Westland Sea King HAR3

Originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, the Westland Sea King was adapted for RAF search and rescue duties as the Sea King HAR3.

Deliveries began in 1978, replacing the Whirlwind HAR10 and Wessex HAR2 in providing search and rescue cover for both military and civilian personnel across the UK. Sea Kings were fitted with highly advanced search and navigation equipment and operated in all weathers both day and night. This Sea King was the very first in RAF service, and was only retired in 2015. It was flown in 2011 by HRH The Duke of Cambridge while he was serving as a Search and Rescue pilot at RAF Valley.