Why is this 1960s helicopter still in service today?

It can be argued that the most important weapon innovation in modern surface naval warfare is the naval helicopter. Helicopters such as the Westland Sea King. The most significant British naval helicopter in the last 60 years. What makes the Sea King stand out from other helicopters is its sheer versatility and adaptability. Over almost fifty years of service with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force from 1969-2018, the Sea King was used in numerous roles, well beyond its original design as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. It was what is known as a ‘utility helicopter’ – an aircraft designed for multiple tasks. It saw service as a ‘commando’ troop carrier, a heavy lift transport, an anti-ship helicopter, an airborne early warning aircraft, and even a search and rescue helicopter. It was truly the ‘Swiss army knife’ of naval and military helicopters.

Explore and licence the film clips used in this video: https://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/co...

Leave a lasting legacy with IWM: https://www.iwm.org.uk/support-us/leg...

Follow IWM on social media:
x.com/I_W_M
instagram.com/imperialwarmuseums
facebook.com/iwm.london

Attributions:

Agusta Westland HH-101A Caesar: Gian Marco Anzellotti https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...

Thumbnail image: Mez Merrill https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...