Sikorsky HRS-1
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1949 · helicopter
The Sikorsky HRS-1 is the initial production variant of the S-55 helicopter adopted by the US Marine Corps, introducing helicopter assault capability to Marine aviation.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
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Spot it by:
- Initial US Marine Corps S-55 helicopter with Wright R-1300 engine
- Nose-mounted radial engine with angled rotor shaft
- First production HRS variant for Marine assault operations
Identical in outline to the HRS-2 with the characteristic nose-engine, angled drive shaft, and slab-sided troop cabin; distinguishable from later variants only by engine type and minor details.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky HRS-1 has a length of 13 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.15 m (53 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 163 km/h (101 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The HRS-1 entered USMC service in 1950 and was immediately deployed to Korea, conducting the first large-scale combat helicopter troop lifts in history and validating the concept of vertical envelopment.
Variants
Followed by the HRS-2 and HRS-3 with improved engines; all variants share the same distinctive S-55 airframe with its nose-engine configuration.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States Marine Corps from 1950; saw combat in the Korean War and proved instrumental in developing modern helicopter assault doctrine.
Related aircraft
- Sikorsky UH-19C Chickasaw
- Sikorsky HRS-2
- Sikorsky HOS-1
- Sikorsky HO2S-1
- Bristol Type 171 Sycamore Mk 2
- Kamov Ka-10
- Piasecki HUP-1 Retriever
- Bell XH-15
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