Category Helicopters

• Special forces helicopter • Combat rescue • Advanced sensors

О no of the biggest and most versatile combat helicopters ever developed in the West, Sikorsky’s S-65 serves with the USAF as the HH-/MH-53. In the hands of skilled pilots, the S-65 can lift heavy cargoes, carry special forces troops far behind onemy lines, or successfully rescue downed airmen, using the latest technology. From Vietnam as tho HH-53C to the Porsian Gulf as the MH – 53J, the S-65 has been a great success story.

T Vietnam insertion

HH-53Bs were tasked with a number of covert missions In Vietnam. Troops wore often dropped by rope to avoid tho risk of landing in enemy territory.

A Sensitive nose

All of the MH-53J’S primary sensors are clustered around the nose. They include the AN/AAQ-10 FUR below the in-flight refuelling probe on the starboard side.

A Evolving from the CH-53C

There was little difference between the pure transport CH-53C and the HH-53B. excopt for the latter’s refuelling probe.

T Pave Low III

Although short-lived, the six HH-53H helicopters introduced the Pave Low III sensor package.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► Having originally used the CH-53A in 1966/67, tho USAF received a handful more In 1989 as TH-53A trainers.

► Sponson bracing struts allowed the HH – 53B to carry 2460-I (650-gal.) drop-tanks.

► Two HH-53CS flew 14500 km (9010 ml.) with only seven stops.

► Some CH-53C and HH-53B helicopters remained unmodified until the late 1980s, when they became MH-53Js.

► MH-53H and MH-53J Pave Low lls were involved in the US invasion of Panama.

► MH-53 pilots receive special operations training on the TH-53A.

MH-53J Pave Low III Enhanced Type: twin ongmod combat search and rescue and special operations helicopter Powerplant: two 2935-kw (3.935-hp) General Electric T64-GE-7A turboshaft engines Maiimum speed: 315 km h (198 m p h) at sea level Initial climb rate: 631 m mm (2.070 i. p ni. i at sea tevet Range: 368 km (540 mi.) with maximum auxiliary fuel Weights: empty 10691 kg (23.570 to.); mission take-off 17344 kg (38.24010.): maxirmxn take­off 19051 kg (42.000 to.) Armament: up to throo 7.62-mm Miniguns or three 12.7-mm macfvne-guna mounted m the s*de door, роп side escape hatch and on the rear loading ramp Dimensions: man rotor diameter fuselage length height main rotor disc area
Left: This MH-S3J carries a gun mount on its loading ramp. It can bo easily removed and stowed in flight.
between die helicopter and ИС-130 in-flight a-fuciling tankers, the IIII-53C served into the late l9NOs ‘Hie last machine was then convened to MH-53J Pave Low III Enhanced standard Developed via the unsuccessful HH-S3H Pave Low II. the .MH-53J is likely to serve for many more years
Above: With weapons fitted in all positions, this *Super Jolly’ shows a typical configuration for special forces operations. MH-53Js often fly alone on such missions.
22.02 m <17 ft 3 in.) 20.47m (87 П. 2 m.) 5.22 m (17 ft. 2 in.) 380 87 rtf <4100 sq It.)
MH-53J Pave Low
Л гк/тЛж of aystoma nr* orretoyed to protect tfw> htAccpter from the onnmy They include pownrtii nfrn-rod courMormonwos dovtcua mounted аРсмо ouch uwwr
This aircraft is shown in the markings worn while based at RAF Woodbridgo. Suffolk, with the USAF"* 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing. The Wing has since withdrawn from Britain.
COMBAT DATA
Seem сотгтопсзіюг» tocWme. a gtobai oosrtionng system and rvght-viaton gogge COmpabWRy enabte tee MH-53J to perform dangerous missions atone Tho comprofwnoMi aMcncs (It и ndtentod by the large number of antnmes
AOhough cr^nalty designed t m« rape handing of BgW veheiee. the man cvvlr /j ramp rise otters a Quick method of ontonng cr leaving the Sopor JoV tn the hast ot battle
слеп of INI socraicn fuel tanka nokto Т89Э Mrws Of tool The tanks же p»!t«nabo m? igr, t. put mo MH-S3J e rarefy seen wdhou! them
Vost of the Pave low IB sensor package a cUetorod «rout’d tho noso FUR (forw. vd locking infra-rod) rndorre and tho larger radorou 1 me terran-toaowng rad«v have boon removed from the arcratt
‘Super Jolly’ in the Gulf ! «W precise dotaits of MH-53J operations ^4 і ttie First Gulf War have emerged, but it is known that tho hekeoptor was used for anti – S-ucl missions as well as its traditional rotes.
HIGH-RISK MISSIONS: Pavo Low III helicopters used simitar tactics when depositing special forces teams deop within Iraq. Many of Wiese sorties were aimed at Scud missite launchers
EGRESS: After leadng the AH-64 As to their target, the MH-53JS protected thorn from missile attack during ogress using infra-rod decoy flares.	m
CH-S3E SOPER STAIL10R SIS katl (194 СИ-470 CMN00K ZM kaak (Ш n. p.k |
*
AIR STRIKES BEGIN: With thowi two koy mstaitationr. removed. coaMlon warplanes entered Iraq undotcctod.

