An insight into the design, construction and operation of the Royal Navy's classic search and rescue helicopter. For more than 25 years the Agusta Westland Sea King has been that most welcome of sights around the English coast, providing essential Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities for those in peril both on land and at sea. The Royal Navy variant - the Sea King HU Mk 5, which is the main focus of this book - is estimated to have saved literally hundreds of lives. Author and photographer Lee Howard has been given privileged official access to the Navy's SAR air and ground crews to offer fascinating insights into operating, flying and maintaining the Sea King.

Lee Howard AMRAeS is an aviation photographer and author of the Haynes Westland Sea King Manual and Westland Lynx Manual. Lee trained as a civilian helicopter engine and airframes engineer and has worked on a wide range of military helicopters. He lives in Somerset.