ARCHIVED - Meet the CH-124 Sea King
This page has been archived on the Web
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
News Article / June 18, 2015
A ship-borne maritime helicopter, the CH-124 Sea King lives up to its name with its unique capabilities. The aircraft’s compact design boasts a fold-up rotor and tail that help it to fit on even the smallest warship’s deck, and its amphibious hull lends it the ability to conduct an emergency water landing.
The CH-124 is powered by two turboshaft engines and is equipped with subsurface acoustic detection equipment and homing torpedoes. Employing these, the Sea King lifts off from destroyers and frigates to locate and destroy submarines.
Capable of flying in day or night, the CH-124 is a versatile surveillance aircraft. It was procured mainly for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), but has expanded its role since coming into service in 1963. Domestically, Sea Kings contribute to search and rescue operations, disaster relief, counter-narcotic operations, and fisheries and pollution patrols. The helicopter also plays a vital role in international operations.
Although one of the oldest aircraft in the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Sea King is also one of its busiest. It has seen service in a variety of international and domestic roles in recent years including the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Yugoslavia, East Timor, Manitoba Floods, and Haiti.
16.67m
18.9m
5.8 m
6,591 kg
9,318 kg
Two 1500 SHP General Electric T-58-GE-8F/-100 turboshafts
222 km/h
167 km/h
3,048 m
740 km
Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR), Passive/Active Sonar, Surface Search Radar
Mk 46 Mod V homing torpedoes, self-defence machine gun
2 pilots, 1 navigator, 1 airborne electronic sensor operator
1963 to 1969
12 Wing Shearwater, N.S.
Patricia Bay, B.C.