HTDI

This helicopter made its first flight by GKN Westland Helicopters Ltd registered as G-17-14 at Yeovil on August 21, 1974, and was delivered to the West German Bundeswehr operated by Marinefliegergeschwader 5 as 89+71 on October 9, 1974.

Video 1 by Bundeswehr shows a SAR training during 1982

From 1987, all active Sea King helicopters underwent a defense suite upgrade known as Kampfwertsteigerung (KWS). This configuration significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of the Sea King helicopters, enabling them to perform a variety of missions including anti-ship warfare, secure communications, and coordinated tactical operations.

This comprehensive upgrade included the following enhancements:
- Decca Mk 19 Navigator: A navigation system for improved operational precision.
- VOR/ILS (VHF Omni-directional Range/Instrument Landing System): For enhanced navigation and landing capabilities.
- ADF370 (Automatic Direction Finding) Radio Compass: Aided in navigation and communication.
- Communication Radios: Compatible with West German ground and air frequencies to ensure secure and reliable communication. - Cabin Heating System: Upgraded to improve conditions for SAR operations, especially critical for survivors suffering from hypothermia.
Additional tactical upgrades included:
- Sea Spray MK3 Radar: For enhanced radar detection and tracking capabilities.
- AN/ALR 68 Radar Warning Receiver: To provide threat detection and situational awareness.
- M-130 Chaff/Flare System: For countermeasure deployment against missile threats.
- Sea Skua Missile Capability: Allowed the helicopter to fire Sea Skua anti-ship missiles.
- Link-11 Data Terminal: A tactical data link system enabling the exchange of digital information between various military platforms, enhancing situational awareness and coordination.
- UHF Radio: Used for secure communication between the aircraft and ground or naval forces.
- Weapons Carrier for Four Sea Skua Missiles: Outfitted the helicopter with a carrier capable of holding and deploying up to four Sea Skua anti-ship missiles, designed for engaging and destroying enemy vessels. These missiles were later sent to MFG3 Nordholz and used by the Westland Sea Lynx Mk.88A.
- Two Reference Antennas for Missiles: Equipped with two reference antennas to support the guidance and targeting of the Sea Skua missiles, ensuring accuracy and effectiveness in missile deployment.

Video 2 by Nikkorix shows SAR Demo Flight Mission 4922 (1989)

This had received Mode-S Hex: 3FACC7

On December 26, 2004, a devastating undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, triggered a massive tsunami that swept across the Indian Ocean, claiming around 227,898 lives and leaving widespread destruction in its wake. In response, the German Navy and Bundeswehr mounted a significant humanitarian relief operation to aid affected populations.

A cornerstone of the German effort was the deployment of this helicopter and its sister ship 89+61 onboard the naval hospital ship EGV Berlin, dispatched to Indonesia to provide critical medical support. This state-of-the-art vessel became a hub for medical treatment, addressing the urgent needs of survivors in the disaster-stricken region. Complementing this effort, the German Army (Bundeswehr) sent a high-tech mobile field hospital to the severely impacted Aceh province, further bolstering on-ground medical capabilities.

German helicopter crews also played a vital role. Initially engaged in the "Operation Enduring Freedom" (OEF) mission, the first contingent of crews was reassigned to Sumatra in December 2004 aboard the Berlin, reaching the region via India. They carried out critical aerial operations, supporting the distribution of supplies and medical evacuation efforts in the affected areas.

The second contingent of helicopter crews arrived in early February 2005, continuing the mission until its conclusion in late March 2005. At the end of the operation, the EGV Berlin and its personnel returned to Wilhelmshaven, Germany, completing a vital chapter in the country's humanitarian response to one of the deadliest natural disasters in history.

From October 16, 2009, the large-scale exercise "Northern Coasts 2009" has been taking place in the Baltic Sea. The exercise involved 2,000 soldiers, 40 ships and boats, seven helicopters, and five maritime patrol aircraft from 13 nations, all training together to enhance multinational cooperation. This helicopter, together with 89+62, was operated out of the Einsatzgruppenversorger (EGV) Frankfurt a. Main.

Part of the exercise focuses on responding to real-life scenarios, such as asymmetric threats and disaster situations. In Neustadt, for example, part of the naval task force is challenged with a complex disaster scenario. Following a fictional bomb attack, the task includes assisting with the rescue and care of numerous injured individuals, as well as firefighting operations.

On the same day, a convoy exercise is being conducted in Eckernfoerde. Four unarmed supply ships will enter the local harbor under the escort of naval vessels. Along the way, the exercise planners have scheduled various disturbances, such as speedboat attacks, which the convoy must protect itself against.

Arrived at Donauwoerth for Eurocopter by road on March 30, 2011. And noted again roadrunning on a trailer on July 27, 2011.

This aircraft was also part of a five-ship formation departing from Kiel Holtenau for their new base in Nordholz on Tuesday morning, November 6th, 2012. The other Sea Kings participating in this formation were 89+67, 89+64, 89+60, and 89+55.

Video 3 b< OneOneTwo Einsatzfahrten shows SAR 10 in Husum during March 2015.

Video 4 by Spotterblog shows this Sea King during its demo on the Tag der Bundeswehr on June 15, 2019, in Nordholz.

The "Northern Coasts" naval exercise, held from September 3 to 19, 2019, took place near the Danish straits connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea, as well as in the area between Kiel and Bornholm. It commenced in Copenhagen harbor, featuring participation from over 40 vessels representing 18 nations. This helicopter was deployed aboard the combat support ship, Einsatzgruppenversorger (EGV) "Bonn".

The Baltic Sea holds strategic importance for the Alliance, as it is bordered by six NATO countries. The region's security environment has worsened since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its ongoing military build-up. NATO has responded to these "aggressive actions" by increasing air and naval patrols in the Baltic Sea and deploying over 4,500 troops to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

Participating nations in this annual exercise included Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Canada, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S. The Northern Coasts exercise has been conducted annually in the Baltic Sea since 2007.

The exercise scenario involves a fictitious regional country asserting territorial claims over islands in the Baltic Sea, using its naval forces to threaten freedom of navigation, thereby testing the participating forces' ability to respond to such provocations.

This helicopter made its last flight on January 14, 2020, and was SOC as PWFU for spares with a Total Time Since New (TTSN) of 8791,1hrs.

Scrapped since December 7, 2020.

11 Photos found

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