S-58/H-34 Choctaw

• ASW/utility helicopter • US Army, Navy and Marines • Piston engine

Anew generation of helicopter design was ushered in by Sikorsky’s S-58. Prior to its first flight in 1954, helicopters had been built for their unique capabilities, with little thought given to their role suitability. The S-58, operated by the US Navy, Marines and Army, was a highly versatile helicopter suited to a variety of roles. It went on to win many export orders in both military and commercial versions and a few still remain in service.

▼ US Coast Guard rescue Based on the Manncs HUS – 1A (CH-34E) version, six HUS-1G (HH-34F) helicopters, capablo of operating on amphibious pontoons, were delivered to tho Coast Guard.

A Japanese HSS-1 Japan obtained a large number of ox-US Navy HSS-1s (nicknamed tho ‘Hiss-1’ in US sorvico) and used them in the soarch-and-roscuo role.

▼ Back to Earth HUS-1 helicopters belonging to the Marines had the honour of recovering several astronauts and their capsules from the sea.

◄ Bullpup shot

Several experiments were earned out with armed H-34s, but none entered service. This Mannos HUS-1 makes an early test firing.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► When he checked in for e Sabena S-58 flight, Igor Sikorsky was asked if his name was spelt like the helicopter’s.

► US military designation changes in 1962 led to tho HSS-1 becoming the SH-34G.

► ‘Doughnut’ bags could bo fixed to tho S-58 undercarriage to make it amphibious.

► US Army CH-34s maintained a constant patrol along the border of West Germany with Czechoslovakia and East Germany.

► The US Army-Marines Executive Flight Detachment used VH-34D aircraft.

>■ A total of 603 S-58s woro delivered to tho US Marines.