Westland Sea King Mk.48
in Force Aérienne Belge / Luchtmacht

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 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.