Sikorsky

• Heavylift helicopter • Flying crane • Salvage and retrieval

This bizarre-looking but superbly performing machine has got real muscle. Called tho CH-54 Tarhe – an American Indian name meaning ‘crane’ – by soldiers and the S-64 by its makers and by civilians, the big Sikorsky SkyCrane lifts, hauls and delivers almost any cargo on a sling or in a van under its fuselage. Used In combat in Vietnam, this veteran went on to servo on construction projects, oilfields and logging sites, where the SkyCrane works today as a heavylift champion of the skies.

▼ Flying crane

The S-64 was little more than a rotor system with a cockpit on the front. The giant legs could straddle just about anything the hehcoptec could lift.

< Troopship helicopter ▲

To turn tho S-64 into a troop assault helicopter. Sikorsky designed а special pod which could be clipped underneath the aircraft. This could accommodate a largo number of fully-armed troops.

FACTS AND FIGURES

>• CH-54 Tnrhe helicopters In Vietnam retrieved 380 shot-down aircraft, saving S210 million.

► The S-64 mnde its first flight on 9 May 1962; about 20 ore still flying today.

>• The S-04’e cargo pod Is a box 8.36 x 2.69 x 1.98 m (approximately 27 x 9 x 6 ft.)

> When repairs were needed to tho 11000-kg (24,250 lb.) statue atop Washington’s Capitol dome. It was lifted away ond thon returned by a SkyCrano.

^ This colossal ‘dorrick of tho air’ was patterned after Sikorsky’s earlier S-60 heavy liftor.

	A huge variety of missions can be flown by the Tarhe, from airlifting field hospitals (left) through the recovery of crashed aircraft (below). The aircraft shown left is fitted with skis to operate from snow, and carries extra fuel tanks on the inside of the undercarriage legs.
mission, the SkyCrane carried а 4>Vvkg t 10,000-lb.) bomb used to blast away trees to create a landing zone Tlie improved Cll-Vtb model set international payload and climb records which stood for years licfore bigger. Russian-Іміііі craft exceeded them The newer Chinook and Stallion luive replaced the SkyCrane In the Army, releasing many of these. sturdy ships for private use
Today the ageing SkyCrane has been retired from military service ami is much missed by the I S Army Some still soldier on in civil hands, however, hauling logs and outsize cargoes that no other helicopter can touch.
The Turbos tal rotor wan я oenvonuonni tout-Wadcd unit ruined to mat o( the Sea King Imrn which « was dorsad
The Tamo nact iwo angr «“>. when ctrcrvc mo manroior iiirouyti a conirnt gwrtxx*. Тій dowo» from «the ongne OtxAl keep Ию СИ-54 оІсЛ In an emergency, but not wtUn і ігуоу a tood
Since the CH-545 job was to lift heavy toads ra’Jw than By b»t or ftghe, much ot the rotor system was Ht uncovered, witeji made mantorvonco aasnr Ruining along Urn top ot the twboom from t»ve engrmy to I ho tail was tho drivo-nhaft tor the tal rotor,
ю CH 54 was one ot the fvr. t odtJar jrctar The cabn ■‘ion. drive tran and leogo were ritorchangoatoto •t j when couo bo rnptocod ft – title oflorl in the ie*ld
COMBAT DATA
PAYLOAD
S-64 by t-korsky, the Tame >xd n modrtrod • -* ЖГО ot tho s et, 5aa Ктд front ond – ated! o U tt»mg ■one’ typo fuselage
Thn nnrtoronmwjo togs worn made vwy wvm and taJ so trvw the Tarhe could straddto most loads Attachment Pont» on die conimi tusofage ctxJd hod pods desgned spooofly tor the Tartw or.«Amg fcoib corned on strops and cables. In Vtolnam the CH-54 ovon Amctorcd аз а bomb*v, dropping grant wivijxm to tdoor vogetaton tor landing ertoe or ortilery omptocemoeta
As wot as convontlcrot larword-taano portion#, ire сосков ol Ию Тэте tovo hod a rearward-Ілсюд sf-i’.cn w«h a largo guuod iron This ttoov.») the crew to така drtcate nvmoouv*os when picking up ioodr..
Although inn standard twee COM3 slog loads ol i® to поте try то», it «»» not *o much a иылу to horet neevy ««guts but moos its ab. it, to dool wUh mskword or ouhrer loadt when moan the ScyCrana such a usolii. and meotaceobe workhers*.
You call, Tarhe hauls
Itoavym hetcooWm we ganeraty caUrd on to move Iher bade ove» reurt/i-wy short distance», to «not» they can be irans-ampped to more convecoonal means ol traraportatKxv As a result, thoy do not need в tong opwatlng range
СН-54Д
СНЫ*
VEHICLE TRANSPORT: Many typo-4 ot vehicle could bo carried from the underfuselafle attachment points	AIRCRAFT RECOVERY: Tames regularly retrieved crashed or damaged aircrati.	MAKESHIFT BOMBER: In Vietnam CH-54s dropped the BLU-82 bomb to make cteaietgs m the jungle
OUTSIZE LOADS: A bewildering variety of toad# has boon carried by CH-54s, InekKfaig boats	PLACING ARTILLERY: The CH-54 was the pnnopal means by which the US Army shifted its artillery amend tho battlefield
wo in tin al l

