Clayton International has procured the entire inventory of HH-3F helicopters from the Italian Air Force. The transaction includes 26 aircraft plus an inventory of spare parts and components. Twenty aircraft will be transported to Clayton’s facility in Peachtree City, Georgia.
The HH-3F was originally designed and certified by Sikorsky Aircraft in the 1970s for the U.S. Coast Guard and later produced under license by Agusta in Cascina Costa, Italy, for use by the Italian Air Force. The Italian Air Force first took delivery in 1977 and the aircraft remained in service until 2013.
The HH-3F is a 22,000 lb., twin-engine helicopter with 750 nm range. The large cabin and rear ramp make the aircraft extremely versatile for use in numerous mission configurations. The aircraft is also amphibious making it ideal for offshore operations.
Clayton plans to re-purpose the aircraft for use with operators needing an affordable multi-engine, 10-ton helicopter with a large cabin.
SAR Aircraft Configuration
- Large cabin – 26ft length x 78 in width x 75 in height
- 600 lb. / 240 feet rescue hoist
- Nightsun search light
- Forward looking infrared camera (FLIR) capable
- Detachable rescue platform for rescue operations when landed on the water
- FAST rope deployment
- Hydraulically operated rear ramp when helo floating, in flight or on ground
- Auxiliary floatation system for additional lateral stability in the water
- Search/navigation radar
- Comprehensive SAR oriented avionics suite
- Basic 10 seats/six litters internal arrangement
HH-3F for Utility/Cargo Deployment
- 26 Seat belt equipped foldable troop seats
- 15 Patient litters plus two medical assistant seats
- 8,000 lb. external cargo
- Large rear ramp for wheeled vehicles or general cargo loading/unloading
- Large cabin – 26ft length x 78 in width x 75 in height
- Cabin floor loading to 200 lb. / ft2. Higher cargo loads are allowable when the excess weight is redistributed using a pallet or shoring.
- Aircraft is configured to kneel the nose landing gear to increase the vertical clearance for loading cargo via the aft cargo ramp.
Clayton International is a helicopter MRO specializing in refurbishment of Sikorsky helicopters predominantly in the FMS sector. The company also manufactures complex helicopter transmission parts and assemblies for DOD and various OEM’s. For more information, please contact Mike Stille, President Clayton International, Inc. at 770-486-3609 ext 224.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Clayton International Inc.
