Sea Kings, Sea King short term replacements

[Dave Masterson]

I heard recently that the RAN have purchased another three Sea King helicopters. Some say that two will fly while the third will be used for spares. I've also heard that all three will be used for spares. Time will tell I guess. Looks like they may be going out of service around 2010 :unsure:

[darren.crick]

loose one, buy three... I can see the logic there...

Obviously they have a need for them in the short term.
Any idea's when they are coming etc?

[Dave Masterson]

Mate I heard Egypt.

[Dave Masterson]

Darren..no definite time but soon..if that makes sense. :huh:

[Demon50]

The following information has come from various UK enthusiast sites.

Apparently, 5 former Egyptian Navy Sea King Mk.47s (coded 771 to 775) were returned to the UK in February 2004 and soon after purchased by the RAN as sources of spare parts.

When all useful parts had been stripped, the RAN asked what could be done with the airframes and the simple answer was to leave them at the Royal Navy Air Engineering and Survival School (RNAESS), HMS Sultan, Gosport where they were noted on 29 March 2005.

Another site mentions that three former RN Sea King HAS.6s have been purchased by the RAN and the question was asked, will they be cannibalised for spares like the Egyptian machines or used in flying operations ?

The airframes mentioned are XV674 coded L015 and XZ571 coded L016, both from Gosport and XV710 from Cosford.

[darren.crick]

Dave,

did this ever come true??


Darren