Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King 

HS-2 Golden Falcons, Search & Rescue North Vietnam US Navy Nord-Vietnam  1967 

Corgi 1:72 AA33423

When the Sea King entered service with the US Navy in June 1961, it was the largest amphibious helicopter in the world and the first all-weather helicopter to be produced for the US Navy. A high-performance and versatile aircraft, the Sea King was soon assigned to missions other than the one for which it was designed, namely anti-submarine warfare. During the Vietnam War, several US Navy Sea Kings were adapted for use as armed search and rescue helicopters in the Gulf of Tonkin during Operation Rolling Thunder, coming to the aid of airmen shot down at sea or on land. These were dangerous and secret missions, as they took place on the front line. The US Navy's Sea King HS-2 “Golden Falcons” carried out at least ten land rescues and five rescues of American pilots shot down over North Vietnam in 1967, actions that were both fearless and selfless.

The aircraft shown here was captured in a rare color photograph taken on the flight deck of the USS Mahan in the Gulf of Tonkin in May 1967. Underscoring the dangerous nature of these missions, the aircraft was lost at sea, taking all its occupants with it, just two weeks later. This edition pays tribute to these clandestine and dangerous rescue missions carried out by Sea Kings during the Vietnam War.

Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King

Conceived to meet a U.S. Navy requirement for an all-weather amphibious helicopter, the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King made its maiden flight on March 11, 1959. Originally used for anti-submarine warfare, the Sea King has since been used in a variety of operations, ranging from search and rescue to VIP transport and communications, anti-ship warfare, and early warning. Its five main rotor blades and rear section fold up for storage on aircraft carriers, and its hull can remain temporarily watertight for landings, a risky maneuver that is only attempted in emergencies. When deployed from aircraft carriers, Sea Kings serve as aircraft guards, taking off first and returning last.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
• Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
• Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.