|
The Sikorsky S-61R is a twin-engine helicopter used in transport or search and rescue roles. A developed version of the S-61/SH-3 Sea King, the S-61R was also built under license by Agusta as the AS-61R. The S-61R served in the United States Air Force as the CH-3C/E Sea King and the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, and with the United States Coast Guard as the HH-3F "Pelican".〔United States Department of Defense. ''DOD 4120.15-L Model Designation of Military Aircraft, Rockets, and Guided Missiles''. Washington, DC: Department of Defense, 1974. p. A-40; 1998. p. A-43; 2004. p. 43.〕 ==Development== The Sikorsky S-61R was developed as a derivative of their S-61/SH-3 Sea King model. It features a substantially-revised fuselage with a rear loading ramp, a conventional though water-tight hull instead of the S-61's boat-hull, and retractable tricycle landing gear. The fuselage layout was used by Sikorsky for the larger CH-53 variants, and by the much later (though similarly-sized) S-92. Sikorsky designed and built a S-61R prototype as a private venture with its first flight in 1963. During its development, the US Air Force placed an order for the aircraft, which was designated CH-3C. The Air Force used the CH-3C to recover downed pilots. The CH-3E variant with more powerful engines would follow in 1965.〔Apostolo, Giorgio. "Sikorsky S-61R". ''The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters''. New York: Bonanza Books. 1984. ISBN 978-0-517-43935-7.〕 The improved HH-3E variant would follow later, with eight built, and all 50 CH-3Es were converted to this standard. Known as the ''Jolly Green Giant'', the HH-3E featured protective armor, self-sealing tanks, a retractable inflight refueling probe, jettisonable external tanks, a high-speed hoist, and other specialized equipment.〔 In 1965, U.S. Coast Guard ordered a version designated, HH-3F Sea King (more commonly known by its nickname "Pelican") for all-weather air-sea rescue.〔 The Pelican featured a search radar with a nose antenna radome offset to port,〔〔 and water landing capability.〔 Italian Agusta built a S-61R variant, named AS-61R under license. Agusta produced 22 helicopters for the Italian Air Force.〔 The company claimed it could re-open the production line in 36 months to build additional AS-61 helicopters.〔Donald, David, ed. "Sikorsky S-61". ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Sikorsky S-61R」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|