Well suited for amphibious combat and tactical insertion of ground troops, the Commando was an important variant of the Sea King. It was originally proposed as a tactical transport for the Egyptian Air Force, which did not require the amphibious capabilities of the earlier Sea Kings, so the side floats were removed. With folding propellers and a tail fin, the Commando entered service with the Royal Navy as the Sea King HC.4. It was eventually fitted with radar warning and infrared jamming devices, and could also deploy M130/M147 rocket launchers as a countermeasure. In addition to troops, it could also carry suspended loads weighing up to 2.5 tons.
The increased range and capacity of 28 troops made it an ideal amphibious transport aircraft, and the HC.4 saw service in conflicts in the Falklands, the Balkans, the Persian Gulf, Lebanon and Afghanistan. It was frequently deployed to evacuate the wounded and refugees, as well as to prepare for and support ground advances. It was due to be discharged from service with the British Armed Forces in March 2016.