Sikorsky

• Search and rescue helicopter • Turbine-powered • Overlooked

Conceived in the mid-1950s, the S-62 incorporated several new foaturos. The US Coast Guard was sufficiently interested to purchase the typo as tho HH-52A Seaguard. A singlo T-58 turbine, a relatively spacious fusolage and amphibious capability made tho S-62 an ideal search and rescue helicopter, particularly for coastal areas. It was capable of operating from almost any surface in just about any weather.

4 On land and water

Ono or the prototypes performs a ‘powor-off landing. As an amphibious helicopter, the HH-52 proved ideal in the coastal SAP role.

▼ Northern search and rescue

HH-52s operating from ice-broakors received а bnght orange scheme with a white stripe for greater conspicuity over the frozen sea.

▲ Rig support

First order for the S-62 came from Petroleum Helicopters, which purchased a single oxample for serving large offshore oil rigs located in the Gulf of Mexico.

HH-52s bused at Houston, Texas, frequently practised recovory ot tho NASA Apollo astronauts.

► First night of the Sikorsky S-62 took place on 22 May 19S8.

► A small number of Scaguards wero put on display In musoums after retirement.

Nino oxamptes wore built undor llconco (or service with Jopanose Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF).

► One US Coast Guard machino wa3 used in tho film Airport ’77.

► A civilian S-62B modol was built, but it was not popular on the civil market

In commercial aviation. Sikorsky’s S-62 was overshadowed by other l. cliiopier. v Ihe US Coast Guard liked it entMigli to use the type from 1963 to 1989 for shod – to medium-range rescue work. The ability to land on water, not found in – inv of today’s Coast Guard helicopters, helped the ІІП-52Л Seaguard in its rescue duties Ihe HH-52A also joined the <x him Guard ice patrol operations. llxxtrd powerful ice-breakers. Typical was Operation Deep I a-e/e. the exploration «>f the

Antarctic in 1973. The aim ol this project was to improve ice­breaking services, thus assisting the movement of maritime traffic through icy waterways.

Coast Guard pilots anti crewmen were quite fond ot the ІІН-52А – especially its ability to Operate in all weathers. Although most living was conduclcd In mi short* bases Coast Guard crewmen also serviced the HH-52A onboard ship, which often proved to lie.1 demanding task By the time the Iasi examples retired during 1989. HH-52s had

Above: Toward the end of their service lives, HH-S2s were upgraded with Northrop forward – looking infra-red sensors, mounted in a small turret on the nose.

gained distinction for rescuing muiv people Ilian any other helicopter They were replaced by Aerospatiale 1111-65 Dolphins

ACTION DATA

MAXIMUM SPEEO

MH S2A 175 ka.1i |1И аї р k)

«ISUXMkt 212 kauti (1X7 m. p k I

la-2S7S ‘К0ЯМ0НЕ-С 70» kmk (130 m. p h.)

