Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw Helicopter

The Sikorsky Model S-55, military H-19 Chickasaw, was initially procured in November 1949. It was the world's first transport helicopter with an enclosed body capable of carrying passengers or cargo.

The 12-place H-19 (redesignated UH-19 in 1962), with a crew of two, served as a utility, troop carrier, and rescue helicopter with winch. Air Force model numbers were H-19A and H-19B while Army model numbers were H-19C and H-19D.

In the MedEvac role in Korea it was used to carry six litters and one medical attendant, for the first time under cover, within the aircraft.

During the final months of the Korean war, two companies of H-19 Chickasaw helicopters demonstrated the value of helicopter transport by moving cargo and personnel and then by participating in prisoner exchanges and other functions after the 27 July 1953 armistice.

The Sikorsky Model S-55 was licensed and built in Great Britain as the Whirlwind. The UH-19 had a three-bladed main rotor and a metal two-bladed tail rotor. The H-19C was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney R-1340-57 550 hp engine; H-19D by a Curtis-Wright R-1300-3D 700 hp piston engine.

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3 Jul 1944 Minsk retaken by Soviet Red Army.
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Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw Helicopter Specifications and Performance

Rotor diameter 53 ft.
Length 62 ft. 7 in.
Height 13 ft. 4 in.
Weight 7,200 lb. max
Armament None
Engine 600 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340-57 radial
Maximum speed 113 mph
Cruising speed 75 mph
Range 400 mi.
Service ceiling 10,500 ft.

Another UH-19 Chickasaw photo is available in the Olive-Drab.com Historical Military Photo and Poster Gallery.

USAF H-19 Chickasaw helicopter, 3rd Air Rescue Group, hoists an airman aboard from Far East waters, 1953
USAF H-19 Chickasaw helicopter, 3rd Air Rescue Group, hoists an airman aboard from Far East waters, 1953.

UH19D Chickasaw working with the British Army on maneuvers in Berlin, Germany, Fall of 1962. Thanks to William Lawless, Crew Chief, for correcting the caption
UH19D Chickasaw working with the British Army on maneuvers in Berlin, Germany, Fall of 1962. Thanks to William Lawless, Crew Chief, for correcting the caption.

UH-19 Chickasaw helicopter
UH-19 Chickasaw helicopter.

UH-19 Chickasaw helicopter in flight
UH-19 Chickasaw helicopter in flight.