SH-2 Seasprite vs SH-3 Sea King

American multi-purpose helicopter, known for major deployments during the Vietnam and Falklands Wars, particularly in anti-submarine warfare roles.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Kaman
First flight 2 July 1959
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 184 units
Average unit price $1.2 million
American amphibious helicopter, enlisted for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War, renowned for Apollo space missions recovery.
Picture of SH-3 Sea King
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sikorsky
First flight 11 March 1959
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1300 units
Average unit price $25 million
Wingspan -- m
Height 4.6 m â—‰
Length 16.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 256 km/h â—‰
Operational range 680 km â—‰
Service ceiling 5,486 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight 4,173 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,342 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Kaman SH-2 Seasprite
Wingspan 19.0 m
Height 5.1 m â—‰
Length 16.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 267 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,005 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,481 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 10,002 kg
Empty weight 5,382 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,044 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the SH-2 Seasprite or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is faster with a maximum speed of 267 km/h compared to the SH-2 Seasprite's 256 km/h, a difference of 11 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SH-2 Seasprite or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a longer range at 1,005 km compared to the SH-2 Seasprite's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the SH-2 Seasprite or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-2 Seasprite has a higher service ceiling at 5,486 meters (17,998 ft) compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 4,481 meters (14,701 ft).
Which is heavier, the SH-2 Seasprite or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,002 kg compared to the SH-2 Seasprite's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the SH-2 Seasprite or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the SH-2 Seasprite's 16.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the SH-2 Seasprite or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the SH-2 Seasprite at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the SH-2 Seasprite or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King entered service first in 1961, 1 years before the SH-2 Seasprite which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the SH-2 Seasprite or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has been produced in greater numbers with 1,300 units compared to 184 units of the SH-2 Seasprite.