Detailed model of the Sikorsky Sea King as used by the U.S. Navy for Apollo recovery missions.

History

’Helicopter 66’, or US Navy Bureau Number 152711, is easily one of the most well-known & widely-recognized helicopters in history. It is the prime recovery helicopter for five of the Apollo missions. A Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King, it served with the Navy's Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 (HS-4) with distinction.

From late 1968 through the spring of 1970, the Black Knights of HS-4 participated in and pioneered techniques for the Apollo capsule recoveries. HS-4 was on scene for Apollo missions 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13. The helicopter's flight number was changed from '66' to '740' (The Navy had switched to a three number squadron designator - but the chopper was repainted with the number '66' for each recovery thereafter for public relations reasons).

All texture sources are available for download, so you can easily change the color mapping of the unit to your liking.

See Readme for animation or retexturing details.