MAXIMUM TAKE-OFF WEIGHT

шші

5715 kg 117,600» I

Sikorsky

In 1962 tho USAF borrowed threo SH-3A helicopters from the US Navy. Used for transport as CH-3Bs, these aircraft from tho Sikorsky S-61 series impressed tho Air Force so much that it ordorod a now version for its own use. Known as tho S-61R, this transport helicopter went on to save many lives in tho CSAR (combat search and rescue) role over Vietnam as the ‘Jolly Green Giant’ and, from 1968, with the US Coast Guard as the Pelican.

▼ Italian navy SAR

Agusta built 20 HH3Fs from 1973. These were similar to US Coast Guard aircraft

A Inflight refuelling

In 1966 the USAF revealed a series of tests using a US Marine Corps KC-130F tanker. Ten contacts of up to five minutes duration worn performed.

▼ Civilian model

Sikorsky’s own S-6IR hovers above the first USAF CH-3C. As the aircraft was designed around a USAF requirement, commercial buyers did not appear.

▲ Practice rescue

US Coast Guard machines used their search radar, hoist and amphibious capabilities to tho full. The HH-3F was used to search coastlines and out at sea.

Test boom ►

Carrying an air data boom for experimental and test purposes, tho first CH-3C. in common with others of the modol. was later upgraded to CH-3E standard.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► Two HH-3£s mode the first non-stop transatlantic hollcoptor nights in 1967, making nine tanker contacts each.

► The first S-61 R flow on 17 June 1963. almost ono month ahead of schedule.

► The CH-3E could scat up to 30 troops or carry 2270 kg (5,000 lb.) of cargo.

► At least nine USAF surplus CH-ЭЕв and HH-3Es woro purchased by tho US Coast Guard to supplement their 40 HH-3F*.

► In 1975 CH/HH-3Es bocatno the first helicopters in tho US Air National Guard.

► Variants of Sikorsky’s S-70 have replaced S-61 Rs in US service.

In order jo satisfy the l.’SAFs requirements. Sikorsky found that.1 major redesign of the 41-3 anti-submarine ariant of the S-61 was necessary Піе company designated the new helu opter S-61 К and four versions of the basic amphibious transport design were built.

Principal amongst the design c lunges were j tricycle nose – wheel undercarriage and a large re-.tr loading ramp door. Of the initial С. ІІ-.ІС tnodel. il were Iniilt In-fore production of the

ИН-ЗЄ* wtra th* trst г-‘cooter» to cairy r*- ‘-f’l intuokng Doorna 1hr> отес» was ‘otoscope.

tending to лмс* Js – Titracted length n oraor to • eep the HC – t30Y aroguo ma retoniing hose wen ear ottne rotor blades.

1119-kW T5H-5 engined CH-3E Ixrgan hi 1966. Meanwhile, the I’S. M – had an urgent need for a helicopter ca|)ahle oi rescuing downed aircrew in a hostile environment – Vietnam

Optimised for CSAR. the HH-3F hail armour, defensive machine-guns, jeltisoruhle long – range fuel tanks and an in-flight refuelling і HR) piolx* Such was the ability of the ІИІ-.ЗК that it often rescued downed. lircraft as well as aircrew and became known as the Jolly Green Giant’.

The last development was the

Above: CH-3Es also carried a winch above the starboard forward door, adding extra flexibility and giving the helicopter a secondary SAR role.

HU-ЗІ1 Pelican for the I S Coast Guard. Basically an HH-3H with military equipment removed, the aircraft gave superb service into the 1990s, Hying long-range rescue ami anti-drug missions.

Below: The roar loading ramp had upper and lower parts, allowing vehicles up to 2.21 metres (7 ft. 2 In.) tall to bo loaded. Large sponsons on either side of the fuselage kept the aircraft stable on water and accommodated the main landing gear.

HH-3E

Sikorsky

• Anti-submarine helicopter • In service for 30 years

As a true rotorcraft pioneer, Sikorsky was quick to realise the potential of the helicopter for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. With its HSS-1 Sea Bat already in service, Sikorsky designed the HSS-2 Sea King as its turbine- engined replacement. The company could not have realised that the Sea King would become one of the world’s most important helicopters, in service with the US Navy (USN) and many export customers.

