Saturday, November 7, 2009

H-34 Choctaw Sikorsky

The Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw (also known as the Sikorsky S-58) was a military helicopter originally designed for the US Navy for service in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) role.
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Type: Cargo helicopter
Crew: 2
Capacity: 16 troops or 8 stretchers
Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft

Models: See variants
Maiden flight: March 8, 1954
Service Retirement: N/A
Number built: N/A
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Specifications: CH-21C Shawnee
Powerplant:
Model: R-1820-84
Type: Radial Engine
Number: One
Horsepower: N/A
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Dimensions:
Length: 56 ft 8.5 in (17.28 m)
Rotor Diameter: 56 ft 0 in (17.07 m)
Disc Area: 2463 ft² (228.85 m²)
Height: 15 ft 11 in (4.85 m)
Weights:
Empty: 7,900 lb (3,583 kg)
Max takeoff: 14,000 lb (6,350 kg)

Performance:
Maximum speed: 123 mph (198 kph)
Range: 182 mi (293 km)
Service ceiling: N/A
Rate of climb: N/A
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Armament:
Normally none
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Development:
The Sikorsky S-58 was developed from the Sikorsky's UH-19 Chickasaw. The aircraft first flew on March 8, 1954. It was initially designated HSS-1 Seabat (in its anti-submarine configuration) and HUS-1 Seahorse (in its utility transport configuration) under the US Navy designation system. Under the US Army's system, also used by the fledgling US Air Force, the helicopter was designated H-34. The US Army applied the name Choctaw to the helicopter. In 1962, under the new unified system, the Seabat was redesignated SH-34, the Seahorse as the UH-34, and the Choctaw as the CH-34.
Roles included utility transport, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and VIP transport. In it standard configuration transport versions could carry 12 to 16 troops, or eight stretcher cases if utilized in the MedEvac role, while VIP transports carried significantly fewer people in significantly greater comfort.
135 H-34 were built in the US and assembled by Sud-Aviation in France, 166 were produced under licence in France by Sud-Aviation for the French Air Force, Navy and Army Aviation (ALAT).
The CH-34 was also built and developed under license from 1958 in the United Kingdom by Westland Aircraft as the turbine engined Wessex which was used by the Royal Navy. The RN Wessex was fitted out with weapons and ASW equipment for use in an antisubmarine role. The RAF used the Wessex, with turboshaft engines, as an air/sea rescue helicopter and as troop transporter. Wessexes were also exported to other countries and produced for civilian use.
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Sources:
Wikipedia: H-34 Choctaw

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