History
C/N
The S-61L first flew on 2 November 1961. It is was 4ft 3in (1.27m) longer than the standard S-61A/HSS-2/SH-3 in order to carry freight or passengers. Initial production S-61Ls were powered by two 1350shp (1005kW) GE CT58-140 turboshafts. The S-61L features a modified landing gear with straight strut legs on each side. Los Angeles Airways was the first civil operator of the S-61L, introducing them on 11 March 1962. Many S-61Ls were subsequently updated to Mk II standard with more powerful CT58-110 engines, vibration damping and other detail refinements.
Specifications
| Engine | 2 x General Electric CT58-140 1350 shp |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3 + 30 |
| Length (m) | 17.45 |
| Height (m) | 5.18 |
| Blades | 5 |
| Rotor diam. (m) | 18.9 |
| Disc area (m2) | 280.5 |
| Weight (kgs) | Empty: 5310 Max: 9300 |
| Speed (km/h) | Cruise: 222 Max: 245 |
| Range (km) | 428 |
| Ceiling (m) | 3810 |
| Rate/Climb (m/min) | 396 |
Operators
| 1962-1971 |  Los Angeles Airways |
| 1964-1967 | Chicago Helicopter Airways |
| 1965-2022 |  British International Helicopters S-61 H-3 |
| 1966-?? | UK Government S-61 H-3 |
| 1966-1989 | Westland S-61 H-3 |
| 1973- | Carson Helicopters S-61 H-3 |
| 1980-1985 |  Helicopteros Marinos S-61 H-3 |
| 1980- | Croman Corp S-61 H-3 |
| 1991- |  VIH Helicopters Ltd S-61 H-3 |
| 1993-2000 | Brintel Helicopters S-61 H-3 |
| Coulson S-61 H-3 |
|
| Canadian Helicopters Ltd S-61 H-3 |
|
| Helicarrier, Inc S-61 H-3 |
|
| Okanagan Helicopters S-61 H-3 |
|
 Court Helicopters S-61 H-3 |
|
| New York Airways |