An authentic, large-scale 1:72 diecast replication capturing a highly decorated amphibious rescue helicopter from the Vietnam War. This replica by Corgi (US33411) depicts the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King (H-3A / BuNo 148992) assigned to USN squadron HS-2, colloquially marked as "Chink 69". This specific airframe was famously piloted by Lieutenant Steve Millikin during a courageous mission to rescue a downed pilot from Haiphong Harbor in North Vietnam. Executed under intense enemy fire, Millikin's actions successfully saved the pilot and earned him the Silver Star. Designed originally to meet a US Navy requirement for an all-weather amphibious helicopter, the Sikorsky SH-3 first took flight on March 11, 1959. While initially serving as a submarine hunter-killer, its roles expanded drastically across search and rescue, executive transport, communications, anti-ship operations, and airborne early warning. When operating in its Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capacity, it carried a dedicated crew of four consisting of one pilot, one copilot, and two radar/sonar operators. Highly revered for its performance, the SH-3A set multiple helicopter speed records up to 210 miles per hour in 1962 and famously completed the first nonstop flight across the United States, taking off from the USS Hornet in San Francisco and arriving at the USS Roosevelt 15 hours and 52 minutes later.
Featured within Corgi's Aviation Archive Collector Series, this 1:72 scale model offers a surprisingly heavy physical presence on display. The model is engineered with exceptional precision, providing collectors with two full, interchangeable sets of main rotor blades—one set featuring realistically drooping blades optimized for a stationary ground display, and a secondary set with blades curved upwards to accurately mirror an in-flight profile. The forward cockpit features a large, tinted "green-house" canopy that grants an easy, clear view of the interior cockpit layout and enclosed crew figures. Fine structural hallmarks include a variety of transparent window configurations along the port side, an accurate representation of the helicopter's specific engine intake and radar dome configuration, and a boat-hull fuselage shape built to replicate the real aircraft's temporarily watertight design. For added interactive value, a functional sliding cargo door opens effortlessly to completely expose the expansive internal cargo-hold layout.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: US33411
Aircraft: Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King (H-3A / SH-3A Variant)
Bureau Number (BuNo): 148992
Tactical Code: 69 / "Chink 69"
Pilot/Commander: Lieutenant Steve Millikin (Silver Star Recipient)
Unit: U.S. Navy HS-2 (Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 2)
Campaign: Vietnam War / Haiphong Harbor Rescue
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition: 1,600 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight Diecast Metal
Special Features: Substantial diecast weight, two full sets of interchangeable rotor blades (drooping/ground and curved/flight), tinted greenhouse canopy with visible crew figures, functional sliding cargo door with viewable cargo-hold, port-side transparent windows, specific engine intake and radar dome arrangement
Model Dimensions
Length: 12.25" or 31.1 cm
Width: 10.25" or 26 cm