A substantial and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a Westland Sea King HAS.Mk 1 operated by the Empire Test Pilots’ School at MOD Boscombe Down. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA33412 depicts Sea King XV370 in its distinctive ETPS red, white and blue colour scheme during 1987.
Aircraft XV370 was one of the earliest British-built Sea Kings and was initially involved in the type’s development and evaluation programme. Following production under licence by Westland, early examples were subjected to extensive testing before the Sea King entered operational service with the Royal Navy.
After its earlier development work, XV370 was transferred to the Empire Test Pilots’ School at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. ETPS trains experienced military and civilian aircrew to conduct flight testing and aircraft evaluation, using specially equipped aircraft to introduce students to a wide variety of handling characteristics, systems and test techniques.
The aircraft is reproduced in the highly recognisable ETPS scheme, combining a predominantly white upper fuselage with dark blue lower surfaces and a bright red tail section. Royal Air Force-style roundels, prominent Empire Test Pilots’ School markings and the serial XV370 complete one of the most colourful finishes carried by a British Sea King.
Developed from the American Sikorsky SH-3, the Westland Sea King was adapted extensively for British service. The HAS.Mk 1 entered Royal Navy use as an all-weather anti-submarine warfare helicopter, incorporating British engines, avionics and mission equipment. Its spacious cabin, amphibious hull and powerful twin-engine configuration later allowed the Sea King family to undertake search and rescue, airborne early warning, troop transport and utility duties.
Limited to 2,130 pieces worldwide, this impressive release is particularly appealing to collectors of British test aircraft, Royal Navy helicopters and unusual aviation colour schemes. The model features extensive diecast construction, detailed cockpit and cabin glazing, a sliding side door and two complete sets of rotor blades. These allow the helicopter to be displayed with naturally drooping stationary blades or upward-curving blades representing an in-flight configuration.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA33412
Aircraft: Westland Sea King HAS.Mk 1
Serial: XV370
Unit: Empire Test Pilots’ School
Role: Flight test and training helicopter
Theatre / Base: MOD Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, England
Date/Period: 1987
Operator / Country: Empire Test Pilots’ School / United Kingdom
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 2,130 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited edition release, distinctive ETPS red, white and blue colour scheme, authentic XV370 markings, extensive cockpit and cabin glazing, detailed interior, sliding side cargo door, radar and external equipment, two interchangeable rotor blade sets, ground-display and in-flight rotor configurations, wheeled undercarriage and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 12.25" or 31.1 cm
Width (Rotor Span): 10.25" or 26 cm