Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33423
Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King Diecast Model
USN HS-2 Golden Falcons, Vietnam, 1967 | Limited Edition
875
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King | | 12.25" | | 10.25" |
When the Sea King became operational with the US Navy in June 1961, it was the largest amphibious rotorcraft in the world, and the first all-weather helicopter to reach production status for the US Navy. A capable and adaptable aircraft, it didn't take long before the Sea King started to take on tasks other than the anti-submarine role it was intended for. During the Vietnam War, several US Navy Sea Kings were adapted to operate as armed search and rescue helicopters in the Gulf of Tonkin during 'Operation Rolling Thunder', coming to the aid of downed airmen either at sea or land. These were dangerous, secretive missions because they were operating in forward combat positions. US Navy HS-2 "Golden Falcons" Sea Kings performed at least ten overland and five rescues of downed US airmen in North Vietnam during 1967, actions which were both intrepid and selfless. The aircraft modelled here was the subject of a rare colour picture taken on the landing pad of USS Mahan in the Gulf of Tonkin in May 1967. Underlining the hazardous nature of these missions, the aircraft was lost at sea, claiming all souls, just two weeks later. This release pays tribute to these clandestine and dangerous Sea King rescue missions during the Vietnam War. Designed to meet a US Navy requirement for an all-weather amphibious helicopter, the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King first flew on March 11, 1959. Originally a submarine hunter-killer, the Sea King has since been used in a variety of operations, from search and rescue, executive transport and communications to anti-ship and airborne early warning. Its five main rotor blades and tail section fold for stowage aboard aircraft carriers, and its hull can remain temporarily watertight for water landings-a risky maneuver attempted only in emergencies. When deployed by aircraft carriers, Sea Kings serve as plane guard and are the first in the air and the last to return. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. Corgi's 1:72 scale Sea Kings are quite large, with each release featuring a variety of transparent window configurations on the port side. These models feel surprisingly heavy for 1:72 scale. Two sets of rotor blades are included, one with drooping blades for ground display and another with blades that are curved upwards for in-flight display. The "green-house" canopy with a variety of tinting is large, allowing for easy viewing of the cockpit interior and crew figures. Each release highlights one of many engine intake configurations and radar domes. The sliding cargo door opens effortlessly to expose an expansive cargo-hold. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored. Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature: - Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
