S-61T Variants from Carson Helicopters

Argentina approved funding for two additional Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King helicopters for the Navy on 28 December.

The $12.8 million (€11.3 million) contract covers acquisition of the two aircraft from Pennsylvania-based Carson Helicopters, Inc., plus pilot conversion and maintenance crew training and a spare parts package for a two-year/500 flight hour period per aircraft.

The helicopters, which Navy sources indicate will be in the S-61T variant developed by Carson, will be delivered after being overhauled and modernised with new avionics and a full glass cockpit.

Currently, the 2nd Naval Helicopter Squadron operates four UH-3H Sea Kings and two Agusta Sikorsky AS-61Ds, which are used to support Antarctic activities as well as fleet and Marine Corps operations. The two Italian models maintain a certain anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare capability, having been modified to launch AM39 Exocet missiles.

Santiago Rivas reporting from Buenos Aires for MON