The story
The S-61 was born as the US Navy's SH-3 Sea King submarine hunter and became one of the great all-rounders: oil-rig shuttle, airliner, search and rescue, firefighting helitanker, and for six decades the presidential Marine One as the VH-3. Civil S-61s still work today, mostly as firefighters and heavy lifters.
Sea Kings carried US presidents as Marine One from the early 1960s; the VH-92 Patriot is now taking over the job.
Quick answers
How do you identify a S-61?
Big boat-hulled fuselage built to land on water, with float sponsons on each side holding the main wheels on the Navy and S-61N versions. Five-blade main rotor and two engines on top. A dark green one with a white top is the presidential VH-3.
What does a S-61 sound like?
Twin turboshafts and a big five-blade rotor: a deep, steady thump over a turbine whine.
How fast is the S-61?
Top speed is 144 kts.
How many passengers does the S-61 carry?
Up to 30.
How far can the S-61 fly?
Range is about 450 nmi.
How big is the S-61?
It is 58 ft 11 in (S-61N fuselage) long and 62 ft 0 in across the rotor.
When did the S-61 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1959.
How many S-61s have been built?
1,300+ (incl. licence builds) built.
How rare is a S-61 in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first S-61 catch is worth 25 points.
