Sea King introduced to replace S-58 in the SAR role, following an order for 5x Mk.48 airframes placed on 22 Apr 1974. The small fleet included improvements made to RN HAS.2 and RAN Mk.50 in its initial design and has undergone at least three mid-life updates.
In 1987, the composite main rotors were replaced with all-metal units. In 1989, vibration problems were (almost) eliminated through a tail section strengthening programme. In 1994, an avionics and infra-red detection update improved overall SAR performance of the fleet. A sixth airframe was planned for acquisition in 1997 but was subsequently cancelled. During 1998, the Mk.48 fleet came through the Westland Oldmixon plant in Weston-super-Mare, for an AFCS upgrade to the Smith Newmark SN500.
The Mk.48 was due for replacement around 2006.
In 1987, the composite main rotors were replaced with all-metal units. In 1989, vibration problems were (almost) eliminated through a tail section strengthening programme. In 1994, an avionics and infra-red detection update improved overall SAR performance of the fleet. A sixth airframe was planned for acquisition in 1997 but was subsequently cancelled. During 1998, the Mk.48 fleet came through the Westland Oldmixon plant in Weston-super-Mare, for an AFCS upgrade to the Smith Newmark SN500.
The Mk.48 was due for replacement around 2006.
In 2007, eight NH90 were ordered as their replacement: four each of the TTH (transport) and NFH (naval) variants with first deliveries expected by 2012. These aircraft will replace the remaining Alouette III as well.
As of 2011, 4 Sea King are still in service with RS01 retired in Dec 2008 to the Brussel museum. RS03 was retired Aug 2013. On Nov 2015 RAF Sea King ZH542 was obtained for spare parts
As of March 2016, near their 40 Anniversary, they have performed 3185 rescue sorties saving 1712 lives.
Performed last flight March 21, 2019 after 43 years of service, 60.000 flight hours, 3.309 rescue missions and 1.757 lives saved.
As of 2011, 4 Sea King are still in service with RS01 retired in Dec 2008 to the Brussel museum. RS03 was retired Aug 2013. On Nov 2015 RAF Sea King ZH542 was obtained for spare parts
As of March 2016, near their 40 Anniversary, they have performed 3185 rescue sorties saving 1712 lives.
Performed last flight March 21, 2019 after 43 years of service, 60.000 flight hours, 3.309 rescue missions and 1.757 lives saved.
News |
Koksijde SAR Meet 2016
07-Oct-16 - Belgium with Austria, Germany and Poland taking part of Search and Rescue SAR Meet 2016 at Koksijde, October 10-14 Units |
Years | Units | Base |
---|---|---|
1976/18 | 40 Squadron | Koksijde / Coxyde AB |
1976 | RN RNFTU | RNAS Culdrose |
List of Aircraft |
C/N | Built | ID In this Org | In other Org | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
wa 831 | 1975 | RS01 Sea King Mk.48 ex G-BDNH, to Belgian Air Force Nov 1976 as RS01 with 40 Esc. | G-BDNH: Manufacturer test serial; to Belgium Jul 1976 | |||
wa 832 | 1976 | RS02 08apr76 first flight, ex G-BDNI/G17-2; 20may76 handed over, Crew on delivery : C... | G-BDNI: ex G-17-2, registered as G-BDNI Dec 1975 prior to expor... | |||
wa 833 | 1976 | RS03 Apr76 first flight, ex G-BDNJ/G-17-3; 28may76 handed over / Crew on delivery :... | G-BDNJ: ex G-17-3, reg to Westland as G-BDNJ Dec 1975, prior to... | |||
wa 834 | 1976 | RS04 07may76 first flight, ex G-BDNK/G17-4; 14jul76 handed over, crew on delivery : ... | G-BDNK: ex G-17-4, registered as G-BDNK Dec 1975, prior to expo... - OO-KNG: allocated ferry reg OO-KNG for flight to UK. Historic Helicopters Jul/Dec 2021 final flight from Koksijde to Yeovil, UK - G-BDNK: Lift West (Helicopters) Ltd from Mar22 Chard. it is not flying see and is not G-DKND . Today i... 12:47 hs from Teeside Airport, Off the coast at Whitby ... flying over the sea off Middlesbrough from and to Teesi... | |||
wa 835 | 1976 | RS05 07jun76 first flight, ex G-BDNL/G-17-5; 02jul76 handed over, crew on delivery :... |
No longer with this org.