Westland SAR Sea King 1988 onwards (HU MK5 Model) Owners Workshop Manual

An insight into the design, construction, operation

For more than 25 years the Westland Sea King has been a reassuring sight around the English coast, providing essential Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities for those in peril both on land and at sea. The Royal Navy variant - the Sea King HU Mk.5, which is the main focus of this book - is estimated to have saved literally hundreds of lives. Author and photographer Lee Howard has been given privileged official access to the Navy's SAR air and ground crews to offer fascinating insights into operating, flying and maintaining the mighty Sea King.

225 colour, 50 mono illustrations

Written by helicopter engineer Lee Howard and published with the full cooperation of the Royal Navy, the Haynes Westland Sea King Manual gives a unique insight into operating, flying and maintaining the Royal Navy's HU Mk.5 SAR version of this most versatile and charismatic of helicopters

Originally conceived in the USA at the height of the Cold War as a submarine hunter/killer, the licence-built Westland Sea King has served UK armed forces in a variety of roles in every operational theatre and with distinction for nearly half a century.

Reconfigured in later years for the Search and Rescue (SAR) role, the aircraft of 771 Naval Air Squadron and HMS Gannet SAR Flight wearing their distinctive red and grey markings have become a much-loved and integral part of the communities they have served 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for over twenty-six years. Stranded walkers, climbers, holiday-makers, fishermen, yachtsmen - the list of those whose lives have been touched thanks to the timely intervention of the Sea King and its crews is endless.

As the Sea King enters its final year of UK SAR operations in 2015 it can rightly claim to have earned its place in the annals of military aviation history.

Detailed 'how it works' Haynes Manual treatment
Fascinating insights into the design, construction and operation of a Search and Rescue helicopter
Specially commissioned detailed photographs and technical illustrations
Expert author
Dramatic rescue stories are included in the book
Official Royal Navy publication

Author: Aviation historian, author and photographer Lee Howard has over 23 years of experience in military helicopter engineering. He has a special interest in the Fleet Air Arm, having co-written several books on the subject, and is a regular contributor to the specialist aviation press. He lives in Somerset.