Boeing HH-46 Sea Knight

The Boeing HH-46 Sea Knight was a medium-lift tandem rotor helicopter manufactured by Boeing Vertol (formerly Piasecki Helicopter). During its long operational history, the Sea Knight primarily served in search and rescue, vertical replenishment, combat support, and passenger/cargo transport roles.

The HH-46 Sea Knight entered service in 1964 and remained active until 2004 in its search and rescue configuration. The aircraft typically had a crew of three (pilot, co-pilot, and crew chief) and could carry up to 25 troops or 15 stretchers for medical evacuations. The HH-46 could be fitted with machine guns for self-defense, and some variants had rescue hoists and search and rescue equipment. The Sea Knight was powered by two General Electric T58 turboshaft engines, giving it a maximum speed of approximately 166 mph and an operational range of about 230 miles.

Naval aviation units utilized the HH-46 Sea Knight extensively for combat search and rescue operations during the Vietnam War. The helicopter's unique tandem rotor design eliminated the need for a tail rotor, improving its stability during hover operations critical for rescue missions. This also made the Sea Knight a valuable asset during humanitarian operations and disaster relief efforts.

The HH-46 Sea Knight's legacy lives on through its civilian counterpart, the Boeing Vertol 107, which operates in commercial service worldwide. The Sea Knight's distinctive profile with its tandem rotors and boxy fuselage became an iconic symbol of naval helicopter operations.