Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model

Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King – Bu.No 152134, HS-3 ‘Tridents’, USS Guadalcanal, U.S. Navy, July 21, 1966 (NASA Gemini X recovery helicopter)

1:72 Scale.  Length: 9".  Rotorspan: 10.3"


Limited Edition of 834 Models Worldwide

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 U.S. Space program during the 1960s and 1970s. Millions of people would be glued to their televisions as 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.

Assigned as the lead recovery helicopter for the Gemini X mission, SH-3A Sea King ‘White 63’ from the U.S. Navy HS-3 ‘Tridents’ was on the scene seconds after the capsule splashed down on July 21, 1966, with its specialist diver ensuring the safe recovery of the 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. After its time in the limelight, the SH-3A would return to its usual anti-submarine patrol duties.


The Corgi Aviation Archive features a wide selection of high quality, ready-made, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are built with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a SH-3A Sea King features