The Sea King HAR. 3 is a modified Search and Rescue (SAR) variant of the Westland Sea King, entering service in 1978 as a replacement for the Westland Whirlwind HAR.10. It first saw operation with the RAF in 1982 and was later manufactured by Westland for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the Belgian Air Force and the German Navy. In 1992 six upgraded HAR.3As were ordered for the RAF, fitted with a digital navigation system and improved avionics. The HAR. 3 would endure as a proficient SAR Sea King, providing around-the-clock SAR cover across the UK and Falkland Islands. The Mk3 Sea King left RAF service in 2016, although the Mk7 is expected to remain in Royal Navy service until 2018. The standard SAR four-man crew consists of two pilots, a radar and winch operator and a winchman/paramedic.
Skill level 3
