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AW101 vs SH-3 Sea King

AgustaWestland AW101 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇮🇹 AW101
Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SH-3 Sea King
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Specifications
AW101 SH-3 Sea King
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 Italy 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland Sikorsky
First flight 19 October 1964 11 March 1959
Year introduced 1999 1961
Number produced 137 units 1300 units
Average unit price $70 million $25 million
Wingspan 18.6 m 19.0 m
Height 6.6 m 5.1 m
Length 20.4 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 309 km/h 267 km/h
Operational range 1,389 km 1,005 km
Service ceiling 2,600 m 4,481 m
Max. takeoff weight 12,900 kg 10,002 kg
Empty weight 6,850 kg 5,382 kg
Total thrust 3 x 1,044 kW 2 x 1,044 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AW101 and the SH-3 Sea King are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Sikorsky respectively.

Top speed is 309 km/h for the AW101 vs 267 km/h for the SH-3 Sea King. The AW101 has an operational range of 1,389 km vs 1,005 km for the SH-3 Sea King. The SH-3 Sea King operates at altitudes up to 4,481 m compared to 2,600 m for the AW101.

The AW101 has been produced in 137 units vs 1,300 for the SH-3 Sea King. Unit cost is $70M for the AW101 vs $25M for the SH-3 Sea King. The SH-3 Sea King first flew 5 years before the AW101 (1959 vs 1964).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW101 or SH-3 Sea King?
The AW101 is faster with a maximum speed of 309 km/h compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 267 km/h, a difference of 42 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW101 or SH-3 Sea King?
The AW101 has a longer range at 1,389 km compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 1,005 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW101 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a higher service ceiling at 4,481 meters (14,701 ft) compared to the AW101's 2,600 meters (8,530 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW101 or SH-3 Sea King?
The AW101 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,900 kg compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 10,002 kg.
Which is larger, the AW101 or SH-3 Sea King?
The AW101 is longer at 20.4 meters compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 16.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW101 or SH-3 Sea King?
The AW101 is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the SH-3 Sea King at $25 million.
Which entered service first, the AW101 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King entered service first in 1961, 38 years before the AW101 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW101 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has been produced in greater numbers with 1,300 units compared to 137 units of the AW101.