The Sea King, bought in 1961, was initially designed to further the eyes and ears of Canadian ships as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. Over the years, submarine hunting has become less of a priority and the Sea King has been adapted to other roles.

Sea King Image Gallery

Domestically, Sea Kings have increasingly become responsible for search and rescue operations, disaster relief, fisheries patrols, environmental surveillance and drug interdiction. The Sea King has also been instrumental in international operations of peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.

12 Wing provides Sea King helicopter air detachments, known as HELAIRDETS, to Her Majesty's Canadian Ships on the east and west coasts as an integral part of the ship's surface and sub-surface surveillance and weapons systems.

HELAIRDETS are embarked whenever their respective ship is deployed. They frequently participate in international operations with allied forces, combined operations with either Naval or Army elements of the Canadian Forces and national operations with other Canadian governmental agencies

Six of the original Sea Kings were extensively modified, incorporating an acoustic system that used sonobuoys instead of a dipping sonar, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), and a new tactical navigation system. This equipment has enabled crews to become familiar with procedures that allow them to localize and track underwater contacts without being detected.

A standard Sea King crew comprises two pilots, a tactical coordinator (TACCO) and an airborne electronic sensor operator (AES Op) or sensor operator (SENSO) depending on the missions or type of Aircraft. For some operational missions, an extra TACCO or AES Op may be added to assist with operations in the back-end of the helicopter.

12 Wing currently operates twenty-eight CH-124 Sea King helicopters, purchased in 1961. The replacement aircraft for the Sea King has been identified as the CH-148 Sikorsky Cyclone, with the first aircraft expected to be delivered at the end of 2008.

Sikorsky International was awarded the $5 billion contract to supply the Canadian Forces with 28 Cyclone helicopters by 2008 as well as a further contract to provide the 20 year life cycle maintenance program.

CH-124 Quick Facts

Length: 16.7 m
Wingspan: 5 m
Height: 5 m
Weight: 8680 kg
Maximum speed: 211 km/hr
Cruise speed: 125-167 km/hr
Maximum range: 616 km
Surveillance area: 4640 sq km
Standard flight duration: 3 hours
Maximum take-off weight: 9318 kg
Maximum sling load: 2273 kg
Maximum altitude: 304
Quantity in CF: 29 (all at 12 Wing)