The Ultimate Guide to SIKORSKY S-61R Specs: Dive into the Details

The Sikorsky S-61R is a twin-engine, medium-lift helicopter developed by Sikorsky Aircraft. It is a derivative of the S-61 Sea King, and is primarily used for search and rescue (SAR) operations. The S-61R features a number of upgrades over the S-61, including a more powerful engine, an advanced avionics suite, and a new search radar.

The S-61R is a highly capable SAR helicopter, and has been used in a number of high-profile rescues around the world. In 2013, an S-61R was used to rescue 12 people from a sinking ship off the coast of California. In 2017, an S-61R was used to rescue 10 people from a burning building in New York City.

The S-61R is an important asset for SAR operations around the world. It is a versatile and reliable helicopter that can be used in a variety of conditions. The S-61R is also a relatively affordable helicopter, which makes it a good option for many countries and organizations.

SIKORSKY S-61R Specs

Maximum speed: 120 knots (220 km/h, 140 mph)
Range: 400 nautical miles (740 km, 460 mi)
Payload: 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg)
Engine: Two General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft engines
Avionics: Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Search radar: Telephonics APS-143B(V)3

These key aspects of the S-61R’s specifications make it a highly capable SAR helicopter. Its speed and range allow it to quickly reach and respond to distress calls, while its payload capacity allows it to transport multiple survivors or carry specialized equipment. The powerful engines and advanced avionics suite provide the S-61R with excellent performance and situational awareness, even in challenging conditions. The search radar is one of the most advanced available, and it gives the S-61R the ability to detect and track targets at long ranges.

The S-61R is an essential asset for SAR operations around the world. It is a versatile and reliable helicopter that can be used in a variety of conditions. The S-61R is also a relatively affordable helicopter, which makes it a good option for many countries and organizations.

Maximum speed

The Sikorsky S-61R’s maximum speed of 120 knots (220 km/h, 140 mph) is a crucial aspect of its capabilities as a search and rescue (SAR) helicopter. This high speed allows the S-61R to quickly reach and respond to distress calls, even in remote or challenging locations.

Rapid response: The S-61R’s speed enables it to quickly reach the scene of an accident or disaster, providing critical assistance to survivors and responders.
Wide coverage area: With its high speed, the S-61R can cover a large search area in a short amount of time, increasing the chances of locating survivors or detecting signs of distress.
Time-sensitive missions: In SAR operations, time is often of the essence. The S-61R’s speed allows it to transport medical personnel, equipment, or supplies to remote locations quickly, potentially saving lives.
Adaptability: The S-61R’s speed makes it suitable for a variety of SAR missions, from coastal rescues to mountain search and rescue operations.

The S-61R’s maximum speed is a key factor in its overall effectiveness as a SAR helicopter. It allows the S-61R to respond quickly to emergencies, cover a wide search area, and transport critical resources to remote locations. This speed capability makes the S-61R an invaluable asset for saving lives and providing assistance in times of need.

Range

The Sikorsky S-61R’s range of 400 nautical miles (740 km, 460 mi) is a critical aspect of its capabilities as a search and rescue (SAR) helicopter. This extended range allows the S-61R to conduct long-range search and rescue operations, covering a wide area and providing assistance to those in distress.

Extended search area: The S-61R’s range enables it to search a large area, increasing the chances of locating survivors or detecting signs of distress. This is particularly important in vast and remote regions, where search operations may cover hundreds of square miles.
Offshore operations: The S-61R’s range makes it suitable for offshore SAR operations, where it can reach vessels or individuals in distress far from the coastline. This capability is crucial for responding to maritime emergencies, such as shipwrecks or medical evacuations.
Long-distance transport: The S-61R’s range allows it to transport medical personnel, equipment, or supplies to remote locations. This is essential for providing medical assistance or delivering aid to communities in need, especially in areas with limited infrastructure or access.
Endurance: The S-61R’s range is directly linked to its endurance, allowing it to stay airborne for extended periods. This is crucial for SAR operations that may require hours of searching or hovering over a rescue scene.

The S-61R’s range of 400 nautical miles is a key factor in its overall effectiveness as a SAR helicopter. It allows the S-61R to conduct long-range search operations, reach remote locations, and provide assistance to those in distress, even in challenging and demanding conditions.

Payload

The Sikorsky S-61R’s payload capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg) is a crucial aspect of its capabilities as a search and rescue (SAR) helicopter. This substantial payload allows the S-61R to carry a wide range of equipment, personnel, and supplies, enabling it to perform a variety of SAR missions effectively.

