The 20 Agusta-Sikorsky helicopters acquired by the IINA were originally designated AS.61A-4 by the manufacturer, but always called the ASH-3D or SH-3D by the user. The first batch of 14 (serial numbers 8-2301 to 8-2314) were multi-role helicopters, configured for ASW as well as for SAR, or carrying troops or freight. All were equipped with the nose-mounted search radar and undernose Doppler. Most were delivered in the same dark blue-grey overall colour (with the nose and tailfin in dayglo orange) as used by the Italian Navy. Iranian Naval Aviation Sea Kings always wore quite colourful markings, including a full set of maintenance and warning insignia, the crest of the IINA (later IRINA), the service title, the ‘last three’ of their serial number on the rear of the cabin, and the full serial on the boom. The sole Sea King involved in Operation Morvarid – serial number 8-2308 – was still wearing this camouflage pattern (including dayglo orange) on 29 November 1980. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)