloss, Moray]].<ref>{{cite web|title=SEA KING HAR.3 XZ592 17-10-15 #2|url=http://morayvia.org.uk/sea-king-har-3-xz592-17-10-15-2/|website=Morayvia|access-date=31 May 2017|archive-date=8 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508062012/http://morayvia.org.uk/sea-king-har-3-xz592-17-10-15-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Comment: The battle for XZ592 was one Moray simply refused to lose|url=http://www.insidemoray.com/comment-the-battle-for-xz592-was-one-moray-simply-refused-to-lose|access-date=31 May 2017|work=insideMoray|publisher=insideMoray.news|date=5 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bid to home retired Sea King in Moray is successful|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-33009240|access-date=31 May 2017|publisher=BBC|date=4 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113100138/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-33009240|archive-date=13 January 2017}}</ref>
* XZ593 – Sea King HAR.3 in storage at the [[Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust]] in [[Stanley, Falkland Islands]]. The aircraft was donated to the people of the Islands in 2016 after being retired. It will eventually go on display in a new museum annex.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sea King HAR Mk3 XZ593|url=http://www.falklands-museum.com/sea-king-har-mk3-.html|website=Falkland Islands Museum & National Trust|access-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915085252/http://www.falklands-museum.com/sea-king-har-mk3-.html|archive-date=15 September 2017}}</ref>
* XZ597 – Sea King HAR.3, restored to flying condition by the Historic Helicopter Group, Somerset<ref name="HH, SK" >{{Cite web
  |title=Sea King
  |website=Historic Helicopters
  |url=https://www.historichelicopters.com/Pages/35/Sea-King.html
  |access-date=12 August 2019
  |archive-date=16 December 2022
  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216005136/https://www.historichelicopters.com/Pages/35/Sea-King.html
  |url-status=dead
  }}</ref>
* ZA298 – Sea King HC.4 on static display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, Somerset.<ref name="za298">{{cite web|title=Sea King ZA298: "King of the Junglies"|url=http://www.fleetairarm.com/exhibition/sea-king-za298-veteran-king-of-the-junglies-to-join-national-collection-at-the-fleet-air-arm-muse/8-52.aspx|website=Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum|publisher=Fleet Air Arm Museum|access-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021111626/http://www.fleetairarm.com/exhibition/sea-king-za298-veteran-king-of-the-junglies-to-join-national-collection-at-the-fleet-air-arm-muse/8-52.aspx|archive-date=21 October 2017}}</ref> Nicknamed the "King of the Junglies" it is notorious for having survived multiple times heavy combat damage without any fatalities. First in the [[Falkland War]] where it was hit by gunfire from an Argentinian [[A-4 Skyhawk]], then during the [[Bosnian War]] where it was showered by small-arms fire and finally during the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|war in Afghanistan]] where it suffered a direct hit by an anti-tank [[Rocket-propelled grenade|RPG]].<ref name="za298"/>
* ZD477 – Sea King HC.4 on static display at East Midlands Aeropark.
* ZF122 – Sea King HC.4 – Historic Helicopter Group<ref name="HH, SK" />
* ZG822 - Sea King HC.4 Commando on static display at South Wales Aviation Museum (SWAM), former [[RAF St Athan]], near Cardiff

==Specifications (Sea King HAS.5)==
[[File:Westland Sea King drawing.svg|right|450px|Orthographically projected diagram of the SH-3 Sea King.]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Omnifarious Sea King<ref name="Omni p218">''Air International'' May 1981, p. 218.</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2–4
|length ft=55
|length in=10
|length note=<ref name="James p396-8">James 1991, pp. 396–398.</ref>
|width ft=<!-- if applicable -->
|width in=<!-- if applicable -->
|width note=
|height ft=16
|height in=10
|height note=
|empty weight lb=14051
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=21000
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=21400
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Rolls-Royce H.1400-2 Gnome]] 
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]] engines
|eng1 shp=1660
|eng1 note=

|rot number=1
|rot dia m=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia ft=62
|rot dia in=0
|rot area sqft=3020
|rot area note=<br />
*'''Blade section:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 0012]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=112
|cruise speed note=(max cruise at sea level)
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=664
|range note=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ftmin=2020
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|armament=* 4× [[Mark 44 torpedo|Mark 44]], [[Mark 46 torpedo|Mark 46]] or [[Sting Ray torpedo]]es, or 4× [[Depth charge]]s
* Provision for a door mounted machine gun – various calibers installable
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King]]
* [[Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[AgustaWestland AW101]]
* [[Mil Mi-14]]
* [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk]]
|lists=
* [[List of active United Kingdom military aircraft]]
* [[List of accidents and incidents involving the Westland Sea King]]
}}

==References==

===Notes===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* Allen, Patrick. ''Sea King''. London:  Airlife, 1993. {{ISBN|1-85310-324-1}}.
* Armistead, Leigh and Edwin Armistead. ''Awacs and Hawkeyes: The Complete History of Airborne Early Warning Aircraft''. St Paul, Minnesota: Zenith Imprint, 2002. {{ISBN|0-7603-1140-4}}.
* Baker, A.D. ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World 1998–1999''. Annapolis, Maryland, US: Naval Institute Press, 1998. {{ISBN|1-55750-111-4}}.
* Bilgrami, S. J. R. ''Dynamics of Sanctions in World Affairs''. Bourne, Lincolnshire, UK: Atlantic Publishers, 2004. {{ISBN|81-269-0313-9}}.
* Bud, Robert and Philip Gummett. ''Cold War, Hot Science: Applied Research in Britain's Defence Laboratories, 1945–1990''. London: NMSI Trading, 2002. {{ISBN|1-900747-47-2}}.
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{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Westland Sea King}}
*[http://www.helis.com/database/go/westland_sea_king.php helis.com Section on the Westland Sea King]
*[http://www.navy.gov.au/aircraft/westland-sea-king-mk-50 Royal Australian Navy Sea King]
*[https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/aircraft/helicopters/sea-king-mk7 Sea King Mk7 Airborne Surveillance and Control]
*[http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/seaking.cfm Royal Air Force Sea Kings]

{{Westland aircraft}}
{{Sikorsky S-61 family}}
{{British military aircraft since World War II}}

[[Category:1960s British anti-submarine aircraft]]
[[Category:Anti-submarine helicopters]]
[[Category:Search and rescue helicopters]]
[[Category:Amphibious helicopters]]
[[Category:1960s British helicopters]]
[[Category:Westland aircraft|Sea King]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1969]]
[[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Sikorsky S-61]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear]]