Mission

Assault support, cargo and search and rescue roles, originally a commercial aircraft converted to replace the H-34 helicopter in Vietnam.
 

Description

The Boeing H-46 Sea Knight is a medium-lift tandem rotor cargo helicopter, used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to provide all-weather, day-or-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment. Assault Support is its primary function, and the movement of supplies and equipment is secondary. Additional tasks include combat support, search and rescue, support for forward refueling and rearming points, casualty evacuation and Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP).  The H-46, commonly known as the “Phrog”, has been the backbone of Marine Corp medium lift assault support and has distinguished itself in such venues as Vietnam, Beirut, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan.
 

Specifications

Primary Function: Assault support, cargo and search and rescue roles.
Date Deployed: 1964.
Propulsion: (2) General Electric T58-GE-16 turbo shaft engines, 1,870 shaft horse power (1,400 kW) each.
Length: 45 ft 8 in fuselage (13.92 m).
Rotor Diameter: 51 ft (16 m).
Height: 16 ft 8.5 in (5.1 m).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 24,300 lb (11,000 kg).
Airspeed: Max. 165 mph (145 kn; 265 km/h).
Ceiling: 10,000 ft (4,300 m).
Crew: Four.
Passengers: 25.
Armament: Guns: (2) XM218 .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) machine guns (optional), (1) ramp mounted M240G 7.62 x 51 mm machine gun (optional).
Prime Contractors:  The Boeing Company & General Electric
 

Program Status

Production Phase: Operational
Inventory: 112