Sikorsky HRS-2
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1950 · helicopter
The Sikorsky HRS-2 is a US Marine Corps transport helicopter derived from the Sikorsky S-55 (H-19 Chickasaw), used for troop and cargo lift in the early 1950s.
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:
- US Marine Corps transport helicopter based on the S-55/H-19 Chickasaw
- Piston engine in nose with main rotor shaft angled over cabin
- Slab-sided cabin accommodating up to 8 troops
Recognisable by the nose-mounted radial engine and its unusual angled drive shaft to the overhead rotor, giving a distinctive nose-heavy appearance with the main cabin sitting directly under the rotor hub.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky HRS-2 has a length of 13 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.15 m (53 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 180 km/h (112 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Marines adopted the S-55 as the HRS (Helicopter, Rotary wing, Sikorsky) to introduce helicopter assault tactics; the HRS-2 was an improved variant that saw extensive service during the Korean War, demonstrating the military value of troop-lift helicopters.
Variants
The HRS series ran from HRS-1 to HRS-3, paralleling the Army's H-19A/B variants; the USAF operated the type as the H-19.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War for combat assault and medevac; also used by the US Navy and several allied nations.
Related aircraft
- Sikorsky HRS-1
- Sikorsky UH-19C Chickasaw
- Sikorsky H-37 Mojave
- Sikorsky HOS-1
- Bristol Type 171 Sycamore Mk 3
- Hiller HTE-2
- Hiller YH-32 Hornet
- Kaman HTK-1
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