 A dedicated search and rescue ( SAR ) version , the <unk> , was developed for the RAF Search and Rescue Force . The type entered service in 1978 to replace the Westland Whirlwind <unk> A 16th helicopter was ordered shortly after , and following the Falklands War of 1982 , three more examples were purchased to enable operation of a SAR flight in the islands , initially from Navy Point on the north side of Stanley harbour , and later from RAF Mount Pleasant . In 1992 , six further helicopters were ordered to replace the last remaining Westland Wessex helicopters in the SAR role , entering service in 1996 . The six Sea King <unk> featured updated systems , including a digital navigation system and more modern avionics . 
