*** Shoe Box Photos ***

 

Berkshire County This program is supported in parts by Grants from the Local Cultural Councils of Northern Berkshire, Pittsfield, Dalton, Sheffield, Hinsdale-Peru, Richmond, Egremont-Alford, Windsor, Lee, Stockbridge, Sandisfield, Tyringham, and Washington Local Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency."

AlphabeticalBerkshireTownsErasServiceBest of ShoeBox Photos

Sikorsky Model S-61/H-3 "Sea King"

 

The Sikorsky S-58 "Sea King" was the winning design in 1957 when U.S. Naval and Coast Guard needed a helicopter that was functional as either land or aircraft carrier based aircraft. Versatile specifications for an all weather, anti-submarine "Hunter-Killer" or as a maritime crash and rescue aircraft, were aptly met by this classic helicopter series. Its first prototype flew in March of 1959. The "Sea King" was the first Anti Sub-marine Warfare-ASW aircraft, acting independently or in conjunction with a surface ship, that carried the radar and sonar electronic's to detect hostile submarines and missiles and has offensive capabilities utilizing (2) MK-46 torpedo. Powered by (2) General Electric 1,400 hp turbo shafted engines, its maximum air speed is 165 mph and effective operating range of 625 miles.

 

The "Sea King" is extensively utilized in amphibious Search And Rescue-SAR, recovery operations by U.S. Naval and Coast Guard forces. Equipped with a 5 blade rotor and auto-altimeter radar, its stability while hovering is exceptional, allowing rescue personnel to be lowered by a side cargo door winch to retrieve victims. To facilitate long searches and rescues it has been retrofitted for in-flight refueling. The rescue merits of the S-61 for the U.S. Army are better known by its nickname "The Jolly Green Giant." During the Vietnam War the "Jolly Green Giant" is credited in many successful returns of pilots and crew members in downed aircraft in North Vietnam. With a load capacity for 30 troops, armored plating, self-sealing fuel tanks and a host of .30 caliber or .50 caliber machine guns, allowed many daring rescues under hostile fire.

 

All screens best viewed in 800x600 resolution and utilize a  progressive JPEG  format. Photos are encoded with copyright, and information in Adobe Photoshop Info File.

Comments, Corrections, Contributions Welcomed.

Christy Butler **** www.shoeboxphotos.net **** **** butts@bcn.net