Sea Kings to the Ukraine

[STN RAMP RAT]

I could have posted this into the Ukraine thread in the General chat forum but thought it was worth its own thread.

It appears the UK have provided the Ukraine Government with three Sea Kings. Anyone know which ones and how they got there?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63725431

Edit: this might be connected viewtopic.php?f=324&t=223169&p=1435371& ... r#p1435371

[seven]

I believe its the 3 from Heliops. With them reportedly being sold recently, 2+2=Ukraine.

[Col Nago]

I'm guessing they will be used for medevac rather than the original Sea King SAR requirement - that SAR reference in the BBC article was possibly lazy journalism. I read a recent article (which I'll try and find) that mentioned the UF were in desperate need of medevac helicopters. The Mi-8s will no doubt be busy launching unguided rockets at grass top level.

[Col Nago]

I'm very interested to see how they Sea Kings will look in a UF scheme...

[POL]

Presumably Heliops have been training Ukranian crews?!

[Ravendriver2008]

Presumably Heliops have been training Ukranian crews?!

More than likely

Cheers

[flasheart]

ZA166 is currently at Exeter being repainted overall grey scheme. Rumours it's being collected on 28/11.

[Professor_M]

Rumours it's being collected on 28/11.

Do we know what by? By RAF C-17?

[moonstone_laura]

From Professor Michael Clarke, writing for 'Sky News':

If the three helicopters were only used as transport helicopters they wouldn't make a difference, but Sea Kings were used by the Royal Navy as anti-submarine helicopters.

And the fact that the Ukrainian crews have had six weeks of training suggests they don't need to be trained to fly a helicopter, but need six weeks of training on the equipment used for anti-submarine warfare.

This would make a lot more sense because the Ukrainians are getting more control over the Western part of the Black Sea west of Crimea, west of Sevastopol.

The only thing the Russians can really do in this area now safely is to use their submarines, of which they have quite a few in their Black Sea fleet.

So my understanding is that these helicopters will probably be used for anti-submarine warfare over the Black Sea.

[tommc]

From Professor Michael Clarke, writing for 'Sky News':

If the three helicopters were only used as transport helicopters they wouldn't make a difference, but Sea Kings were used by the Royal Navy as anti-submarine helicopters.

And the fact that the Ukrainian crews have had six weeks of training suggests they don't need to be trained to fly a helicopter, but need six weeks of training on the equipment used for anti-submarine warfare.

This would make a lot more sense because the Ukrainians are getting more control over the Western part of the Black Sea west of Crimea, west of Sevastopol.

The only thing the Russians can really do in this area now safely is to use their submarines, of which they have quite a few in their Black Sea fleet.

So my understanding is that these helicopters will probably be used for anti-submarine warfare over the Black Sea.

Hahahahah.....etc!!!

I suggest Prof. Michael Clarke tries to improve his understanding, or keep his fanciful opinions to himself. These are NOT ASW equipped cabs.

[Vulcanone]

Do you have a link to it on Sky... I can't seem to find the blighter

[Vulcanone]

I would point that out on Sky, but as I can't find it I can't point that out.....he clearly has been off grid although so have I

The joys of publishing...

[moonstone_laura]

Yes, it's here:

https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war- ... n-12541713

You need to scroll down to the 'Key Points' and then click on the first one (at the time of writing).

You can always contact him on twitter if you have an account:

https://twitter.com/MikeClarke2020s

[flasheart]

Rumours it's being collected on 28/11.

Do we know what by? By RAF C-17?

Unknown at present.

[TonyO]

The MoD's own statement says Search and Rescue.

An additional 10,000 artillery rounds will be provided by the UK to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s illegal invasion, the Defence Secretary has announced on a visit to Norway.

The rounds will enhance Ukraine’s defensive capability and come as the first delivery of Sea King helicopters arrives in Ukraine to provide key search and rescue capabilities.

The Royal Navy provided a six-week programme of Sea King training in the UK for 10 crews of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and associated engineers.

The additional military aid comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Kyiv at the weekend, where he announced a £50 million package of defence aid. That package included 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology to counter deadly Iranian-supplied drones, including dozens of radars and anti-drone electronic warfare capability.

[egte]

ZA166 departed Exeter on Monday morning the 28th November to Portland,

[seven]

No new scheme to report, just no longer has high vis front or rear.

[somerset]

Interesting that the royal navy provided the training

[seven]

More likely it was funded(provided) by the RN budget.

[TommyC]

With Ukrainian markings

https://theaviationist.com/2023/01/21/h ... n-service/