Sikorsky S-61/SH-3 Sea King

▼ Topex

An SH-3H. belonging to HS-9 from Carrier Air Wing 8 aboard the USS Nimitz. ttios in company with a Brazilian Navy machine during the annual ‘Topex’ anti-submarino warfare exercise in tho Atlantic.

Dual-role helicopter ►

In the early /970s tho USN needed a helicopter to perform both plane guard and ASW duties aboard its attack earners and tho SH-3 proved ideal.

▼ Enduring design

Despite being in servico for nearly 40 years, the outward appearance of the S-61 has surprisingly changed very little, though the latost versions arc considerably more capable than early variants.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► Sea Kings wero heavily involved in Vietnam, rescuing many downed USN pilots during the long contlict.

► A small number of RH-ЗА minesweeper variants entered servico in 1964.

► Tho Royal Canadian Navy was the first export customer, ordortng 41 of the type.

>• Acronautiche Giovanni Agusta acquired a licence to assemble Sea Kings for the Italian air forco and navy.

► Argentina is unique in that it operates both Sikorsky and Agusta built examples.

► The SH-3 has been replaced by aboard USN carriers by the SH-60F Sea Hawk.

PROFILE

nown by Sikorsky. їх the S-6l anil by the US Navy a> the SI I-З. the Sea Кіпу? serves into the late I‘Mb in 11 HiMiIer. il ile numbers, having flown for the first time..it 11 March l’)sy.

Onnhining the roles of submarine hunter anil killer ih. inks to l«s Bcnilix AQS-IO • lipping >oiur. Kyan Al’N 13′) r. ldar. ami torjxilo or depth Ivinib vea|X)n load. tile SI І ЗА w. is an insiant siuiess file few
remaining I S Sea Kings have all Ixvn upgraded to SH-3I I Mandard I he design has also formed the Iv. ims of the nittclv iiiodifleil Westland Sea King In addition to its SV machines, the l ‘SN also flew nine examples of the specialised КМ-ЗЛ mlnesweeping version of the basic SH-3. while a munixt of combat search and rescue 111 1-3 aircraft. also based oil the SI-l-3 airframe, were built lor the US Air force

Export customers included Argentina. Bm/il. < anaiia, Denmark. Iran, Italy. Japan, Malaysia Peru. Spain, and the I K. Several of these deals have included production licences

ACTION DATA
Powering the SH-3H vananl ivn two Gonnro: Beats: T58-GE to turboslwtis Those provide impresstvo performnncft tor n ггадт. ч’*/ largo helicopter and afciwmg iho «emit to cany scbstw’tml iinrkysiung toad* Я со fouueod	АЙ Sea K*>3s are Meed with five btide main Mora These can be towed an and are «ntordvjngcoijin Tlw/ also feature the SAorsky spar – nsnecUm syr. tum, wuch re&ases on m=n gas if the Wades am cracked, thuti aio-ing mantertance start to potent, ii problym
ал-пе*. t. ui Sikorsky Sea iCt’g wa* а 4* to lit loMUntia ОЖІ1 In u*or >ear i тегъюп <M№ more powerful nnprvM
Even It ootneU powerful mndimo. an IVmilml built it» от SM-3H SEA МИС 2068 kW (2800 h»l
SA321CSUMB ГНЕ10Я 3300 kW [4425 hp)
NAVY HS-7 –
SEA КІЯ6 HAS. MK5 24 TS kW (3320*1
SEA KINC MAS. MK5 1230ka RS4 «1.1
SH-W SEA КШС lOOSkn («24 Bi.|
Wtion employed lor piano or *e*oh and rmeue АЛт rm Sea Kng Com not opera-» ілглме тім ASW nXn Sea Кпц» wxyk wen tono^r rangoO ftxoC wr>3 arcraft The bggrr AArtnpar. il.. Super Fndon» prvnnrili a lacteal ІгапіооП Mccofer.
The aniitcmjjo l*l rotor n tnied an iv – port side and ііізо finiurea fve иааог A s»4i. i «abifcwr a «tied on the cwxwflo tndo. The enure ta. Mjcton о moveaWs ami enn hngo to starboard kr accessibnty and stowage bokweamor decka-
Ewmp’Twn unique to the USN ‘H variant irvsudes an AOS 13B aorw. o Canada Marccvs surwibince radar, end towed magnate nnomo>/ detector »or nuntng тлтпппол
■ SPANISH SH-ЗО: True smart example is one of a batch of ex-USN machines transferred to Spain These have been upgraded to SH-3H standard and vwvn with Escuadniia 001

