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H-34 Choctaw vs SH-3 Sea King

H-34 Choctaw vs SH-3 Sea King at a glance — top speed 196 vs 267 km/h, range 306 vs 1,005 km, max takeoff weight 6,033 vs 10,002 kg, built 2,340 vs 1,300 units.

Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 H-34 Choctaw
Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SH-3 Sea King
Specifications
H-34 Choctaw SH-3 Sea King
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sikorsky Sikorsky
First flight 8 March 1954 11 March 1959
Year introduced 1954 1961
Number produced 2340 units 1300 units
Average unit price -- $25 million
Wing area 228.8 m² -- m²
Wingspan 17.1 m 19.0 m
Height 4.4 m 5.1 m
Length 14.4 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 196 km/h 267 km/h
Operational range 306 km 1,005 km
Service ceiling 3,658 m 4,481 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,033 kg 10,002 kg
Empty weight 3,468 kg 5,382 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,137 kW 2 x 1,044 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the H-34 Choctaw or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is faster with a maximum speed of 267 km/h compared to the H-34 Choctaw's 196 km/h, a difference of 71 km/h.
Which has longer range, the H-34 Choctaw or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a longer range at 1,005 km compared to the H-34 Choctaw's 306 km.
Which can fly higher, the H-34 Choctaw 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 H-34 Choctaw's 3,658 meters (12,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the H-34 Choctaw or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,002 kg compared to the H-34 Choctaw's 6,033 kg.
Which is larger, the H-34 Choctaw or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the H-34 Choctaw's 14.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the H-34 Choctaw or SH-3 Sea King?
The H-34 Choctaw entered service first in 1954, 7 years before the SH-3 Sea King which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the H-34 Choctaw or SH-3 Sea King?
The H-34 Choctaw has been produced in greater numbers with 2,340 units compared to 1,300 units of the SH-3 Sea King.