Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican, 1486 / 61663, National Museum of Naval Aviation
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 1486
Construction Number: 61663
Model Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican
Operator: National Museum of Naval Aviation
Airport: Pensacola NAS (NPA / KNPA), USA - Florida
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 08/1996
Date Submitted: 21/02/2009
Displayed in the grounds of the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida is this ex-US Coast Guard HH-3F. Developed by Sikorsky as the S-61R it is a derivative of their S-61/SH-3 Sea King. It features a substantially revised fuselage with a rear loading ramp, a conventional though water-tight hull instead of the S-61s boat-hull, and retractable tricycle landing gear. The fuselage layout was used by Sikorsky for the larger CH-53 variants, and by the much later (though similarly-sized) S-92. Sikorsky designed and built the S-61R prototype as a private venture with its first flight in 1963. During its development, the US Air Force placed an order for the aircraft, which was designated CH-3C. The Air Force used the CH-3C in the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) role. The CH-3E variant with more powerful engines would follow in 1965. The improved HH-3E variant would follow later, with eight built, and all CH-3Es converted to this standard. Known as the Jolly Green Giant, the HH-3E featured protective armour, self-sealing fuel tanks, a retractable in-flight refuelling probe, jettisonable external fuel tanks, a high-speed hoist, and other specialised equipment. In 1965, the US Coast Guard ordered a version designated the HH-3F Sea King (more commonly known by its nickname "Pelican") for all-weather water rescue. The Pelican featured a search radar with a nose antenna radome offset to port, and water landing capability.
Picture ID:1159682