Sea Kings

[M. Ward]

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/04/12/canada/seaking040412

Thought everyone might like to have a look-see at that.

[MikeM]

I'm not surprised that they have to be in service until 2012.

[spy_me]

The CF -18 inst suppose to retire until 2025.

[Walsh]

The CF -18 inst suppose to retire until 2025.

The CF-18's are still quite capable and airworthy planes though.

[wb256]

Personally, I think it's ridiculous that the government has yet to replace the sea king heliopters. I think they should be decomissioned immediatly and replaced with Ornithopters.

[Bright Eyes]

Our future is firmly rooted in our past!

Vote Ornithopters!!!!!


... oops ... wrong thread ...

[BMaloney]

It's quite scary that by that time the Sea King will be 50 years old! :eek:

[grass_roots]

Our future is firmly rooted in our past!

Vote Ornithopters!!!!!


... oops ... wrong thread ...

I had no clue what an ornithopter was so I googled it and the first site I checked poped up and the sound of a crow came over my speakers but I had the volume pumped because I had just listened to some tunes and it freaked the bejessus outa me

haha, but now I know what an ornithopter is, so it's all good

and yes, I concur, the ornithopter is the only logical replacement for the sea king

[Thib]

Vote Ornithopters!!!!!


But first we need to look if they can carry the equipment and weapon that they will need for their mission. And I have some doubt that they can.

[grass_roots]

But first we need to look if they can carry the equipment and weapon that they will need for their mission. And I have some doubt that they can.

well if thier weapons payload is a few bins of dirty gym socks, as is being recomended, then I don't see what the problem is

[Thib]

well if thier weapons payload is a few bins of dirty gym socks, as is being recomended, then I don't see what the problem is

You have my vote, we should buy a couple right now to test them.

[spy_me]

have you seen them work on the 18's, the have to canabilisa everything and anything they can. If i a plane is grounded they rape the hell out of it for parts to kepp what ever they do have in the air in the air. The air frames are fine, just like the sea kings, they are rebult every few years. It sthe electronics, hydrulics and everything else thats the problem. But its not going to change and it dosnt bother me, our equipment is fine, works great, and our techs our awsome for there ingunity to keep out planes, helicopters, vehicals and boats going.

[Wood]

They need to get rid of those things NOW. They're a complete laughing stock, how are Canadians supposed to have pride when their military is using 50 year old helecopters that are liable to fall out of the sky at any minute. Its a good thing everyone likes us because it would suck if we had to face two enemies, on human and the other one a stingy government.

[Logan]

we don't have to get rid of them right now, the brits, aussies and i believe the US still use Sea Kings. over all they work fine they just need new and updated parts and they could still probably be used for another 20 or so years. for their age they're still a very reliable aircraft.

[spy_me]

they are ok for there age. The brits use them a lot for search and rescue and stuff, i've seen some pretty yellow ones that they have. They run fine.

[TWoyma]

I believe the US still use Sea Kings.

The last major portion of the US Sea King fleet was retired in 1999. With very few exceptions, the Sea King has been replaced by various models of the SH-60 Seahawk family.

[Neo]

"Marine One" (aka the US Presidential Helicopter) is a Sea King ("The primary presidential helicopter is the Sikorsky VH-3D (Sea King)." Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/whmo/hmx1.html ).

The only problem with our Sea Kings are a lack of investment. Therefore, all that needs to be done is to pump money (from where I'm not too sure) into the Sea Kings, as well as a suitable replacement for the Sea Kings as soon as is possible.

Everyone equates age with being bad, that is in my opinion an incorrect argument. I think the condition of the Sea Kings is an excellent example of why the CF needs more cash. When they aren't having mechanical problems, the Sea Kings serve their purpose.

But, the CF won't get that cash, because politically, it has no benefit to any Political party. Remember, it just isn't Liberal Governments which cut back funding, but it happened under Conservative Governments as well. Now that doesn't excuse the Liberals of doing nothing. But, when it comes down to it Canadians care more about the Health Care system then the Canadian Forces. Which means, that is what politicans, those who govern us, will talk about and put money into.

The revitalisation of the CF will only occur when Canadians want it bad enough that it becomes an election issue. The way I foresee it to occur is that something, god forbid, horrendous happens to Canada. I agree, it sucks, but its true.

Remember, the CF isn't as much as a laughing stock as everyone thinks. Where Canada serves, it serves with distinction. Thats what you don't hear in the news, you only hear about the bad stuff. But stay up late and watch the playing of the National anthem on CBC (i think) they show Canadian Peacekeepers giving aid to sick children. That is my Canadian Forces. For all of its financial problems, the men and women of the Canadian Forces get the job done, and they do it well.

God Bless Canada, and the Canadian Forces.

[M. Ward]

"Doing Everything With Nothing" - I heard that qyote descrining the CF one time. Another thing I saw..I was looking at a vote on a Canadian website (I forget what it was.. canada.com maybe?) And people would rather the CF stay in its current state then the government dip into other funds (ie Arts. Not healthcare or anything like that).

[AMothfromWpg]

YEs other countries use sea kings... but they aren't the originals like we have that are pushing 50 in a few years...as well... ours have been in service and operational duty for quite some time now...

I just wonder if the Sea King mechanics are issued duct tape ( or knowing the CF, a useful piece of kit they have to purchase on their own ) :)

[TWoyma]

"Marine One" (aka the US Presidential Helicopter) is a Sea King ("The primary presidential helicopter is the Sikorsky VH-3D (Sea King)." Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/whmo/hmx1.html ).

True, but remember that the VH-3s of HMX (the USMC squadron that flies all presidential helicopters) are much newer then the average Sea King, and arn't subjected to the wear and tear normally associated with naval helicopters.

Furthermore, even these amazingly maintained Sea Kings are being replaced by...you guessed it, the VH-60. Long live the Seahawk :D
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/vh-60-pics.htm