SH-3H Sub-Hunter

Plastic model kit of a Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King anti-submarine helicopter

• 1:72 scale
• Based on former Dragon molds
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King was the most advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant of the Sea King family and formed the backbone of the US Navy's carrier-based anti-submarine operations from the 1970s through the 1990s. Equipped with two powerful gas turbine engines, an amphibious hull, and folding rotor blades and tail boom, the helicopter was ideally suited for operations from aircraft carriers and other warships.

Its greatest strength lay in its extensive sensor suite, which included a dipping sonar, search radar, magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), sonobuoys, and electronic reconnaissance systems. This enabled the SH-3H to detect and track enemy submarines and engage them with Mk-46 lightweight torpedoes. In addition to anti-submarine warfare, it performed search and rescue (SAR) missions, transport and supply flights, medical evacuations, and aircraft carrier security duties.

With a top speed of around 270 km/h, a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, and a four-person crew, the SH-3H was one of the most capable naval helicopters of its time. It proved its worth particularly during the Cold War while monitoring Soviet submarines in the Atlantic and Pacific. It was only gradually phased out of US Navy service following the introduction of the more modern SH-60 Seahawk. However, its reliability and versatility made the Sea King one of the most successful naval helicopters of the post-war era, remaining in service in numerous countries for many years.