The Sikorsky S-61 is a twin-engine, medium-lift helicopter originally designed for the U.S. Navy in the 1950s. Based on the S-60, it was primarily intended for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) but quickly found applications in various other roles, including search and rescue (SAR), transport, and offshore oil platform support. The S-62 was an earlier variant of the S-61, designed for commercial use. While the S-61 achieved widespread use in both military and civilian sectors, the S-62 had a more limited service history, mainly used by a few select civilian operators.

The S-61's rugged design and versatile performance have made it one of the most successful helicopters of its class, with thousands produced and widespread usage around the globe. It was used extensively by the military and is still in service today in various configurations.

Key Specifications (Sikorsky S-61 / S-62)

• Crew: 2 (pilot and copilot).
• Capacity: Typically 20-30 passengers (depending on configuration).
• Length: 18.90 m (62 ft 3 in).
• Wingspan: N/A (helicopter).
• Height: 5.79 m (19 ft).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~6,500 kg (14,330 lb).
• Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3 turboprop engines (S-61); earlier versions used piston engines (S-62).
• Maximum Speed: ~250 km/h (155 mph).
• Cruise Speed: ~220 km/h (137 mph).
• Range: ~570 km (354 mi).
• Service Ceiling: ~3,000 m (9,800 ft).

Notable Features

• Versatile mission capabilities: The S-61 is capable of performing a wide range of roles including search and rescue, transportation, offshore support, and military operations.
• Robust construction: Designed to withstand harsh conditions, particularly in maritime and offshore environments, making it ideal for military and commercial operations.
• Large cabin capacity: Can carry up to 30 passengers or heavy cargo, with large access doors for easy loading and unloading.
• Twin-engine redundancy: The S-61’s twin-engine configuration offers improved safety, particularly in more demanding operations such as SAR and offshore oil rig transport.
• Advanced avionics: Over the years, the S-61 has been updated with modern avionics, improving its performance, safety, and operational capability in both military and civilian settings.

Operators & Usage

• Military: Used extensively by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and other military operators for ASW, transport, and search-and-rescue missions. The S-61 has served as a key asset in many naval operations.
• Civilian: The S-61 and its variant S-62 have been used worldwide by commercial operators, particularly for offshore oil rig support, search and rescue operations, and passenger transport. It has served in difficult environments like the North Sea and offshore platforms.
• Search and Rescue: The S-61 is particularly known for its success in search and rescue missions, with its large cabin and range making it an effective tool for locating and rescuing individuals in difficult conditions.
• Offshore Support: Due to its ability to operate from oil rigs and other offshore platforms, the S-61 was heavily used in the offshore oil industry, transporting workers and supplies to rigs in remote locations.

Variants

• S-61L: The most common variant used by commercial operators, featuring turbine engines and modernized systems for better performance and reliability.
• S-61R: A more advanced version of the S-61, with a larger cabin and additional performance upgrades.
• S-62: The commercial version of the S-61, which was used for both passenger transport and cargo operations. Though fewer in number, it helped pave the way for the S-61's widespread adoption.
• S-61 Sea King: A military version of the S-61 used by several nations for anti-submarine warfare, transport, and search-and-rescue roles.