Sikorsky

ussian-born aviation

pioneer Igor Sikorsky was one of the most ini|K>rtanl futures in rotary-winjt aviation, and the angel of mercy S-t>l was one of Itis most remarkable achievements built m land ba set I and amphibious versions tin S-<tl і ante into being panlv Kvaukc friemlly tuitions nmlcd и for military tasks, iitc lulling. іПТІ-snhmarine and точне work. However, civil S-fils ІЧЧ.1ІПЄ fjniaMic perlormers for Sikorsky sopplung ollshoie otlrigv

£спКтдзагв uauuly ftown by two txiats. &Л can hr. Sown single honrlnd Rescue enrwr. jvtwrfy mdudo n ns-ich operator and wmchman

helping ti uvstruclkm project*, and shuttling airline passengers No role filled by the ubiquitous S-61 i. s more important than us continuing duty in offering salvation to chose endangered by natural catastrophe, lire, ship-sinking, and other calamities The S-61 offers the speed, range and lifting capability to fly quicklv to a trouble spin trover, and lift people to safety. It can curry a considcTable amount of search gear, food and medicine.

bright yellow RAF Sea Kings are a common sight along the I к coastline in the summer mouths rescuing people stranded on clifTs or at мм Nibone knows the numlter of successful S-61 rescues. Imt the figure probably exceeds JO. OOO

The S-61R rs a revised Soa King incorporating a rear ramp. As with most Sea Kings it con land on water, but this rarefy happens: lf)o high-mounted engines and gearbox make it top-heavy and vulnerable to swamping in all but the calmest of seas.

S-61N

ACTION DATA

748 kn<h|1SSn.|l.4.)

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

ttltift* ZSJXZ

♦жиж*

MI-14 КЛХГ П pMsenters

ENOURANCE

Endurance * a key quality in a rescue hetcopter See doascan can lam place hundred» a* mitee hem shcre. and once there rt can U»e several minute» to winch up one serwor A tiAl load can take hour» to hoist, so good novenrg ability в «Паї

■ MAKING THE PICK-UP: Onco survivors ate ■ REWARD: found, their location ts supplied to heicopiers Success to the Const and fast surface craft, which make the rescue. Guard is n scono like this: a mother and daughter safo in a fescue heftcopter’s cabin, having been plucked from a Sinking yacht in storm-tossed waters

MH4 – МАЛ’ 1 tin SO aim

Sikorsky

• Search and rescue • Oilrig supply • Passenger carrier

To an imperilled survivor of a sea disaster, no gift could seem more heavenly than an S-61 helicopter lowering its survival hoist. A quantum leap in helicopter design, the long-serving S-61 Sea King has been a diligent labourer at many civil and military tasks. But no-one appreciates this superb helicopter more than the thousands around the world who are alive today because of an S-61 rescue.

◄ Pilot rescue

The Belgian air force is one ot many that usos the Sea King to snatch its downed pilots from the sea after they have ditched. Belgian Sea Kings arc kept busy, working in the crowded Channel shipping lanos.

A Oilrig supply

The S-61 has been a very popular oilng helicopter in the North Sea. Its twin engines and all-weather capability are essential in this work.

Load lifter ►

Using an underslung net on its cargo hook, the S-61 can lift a wide variety ot different cargoes of up to 3630 kg (8,000 lb.).

The S-61L land-based prototype made its maiden flight on 6 December I960.

► S-61 Le ontcrod service with Los Angeles Airways on 1 March 1962.

>- A hoavylift version of this helicopter, nicknamed the ‘Payloader*. carried cargoes as hoavy as 4990 kg (11.000 lb.).

S-61 production by Sikorsky came ond after two docades on 19 Juno 1980.

>. Military S-61 s served in 30 countries, plus with the US Air Force. Navy. Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

> S-61s were licence-built by Westland in Britain and Agusta in Italy.

К. П the Bdl XHSI.-1 anti-Mibimriiu – warfua – <AS\ > Ікгік’орісг рлпічі disappointing, tin.- l.’S Navy was цілі lh. il il luil iHilcrwl tlx*

>rsky XIISS-1 as. t lxt« k-up V – ilIISS*I Soabat, the m-\

І, і optc-t entered I S Navy service in Лиры 1955. with aircraft often living in hunter-killer pairs anil later in і Iasi – co-operation with ASVIi ships.

