Corgi Sea King Helicopter USN 1969 Apollo 11 Recovery, Sea King & Apollo Capsule

This listing is for a new Corgi Sikorsky USN HS-4 Sea King Helicopter, USS Hornet, Pacific Ocean, 1969 Apollo Recovery, Sea King Helicopter and Apollo Capsule Set / Diorama. This model was released in 2002 with limited quantities distributed world wide ( no limited edition card provided with this release ). Model comes with 2 set of rotor blades, the drooping blades for ground display and another with blades that are curved upwards for in-flight static, a display stand and ocean base diorama included. Model in the photos belongs to my collection. Note: Outer box has water stains in some areas, small tears at the opening flaps and some dents on the sides of the outer box (see photos). Scale: 1/72 Length Width Sikorsky SH-4 Sea King 12.25″ 10.25″ (rotor span) North American Apollo Command Module 2.25″ 2.25″ Initially designated HSS-2, the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King was designed as an anti-submarine helicopter for the US Navy and first flew on 11th March 1959. It has a watertight hull and outrigged floats for stability on the water, into which the main wheels of the undercarriage retract. Deliveries began in September 1961 and large numbers are still in service on board U.S. aircraft carriers. The Sikorsky/Sea King helicopter has played a vital role in the American space program and No.66 of Helicopter Squadron 4, operating from the USS Hornet aircraft carrier, has become the most famous and most photographed of all helicopters – seen throughout the world on television broadcasts. These included the first moon landing of Apollo 11 and this model displays the markings carried at that time, when it picked up Neil Armstrong, ‘Buzz’ Aldrin and Michael Collins from the space capsule after it splashed down in the Pacific. Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King Helicopter Designed to meet a US Navy requirement for an all-weather amphibious helicopter, the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King first flew on March 11, 1959. Originally a submarine hunter-killer, the Sea King has since been used in a variety of operations, from search and rescue, executive transport and communications to anti-ship and airborne early warning. Its five main rotor blades and tail section fold for stowage aboard aircraft carriers, and its hull can remain temporarily watertight for water landings-a risky maneuver attempted only in emergencies. When deployed by aircraft carriers, Sea Kings serve as plane guard and are the first in the air and the last to return. Corgi “Aviation Archive” die-cast airplanes feature: Die-cast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details Pad printed markings and placards that won’t fade or peel like decals Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels Pose-able presentation stand to display the aircraft “in flight” Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures