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Hasegawa Sea King HAR Mk3 ‘RAF Rescue’
Scale: 1:48
Reviewer’s Name: Dave Coward
Background info…
The Westland WS-61 Sea King is a British license-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines, and a fully computerised control system. A dedicated Search and Rescue version (Sea King HAR3) was developed for the Royal Air Force, and the first of 15 entered service from September 1977 to replace the Westland Whirlwind HAR10. A sixteenth aircraft was ordered shortly after, and following the Falklands War of 1982, three more aircraft were purchased to enable operation of a Search and Rescue Flight in the islands, initially from Navy Point on the north side of Stanley harbour, and later from the RAF airfield at Mount Pleasant. In 1992 six further aircraft were ordered to replace the last remaining Westland Wessex helicopters in the Search and Rescue role. The six (Sea King HAR3A) had updated systems including, uniquely amongst all the marks of Sea King in UK service, a digital autopilot with coupled navigation system. Search and rescue versions of the Sea King were produced for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, and the German Navy, and later for the Belgian Air Force. The Royal Air Force aircraft are in service with 22, 202 and 203(R) Squadrons. The Falklands unit has reverted to 1564 Flight
References used…
Internet and pictures available in the SMN Photographic Reference Library
Materials used…
Revell Cement, Tamiya extra Thin Cement
Xtracrylixs, Vallejo Model Colour, Alclad, Tamiya fine white primer
Promodeller wash, Mig Productions washes and pigments
Humbrol filler, Green putty, Evergreen Plastic card
MDC Sanding Sticks, Micro mesh, Tamiya Masking tape
Micro sol, Micro set
