Sikorsky HO5S-1
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1946 · helicopter
The Sikorsky HO5S-1 is a US Navy observation helicopter based on the Sikorsky S-51/R-5 design, used for shipboard observation and utility duties in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Bubble canopy forward fuselage for observer visibility |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- US Navy observation helicopter derived from the R-5/H-5
- Single radial piston engine with four-blade main rotor
- Bubble canopy forward fuselage for observer visibility
Distinctive early helicopter layout with a bulbous forward fuselage, high-mounted radial engine, and an exposed tail boom carrying the anti-torque rotor.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky HO5S-1 has a length of 12.67 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.63 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 169 km/h (105 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Sikorsky's S-51 proved the viability of practical helicopters for military use; the Navy's HO5S-1 designation covered aircraft operated from ships for plane-guard and observation roles during the immediate post-war period.
Variants
The S-51 family was designated R-5 by the USAAF and HO5S by the Navy; civil versions and British-built Westland Dragonfly variants were also produced.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States Navy for shipboard utility and plane-guard duties; also served with several allied air arms.
Related aircraft
- Sikorsky HO2S-1
- Sikorsky HO3S-1
- Sikorsky HOS-1
- Sikorsky HRS-1
- Bell YR-13 Sioux
- Brantly B-1
- Firestone XR-9
- McDonnell XHJH Whirlaway
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