Пи* HSS-1N version pioneered the use of the auto-hover

riwin IvxJ on охаЛспТ view from "v nigh-sot cocfcp« and wge culm *mdowB Thirm windows couO bo ato to tlio reor along la lor coohng or а bnrim wnv verteady downwards

An I t 1820 nmn cyVndtr ilogorr. ilymoimlcd a->rm drove tho Wgn jpcod s-‘ult to the main 9 *box Cooing ая was ікали m tlvough Urge 9 • і; arouml the щгрг» паев. Comptofe eng mo •r ::ess was provKlod by the ctamshee Лхгі w’xh formed live nose

A> S 58s had a small horeontn^ stobfaser W4»vn tlw to*n stiucturc muted lately twfcrw this, was ті» geettx» whxh Inknri tie lal rotor rfrveshaft to a tong shatt nut earned drive Irom the mam gearbox to the tail

Nfcet S-58& reii*nod the la*- foklmg oftlw anginal HSS-1, The tai folded along tfvs hnge Ime to te aong the felt lusetage side and was useki for transportation

H-34A Choctaw

Type: iiir. ton-engined transport helicopter

Powerplant: one t t37-kW (1.524-ho I Wngtit R-1820-848/D Cydone radial piston oogmo

Marimum speed: :96 km/h (122 m. p.n I at sea

level

Initial climb rate: 335 m/mn (1.100 t. pan.) at sea lever

Range: 397 km (2S0 mi) with standard fuel

Hower ceiling: 1490 m (4.900 (Ц in ground offed: 730 m (2.395 ft.) out ot ground nffoci

Weights: empty oquppod 3515 kg (7.749 lb.); maximum lake-otl 6350 kg (14.000 lb.)

Dimensions:

main rotor diamotor 17.07 m (56 It.)

lervgin. rotors turning 17.27 m (56 tt 7 In.) hwght 4 85 m (15 «1. 10 in )

main rotor disc area 228 8t nr’ (2.463 sq M I

COMBAT DATA

Sikorsky

• 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.

◄ 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.

• US Army and Marines transport • First twin-engined Sikorsky

For 10 years after its first flight the S-56 was the largest helicopter flying outside the Soviet Union and, until the end of 1961, it was the largest helicopter operated by the US military. Designed to meet a US Navy and Marine Corps requirement for an assault transport, it was also the first twin-engined Sikorsky design. Designated HR2S by the Navy, the S-56 flew in 1953. It served in larger numbers with the US Army as the H-37 Mojave.

▼ Retractable landing gear

Mojaves were not only novel in their engine arrangement; they also had a retractable undercarriage. The main gear assemblies rotractod rearwards into the engine nacelle. Each leg was supported by twin wheels.

◄ On exercises in Puerto Rico

HR2S- Is of HMR-461 touch down at a marked landing area during exorcises.

▼ YH-37 for the Army

In >954, the US Army tested a pro-production XHR2S-1 as a YH-37.

FACTS AND FIGURES

► Mojnvos wore replaced by the CH-54 Tarhe, which welghod loss but could lift five times as much cargo as tho CH-37.

► In all, 150 S-56s wero built; a prototype, 55 for tho USMC and 94 for the Army.

► 1959 saw tho first overseas H-37 deployment, by the Army to Germany.

► Army H-37 As entered service with the 4th Medium Helicopter Transportation Company In February 1958.

► Tho H-37 A had a fuselage capacity large enough to hold three Army Jeeps.

► Tho Army briofly evaluated one of the two HR2S-1 Ws in ‘Arctic’ colours.

