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CH-46 Sea Knight vs SH-3 Sea King

CH-46 Sea Knight vs SH-3 Sea King at a glance — top speed 266 vs 267 km/h, range 1,020 vs 1,005 km, max takeoff weight 11,000 vs 10,002 kg, built 524 vs 1,300 units.

Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 CH-46 Sea KnightFull specs
Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SH-3 Sea KingFull specs
Specifications
CH-46 Sea Knight SH-3 Sea King
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Boeing Vertol Sikorsky
First flight 22 April 1958 11 March 1959
Year introduced 1964 1961
Number produced 524 units 1300 units
Average unit price $14 million $25 million
Wingspan 16.0 m 19.0 m
Height 5.1 m 5.1 m
Length 13.9 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 266 km/h 267 km/h
Operational range 1,020 km 1,005 km
Service ceiling 4,267 m 4,481 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,000 kg 10,002 kg
Empty weight 7,047 kg 5,382 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,400 kW 2 x 1,044 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-46 Sea Knight or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is faster with a maximum speed of 267 km/h compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 266 km/h, a difference of 1 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-46 Sea Knight or SH-3 Sea King?
The CH-46 Sea Knight has a longer range at 1,020 km compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 1,005 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-46 Sea Knight 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 CH-46 Sea Knight's 4,267 meters (13,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-46 Sea Knight or SH-3 Sea King?
The CH-46 Sea Knight has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,000 kg compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 10,002 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-46 Sea Knight or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-46 Sea Knight or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight at $14 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-46 Sea Knight or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King entered service first in 1961, 3 years before the CH-46 Sea Knight which entered service in 1964.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the CH-46 Sea Knight or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has been produced in greater numbers with 1,300 units compared to 524 units of the CH-46 Sea Knight.