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AW159 vs SH-3 Sea King

AgustaWestland AW159 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇮🇹 AW159
Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SH-3 Sea King
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Specifications
AW159 SH-3 Sea King
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 Italy 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland Sikorsky
First flight 12 November 2009 11 March 1959
Year introduced 2014 1961
Number produced 67 units 1300 units
Average unit price $32 million $25 million
Wingspan 12.8 m 19.0 m
Height 3.8 m 5.1 m
Length 15.0 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 291 km/h 267 km/h
Operational range 777 km 1,005 km
Service ceiling 4,000 m 4,481 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,000 kg 10,002 kg
Empty weight 3,300 kg 5,382 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,015 kW 2 x 1,044 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AW159 and the SH-3 Sea King are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Sikorsky respectively.

Top speed is 291 km/h for the AW159 vs 267 km/h for the SH-3 Sea King. The AW159 has an operational range of 777 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 4,000 m for the AW159.

The AW159 has been produced in 67 units vs 1,300 for the SH-3 Sea King. Unit cost is $32M for the AW159 vs $25M for the SH-3 Sea King. The SH-3 Sea King first flew 50 years before the AW159 (1959 vs 2009).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW159 or SH-3 Sea King?
The AW159 is faster with a maximum speed of 291 km/h compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 267 km/h, a difference of 24 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW159 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a longer range at 1,005 km compared to the AW159's 777 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW159 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 AW159's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW159 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,002 kg compared to the AW159's 6,000 kg.
Which is larger, the AW159 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the AW159's 15.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW159 or SH-3 Sea King?
The AW159 is more expensive at approximately $32 million per unit compared to the SH-3 Sea King at $25 million.
Which entered service first, the AW159 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King entered service first in 1961, 53 years before the AW159 which entered service in 2014.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW159 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has been produced in greater numbers with 1,300 units compared to 67 units of the AW159.