Another Naval aircraft makes the decal review. This is the long-serving SH-3 Sea King. This type has just recently been retired from fleet use, though you will still find a few converted to UH-3 utility aircraft. The only time I had any close involvement with the SH-3 other than the boat was with the SH-3Gs based at Diego Garcia. These are basically SH-3Hs without the ASW stuff in them. Those types have mostly been redesignated as UH-3H aircraft..

This particular sheet offers two very colorful aircraft. Like their fixed wing companions, Navy helos originally had some very flamboyant paint jobs on them. Unfortunately, those nice schemes disappeared in the rush to greys. One can only hope that some time they will return.

The sheet offers complete data and insignia  for both subjects. There is also a comprehensive placement diagram on the instruction sheet.

First aircraft is an SH-3D from HS-5 in July 1976. This is pretty much its Bicentennial scheme as the ship name is emblazoned on the sponson in a red, white and blue banner.

Next is an SH-3G from VC-1 which was at NAS Barbers Point in Hawaii. I saw this aircraft on an almost daily basis when I was stationed with VQ-3 in 1981-82. It is in standard colors with the rainbow on the tail and the large blue stripe on the fuselage. 

While probably designed for the Airfix SH-3D, you can use the very nice Fujimi SH-3H kit for either one of these. Just make sure that the D version has the shorter unbraced horizontal stabilizer. The H and G version had the larger, braced one.

A nice touch is the addition of the black exhaust areas that were commonly seen on these helos. Sure saves having to mask them off!!

Review sheet courtesy of me and my wallet.

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