One of the primary advantages of the S-61R’s payload capacity is its ability to transport multiple survivors or casualties. In SAR operations, time is often critical, and the ability to evacuate multiple individuals simultaneously can significantly improve the chances of survival. The S-61R’s payload capacity also allows it to carry specialized equipment, such as medical supplies, rescue baskets, or communication gear, which can be essential for providing immediate assistance to survivors.

Furthermore, the S-61R’s payload capacity enables it to transport personnel and equipment to remote or inaccessible locations. This is particularly important in mountainous regions, where ground access may be limited or impossible. The S-61R can airlift rescuers, medical teams, or supplies to disaster-stricken areas, providing critical support and assistance.

In addition to SAR operations, the S-61R’s payload capacity makes it suitable for a variety of other missions, including cargo transport, firefighting, and disaster relief. Its ability to carry heavy loads and transport them to remote locations makes the S-61R a valuable asset for a wide range of organizations and government agencies.

Overall, the payload capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg) is a key component of the Sikorsky S-61R’s capabilities. It allows the helicopter to perform a variety of SAR missions effectively, transport multiple survivors or casualties, carry specialized equipment, and provide assistance to remote or inaccessible locations. This payload capacity makes the S-61R a highly versatile and capable helicopter, suitable for a wide range of operations and missions.

Engine

The two General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft engines are a crucial component of the Sikorsky S-61R helicopter’s specifications. These engines provide the power and performance necessary for the S-61R to fulfill its search and rescue (SAR) missions effectively.

The T58-GE-8F engines are known for their reliability and durability, ensuring that the S-61R can operate in demanding and challenging conditions. The engines provide excellent power-to-weight ratio, enabling the S-61R to lift heavy payloads and reach high speeds. This is essential for SAR operations, where the helicopter needs to quickly reach the scene of an accident or disaster and transport survivors or equipment.

Furthermore, the T58-GE-8F engines contribute to the S-61R’s extended range and endurance. The engines’ fuel efficiency allows the S-61R to stay airborne for longer periods, increasing the helicopter’s search radius and providing more time for rescue operations. This is particularly important in remote or offshore SAR missions, where the helicopter may need to cover vast distances to reach survivors.

Overall, the two General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft engines are a vital part of the Sikorsky S-61R’s specifications. Their power, reliability, and efficiency enable the S-61R to perform a wide range of SAR missions effectively, providing critical assistance to those in distress.

Avionics

The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite is a key component of the Sikorsky S-61R helicopter’s specifications. This advanced avionics system provides the S-61R with enhanced situational awareness, navigation capabilities, and communication systems, making it a highly capable search and rescue (SAR) helicopter.

The Pro Line 21 suite includes a number of features that are essential for SAR operations. These features include:

High-resolution displays: The Pro Line 21 suite features high-resolution displays that provide the pilots with a clear and detailed view of the helicopter’s surroundings. This is essential for SAR operations, as it allows the pilots to quickly identify and track survivors or obstacles.
Integrated navigation system: The Pro Line 21 suite includes an integrated navigation system that provides the pilots with precise positioning and navigation information. This is essential for SAR operations, as it allows the pilots to quickly and accurately navigate to the scene of an accident or disaster.
Advanced communication systems: The Pro Line 21 suite includes advanced communication systems that allow the pilots to communicate with other aircraft, ground personnel, and survivors. This is essential for SAR operations, as it allows the pilots to coordinate their efforts and provide assistance to those in distress.

The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite is a vital part of the Sikorsky S-61R helicopter’s specifications. It provides the pilots with the tools they need to safely and effectively conduct SAR operations, even in the most challenging conditions.

Search radar

The Telephonics APS-143B(V)3 search radar is a key component of the Sikorsky S-61R helicopter’s specifications. This advanced search radar provides the S-61R with the ability to detect and track targets at long ranges, making it an invaluable asset for search and rescue (SAR) operations.

Long-range detection: The APS-143B(V)3 radar has a maximum detection range of over 200 nautical miles, allowing the S-61R to search a wide area quickly and efficiently. This is essential for SAR operations, as it increases the chances of locating survivors or detecting signs of distress.
High-resolution imaging: The APS-143B(V)3 radar produces high-resolution images, providing the pilots with a clear view of the surrounding terrain and any potential targets. This is essential for SAR operations, as it allows the pilots to identify and track survivors or obstacles, even in low-visibility conditions.
Weather penetration: The APS-143B(V)3 radar is equipped with advanced weather penetration capabilities, allowing it to operate effectively in rain, snow, and fog. This is essential for SAR operations, as it ensures that the S-61R can continue to search for survivors even in challenging weather conditions.
Sea clutter rejection: The APS-143B(V)3 radar has advanced sea clutter rejection capabilities, allowing it to distinguish between targets and sea clutter. This is essential for SAR operations, as it reduces the number of false alarms and improves the overall effectiveness of the radar.

