The AgustaWestland Sea King HAS6C has entered service with the UKRoyal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, with the first being delivered to 848 Sqn. The 6C is a conversion of the HAS6, with the anti-submarine warfare equipment having been stripped from the cabin, which is then refitted to a standard similar to that of the HC4 assault transport. A defensive- aids suite consisting of a chaff and flare dispenser and BAE Systems Sky Guardian 2000 radar warning receiver has been added. The wheel sponsons are retained, but the undercarriage has been fixed in the down position. Provision for a pintle-mounted machine gun on the main cabin door has been provided. A total of six 6Cs were due to be converted at DARA Fleetlands, Hampshire and at the Aircraft Maintenance Group at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset. The conversions were ordered in late 2002 to bolster the existing fleet of Sea King HC4s used by the three Sea King squadrons of the Commando Helicopter Force, based at Yeovilton.
Source: Flight International
