The VH-3D Sea King is the renowned VIP Presidential transport helicopter, often identified by its call sign, Marine One, when the President of the United States is aboard. This aircraft, which is a variant of the twin-engine SH-3 Sea King (company designation S-61), entered service with Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) in 1977, replacing the H-34 Seahorse. Eleven VH-3D units were built, representing the final production batch of U.S. military H-3 helicopters.
Sikorsky Aircraft, the manufacturer, has a foundational history in aviation, specifically in helicopter design, tracing back to the early 20th century under founder Igor Sikorsky. The company designed and built the Sea King series, an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter, in response to a US Navy need in the 1950s. The VH-3D is a highly modified variant tailored for secure executive transport.
A range of access platforms and stands support methodical maintenance for the VH-3D Sea King across all critical areas. These solutions—including the Reach Deck Platform, Modular Stepover Platforms, Super Trestle Scaffold, Ultraraise, Super Service Stand, Easyraise, Bridge Deck, Cantilever Platform, Aviation Chock and Cone Trolley, Super Maintenance Platform, Fibreglass Platform, A Frame Aviation Platform, and Platform Ladder Warthog—provide safe access. These products facilitate maintenance on the Nose Section (Radome, Antenna, Nose Avionics, Windshield & Cockpit, Bulkhead), Forward Fuselage (Main Entry Door, Cargo/Baggage, Cabin Access, Environmental Control System), Landing Gear (NLG and MLG), Middle Fuselage, Wing & Engine Pylon, AFT Fuselage, and Tail Section (Empennage).
