Corgi Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King Helicopter USN Tridents Gemini 10 Recovery 1:72

Description: This listing is for a new Corgi Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King USN HS-3 Tridents, USS Guadalcanal, Gemini 10 Recovery, July 21st 1966. This model was released in 2019 with only 1,000 units distributed world wide. This release came with a fixed gear down only. Model in these photos belongs to my collection. Scale: 1/72 Length: 12.25" Width: 10.25" (rotor span) If the intrepid pioneers of flight inspired the world with their determination to achieve manned, powered flight in the years before the First World War, then a similar fascination was surely held for the men engaged in the US Space Program during the 1960s and 1970s. Millions of people would be glued to their televisions as mighty rockets blasted men into space, with everyone holding their breath until the astronauts safely returned a few days later and the sight of their protective space capsule splashing down in the ocean. Quickly rescued by specially trained US Navy helicopter crews, it would not be before pictures were broadcast of the returning astronauts waving at the gathered crowds that people would finally relax, knowing that another giant step had been taken towards putting a man on the moon. Assigned as the lead recovery helicopter for the Gemini X mission, handsome Sikorsky SH-3A 'White 63' from US Navy HS-3 'Tridents' was on the scene seconds after the capsule splashed down, with its specialist diver ensuring the safe extraction of the returning astronauts. With the world's attention fixed on this latest mission, for a few short moments, the live broadcast of the recovery made this aircraft the most famous helicopter in the world, before it returned to USS Guadalcanal as America's latest spaceman transporter. After its time in the limelight, the aircraft would return to its usual anti-submarine patrol duties. Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King Designed to meet a US Navy requirement for an all-weather amphibious helicopter, the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King first flew on March 11, 1959. Originally a submarine hunter-killer, the Sea King has since been used in a variety of operations, from search and rescue, executive transport and communications to anti-ship and airborne early warning. Its five main rotor blades and tail section fold for stowage aboard aircraft carriers, and its hull can remain temporarily watertight for water landings-a risky maneuver attempted only in emergencies. When deployed by aircraft carriers, Sea Kings serve as plane guard and are the first in the air and the last to return. Corgi "Aviation Archive" die-cast airplanes feature: Die-cast metal construction with some plastic componentsRealistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface detailsPad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decalsInterchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheelsPose-able presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flights"Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticityDetailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures

Price: 349.95 USD

Location: Canoga Park, California

End Time: 2023-12-01T03:17:17.000Z

Shipping Cost: 22.95 USD