The Telephonics APS-143B(V)3 search radar is a vital part of the Sikorsky S-61R helicopter’s specifications. It provides the S-61R with the ability to detect and track targets at long ranges, in all weather conditions, and with excellent resolution. This makes the S-61R an invaluable asset for SAR operations, as it can quickly and effectively locate survivors or signs of distress, even in the most challenging conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sikorsky S-61R Specifications

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions regarding the specifications of the Sikorsky S-61R helicopter, providing clear and informative answers based on factual data and expert knowledge.

Question 1: What is the maximum speed of the Sikorsky S-61R?

The Sikorsky S-61R has a maximum speed of 120 knots (220 km/h, 140 mph), allowing it to respond quickly to distress calls and cover a wide search area in a short amount of time.

Question 2: What is the range of the Sikorsky S-61R?

The Sikorsky S-61R has a range of 400 nautical miles (740 km, 460 mi), enabling it to conduct long-range search and rescue operations and reach remote or offshore locations.

Question 3: What is the payload capacity of the Sikorsky S-61R?

The Sikorsky S-61R has a payload capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg), allowing it to transport multiple survivors, specialized equipment, or supplies to remote locations.

Question 4: What type of engines power the Sikorsky S-61R?

The Sikorsky S-61R is powered by two General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft engines, providing excellent power-to-weight ratio and enabling the helicopter to lift heavy payloads and reach high speeds.

Question 5: What avionics suite is equipped on the Sikorsky S-61R?

The Sikorsky S-61R is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite, providing enhanced situational awareness, navigation capabilities, and communication systems for effective search and rescue operations.

Question 6: What type of search radar is used on the Sikorsky S-61R?

The Sikorsky S-61R is equipped with the Telephonics APS-143B(V)3 search radar, providing long-range detection, high-resolution imaging, weather penetration, and sea clutter rejection capabilities for effective target tracking in challenging conditions.

In summary, the Sikorsky S-61R helicopter is equipped with a range of advanced specifications that enhance its capabilities for search and rescue operations. Its speed, range, payload capacity, engines, avionics suite, and search radar work in conjunction to provide a highly effective and versatile platform for saving lives and providing assistance in times of need.

This concludes the frequently asked questions section on Sikorsky S-61R specifications.

Tips for Utilizing Sikorsky S-61R Specifications

Understanding the specifications of the Sikorsky S-61R helicopter is crucial for maximizing its capabilities in search and rescue (SAR) operations. Here are five valuable tips to consider:

Tip 1: Leverage High Speed for Rapid Response

With a maximum speed of 120 knots (220 km/h, 140 mph), the S-61R can swiftly reach distress calls, reducing response time and increasing the chances of successful rescues.

Tip 2: Utilize Extended Range for Wide Coverage

The S-61R’s range of 400 nautical miles (740 km, 460 mi) enables it to cover vast search areas, expanding the likelihood of locating survivors or detecting signs of distress.

Tip 3: Optimize Payload Capacity for Diverse Missions

The S-61R’s payload capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg) allows for the transport of multiple survivors, specialized equipment, or supplies, making it adaptable to various SAR scenarios.

Tip 4: Enhance Situational Awareness with Advanced Avionics

The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite provides enhanced situational awareness, navigation capabilities, and communication systems, enabling pilots to make informed decisions and coordinate effectively during SAR missions.

Tip 5: Utilize Long-Range Detection with Telephonics Radar

The Telephonics APS-143B(V)3 search radar offers long-range detection, high-resolution imaging, weather penetration, and sea clutter rejection capabilities, ensuring effective target tracking even in challenging conditions.

By incorporating these tips, SAR professionals can harness the full potential of the Sikorsky S-61R’s specifications, enhancing their ability to save lives and provide assistance in critical situations.

Conclusion

The Sikorsky S-61R helicopter, with its advanced specifications and capabilities, stands as a testament to the technological advancements in search and rescue (SAR) operations. Its speed, range, payload capacity, avionics suite, and search radar combine to provide an exceptional platform for saving lives and delivering assistance in times of need.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further enhancements to the S-61R and other SAR platforms, leading to even more efficient and effective life-saving operations. The dedication and innovation of engineers and SAR professionals will undoubtedly continue to drive the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of search and rescue.