Search and rescue variant for the US Navy converted from SH-3A. Modifications included armor, 7.62 mm miniguns, DECK-EDGE refueling capability, external fuel tanks and all ASW equipment removed. They were extensively used during the Vietnam War to rescue downed aircrews. Used by US Navy squadrons HC-7 and HC-9.
The US Air force used their own variant, the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, based on the S-61R.
The US Air force used their own variant, the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, based on the S-61R.
List of Operators of Sikorsky HH-3A Big Mother | |
| From | Organisation with model HH-3A Big Mother | |||||
| 1961 |
| |||||
Construction Numbers | Help Us | |
| C/N | Year | History | |
| 61-014 |  148036 | ||
 | 61-091 | 149682 | |
| 61-165 | 149896 | ||
| 61-172 | 149903,N51953 | ||
61-182  | 149912 | ||
| 61-184 | 1963 | 149914,N5193Y | |
| 61-186 | 1963 | 149916,N3173U |
| 61-195 | 149922 | ||
| 61-210 | ,149933 | ||
| 61-235 | 151531 | ||
| 61-272 | 1964 | 151552,N561SC,N624CK,N81661 |
| 61-273 | 151553 | ||
| 61-292 | 151556 |