NATO adds another member and remembering the Sea King's first flight.
Sweden becomes NATO's 32nd member and remembering the Sea King
Speed and surprise are not merely related; they are twins.
-B.H. Liddell Hart
Mission Briefing
On Thursday, 7 March 2024, a momentous shift occurred in the landscape of international security: Sweden officially became the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This historic step was formalized as Sweden deposited its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington D.C., signifying a profound change in its over two-century-long policy of non-alignment.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg heralded this event as a "historic day," emphasizing the significant role Sweden will now play in the alliance. As a member of NATO, Sweden gains an equal voice in crafting the policies and decisions of the alliance. This inclusion into NATO not only marks Sweden's departure from its longstanding non-alignment policy but also ensures its protection under Article 5 – the cornerstone of NATO's collective defense principle which asserts that an attack against one Ally is an attack against all.
Sweden's accession to NATO is not just a statement of strategic alignment; it is a considerable enhancement to the alliance's capabilities. With its sophisticated armed forces and a world-class defense industry, Sweden significantly bolsters the collective strength of NATO. This expansion signifies not just the growth of NATO but also a boost in Sweden's own security, underscoring the mutual benefits of this partnership.
The significance of Sweden's membership extends beyond its immediate military and strategic contributions. It stands as a testament to the enduring principle that underlies NATO – the sovereign right of nations to choose their own path in matters of security and alliances. It reaffirms that NATO's doors remain open, welcoming nations that share its values and commitment to collective defense and democratic principles.
The formalities of Sweden's accession will reached their symbolic peak yesterday Monday, 11 March 2024 when the Swedish flag will be raised at NATO headquarters in Brussels. This ceremony, mirrored at NATO commands across Europe and North America, will be more than a mere ritual; it will be a powerful symbol of the ever-expanding reach and unity of the alliance. With Sweden's addition, NATO not only grows in number but also in strength, diversity, and capability, ensuring greater security and stability for all its members.
This week in aviation history
11 March 1959: Let's dive into the story of a remarkable aviation milestone. Picture this: it's a day just like any other in Stratford, Connecticut, but something extraordinary is about to happen. There, the Sikorsky XHSS-2 Sea King, a prototype crafted with precision and expertise, prepares for its inaugural flight. Bearing the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics serial number 147137 and its own unique serial number 61001, this Sea King is not just another aircraft – it's a symbol of innovation. At the helm is Sikorsky’s Assistant Chief Test Pilot, Robert Stewart Decker, a name synonymous with skill and experience in the field of aviation.
This Sea King, later known as the SH-3A, was a pioneer, leading the charge for the S-61 series of helicopters, which have been utilized for both military and civilian purposes. Initially referred to as HSS-2 until 1962, this helicopter wasn't just large; it was a marvel of engineering with its twin-engine and singular main rotor/tail rotor configuration. Its design was thoughtful, allowing it to land on water, and initially, it played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare.
Now, let's talk dimensions. The HSS-2 stretched to 72 feet, 6 inches in length, and stood at a towering height of 16 feet, 10 inches. Impressively, the helicopter’s width measured 16 feet across the sponsons. What's more, the Sea King was designed with practicality in mind – its main rotors and tail could be folded, trimming its length to 46 feet, 6 inches for easier storage on aircraft carriers. In terms of weight, it tipped the scales at 10,814 pounds when empty, and could handle an overload gross weight of 19,000 pounds.
The helicopter's main rotor boasted five blades, each with a diameter of 62 feet. The blades were built using the NACA 0012 airfoil, a popular choice at the time, and covered a total blade area of 222.5 square feet. The tail rotor, equally impressive, featured five blades and measured 10 feet, 4 inches in diameter.
Under the hood, the HSS-2 was powered by twin General Electric T58-GE-6 turboshaft engines. These engines could pump out a Normal Power rating of 900 horsepower and a Military Power rating of 1,050 horsepower. Additionally, the helicopter's main transmission could handle a maximum of 2,000 horsepower.
When it comes to performance, the HSS-2 did not disappoint. It cruised at 125 knots and could reach a maximum speed of 133 knots at sea level. Its service ceiling was an impressive 12,100 feet, and it had a range of 500 nautical miles. As an anti-submarine aircraft, it could be armed with a range of torpedoes and bombs, including nuclear-armed depth bombs.
In 1962, this remarkable aircraft was redesignated the SH-3A Sea King. It wasn't just a one-trick pony; over the years, Sea Kings have been used in diverse roles, including Combat Search and Rescue operations. The VH-3D Sea King even had the honor of serving as Marine One, the helicopter assigned to the President of the United States.
Sikorsky's production of the S-61 helicopter concluded in 1980 after building 794 units. The legacy of the Sea King, however, continued globally, with licensed production in England, Italy, Canada, and Japan, adding 679 more Sea Kings to the skies.
In case you missed it
A background on Sweden’s Gripen:
Photo Outlet
An A-1 Skyraider makes a pass over a USAF F-16 Thunderbird. Shot with a 100-400mm lens:
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog