A towering piece of military aviation history made a striking arrival on a Somerset road as the Westland Sea King HU Mk.6 helicopter was transported to its new permanent home. Donated by RAF Heritage, the legendary Sea King ZA133 now takes its place on display at The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare — believed to be the first of its kind exhibited in a museum anywhere globally.
Built in Yeovil in 1981, ZA133 proudly served the Royal Navy for a quarter of a century, accumulating over 8,000 flying hours. This remarkable aircraft saw active service during the Falklands conflict in 1982, operating from HMS Hermes and RFA Fort Austin, and later played a key role supporting NATO missions in Bosnia and the Gulf.
The delivery on August 15 was the culmination of a carefully coordinated effort by specialist contractors Recovair, fulfilling a long-held ambition by museum founder and President Elfan ap Rees to secure this iconic helicopter for public viewing. “This helicopter represents a critical chapter of our nation’s history,” said Elfan. “The Sea King is instantly recognisable and cherished—from its crucial military operations to the countless lives saved during search and rescue missions. We’re thrilled that visitors will now be able to experience ZA133 up close.”
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Initially designed for anti-submarine warfare, the Sea King was later adapted for troop transport and lifesaving search and rescue flights before its retirement in 2006. As a British aviation icon, the Sea King has served the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and numerous international operators for decades, distinguished by its distinctive silhouette and remarkable versatility in conflicts and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Powered by two Rolls Royce Gnome Mk.1200 Series turboshaft engines delivering 1,535 shp each, the helicopter first took flight in Yeovil on April 3, 1981, piloted by John Teasdale. It was originally assigned to the Naval Aircraft Storage Unit at RNAS Culdrose before entering active duty with 826 Naval Air Squadron.
Grounded in April 2006 after logging 8,129 flight hours, ZA133 spent its final years at the Royal Navy’s training school at HMS Sultan in Gosport until being donated to The Helicopter Museum in April 2025. The helicopter will now be meticulously prepared for public display, joining the museum’s expanding collection of historic helicopters.
Visitors can see the Westland Sea King at The Helicopter Museum, located on Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare, where it stands as a testament to British aviation history.