CH-37B Mojave Type: i’oop and supply transport helicopter Powerplant: two 1566-kW (2.100-hp.) Pratt & Whltnoy R-2800 54 Double Wasp radials Maximum speed: Г00 knvh (124 m p h j Range: 233 km (145 mi.) with maximum payload Weights: empty 9730 kg (21.450 lb.): maximum tako-oH 13608 kg (30.000 to) Accommodation: іл-о or thron crow, plus up to 26 troops, 24 stretcher cases or three /eeps: underhung loads of up to 4536 kg (10,000 to.) may bo Mtod Dimensions: mam rotor diameter fuselage length height rotor disc area
Above: A Marino Corps CH-37C and UH-34D return to MCAS El Toro. California, from an exorcise.
from otherwise inaccessible, enemy dominated areas Sikorsky’s S-56 was designed to meet a US Marine Сог|ч requirement lor an assault helicopter able to cany alxmt 26 tmops. The machine’s unique configuration, with its engines in nacelles separate In mi the fuselage, left the latter cleat lor load-carrying Large clam-shell elixirs in the nose allowed sitaiglil-tn loading of up to 907 kg (2.tkHi lbs і of cargo into the wine b-equipiKxl hold	Fifty-five* IIUJS-ls were delivered to the t h Marines; two were later muddled for early warning duties I л the av .in HK2S-|V% wit’ll я huge radat seamier іпмдікчі in a r. idrnnc fitted under the chill After evaluating an XIIR2S-I (YII-3“*>. the Army un>k delivery of 91 11-3“ AM all of which were vlclivered by June 1*760 Mom were later convened to 1І-.ГН siandanl with improved systems The Іам t H-3“s were retired in the late 1960s.
Despite Ivcmg piston- engined al a lime when most new helicopter designs were |K)vered by lightweight and powerful turboshafts. the Cl 1-3" (as it was кін *wn to the t s Army and Yjvy after 1962) proved its worih as a hcavy-lilt helicopter. I Ins was illustrated Iry the iy|4-‘s brief deployment bv the Army in the Vietnam conflict. Four CH-.Vlts recovered $7.5 million worth of downed aircrafi during June 1963- many of them
Right: Distinctive ‘eyes’ painted on the front of the engine nacelles were a common feature of both Marine Corps and Army CH-37s.
21.95 m (72 ft.) 19.56 m (64 ft. 3 in.) 6.71 m <22 ft) 379.03 m – (4.080 sq. ft)
COMBAT DATA
CRUISING SPEED
ГУ rut & Wtvrejy’* (-м*-«Xante R 2800 Ocwcte VAep (ihat txnwjrtxl such types аз the Northrop P-61 Stack WOow rxght-Sghter and Douglas A-26 invader barter) Sard yp| another яиЛсаеоп ti tne S-56	mausry practice at trie time of the S-56’s des^jn was to emooy Sere art aft-mounted lantwn rotors. Shcrsky Стеле with скгьепооп. иипд a sngte large. Ixe btoded тая rotor wrth a tovr-Uiaded antl-tocoae rotor at the roar
Originally designated HRS-1 by Uie USMC. the S-56 became the CH-37C whon US military designation systems were unified In 1962.
CtWtC
Positioning the Bngries n separate naceAes atoweo more povtoed room in V-e fuselage A fa* atong the cabm cecng and a 907 kg (2.000 toil capacity winch aided loading
MARINES
Artor osV. ю’.юп of Iho f nf production oxamptes by MMX-t. MR2S – >S ware oekrored to Hr, to* unit» inducing Hetccp’.er Transport Squadron iHMR; 401 Today this ini. now des*9-«ued HMH-toi is в Мато Heicopter Squaaron Heavy and operate* Skorecy CH-53E Super Statens
ck-j;c
•hel rtxn proxtaed access CM 3Ts hold. A ramp was ‘Cl* vohefes	A common toeture с» Army and Marne Сора Of-37s was a per of auximr, km tank* d 1136-Hro (ЗОО-galon) cacooty, trod to the fuselage nboara of ttx* undercarriage Fuel reached the engnes erect wo «ctomoi p*w.
UH-J40 ИАН0ХЯ
ШІШШШ ШШШШ
Marine Corps helicopters at war ■ DELL. UH-1E IROQUOIS: First employed by ■ SIKORSK’ ***> US Army in Vietnam In 1982. the ‘Huey’ was equipped nlno *S=oted by the Marines in UH-1E form and squadrons m к cjocMy deployed to Southeast Asia. carrying, the ty
UH-4S0 SEX ХЯКНТ
■ SIKORSKY CH-53A SEA STALLION: First deployed in Vietnam in January 1967, the CH-53 was specifically devolooed аз a large assault type for the Marine Corps.	■ SIKORSKY UH-34D (HUS-1) SEAHORSE: The most widely used piston-engined helicopter of the war, the Seahorse was the USMC’s mam assault helicopter until the UH-1 entered service
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CX-37C UBMfi ЯАХ0ЯЯ 233 la (til яі ) 233Xai(ienl.|

Sikorsky