Sikorsky HOS-1

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation · USA · first flew 1947 · helicopter

The HOS-1 was the US Navy designation for the Sikorsky S-52, a small piston-powered observation and utility helicopter that introduced all-metal rotor blades. It represented a significant advance in rotor technology.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• US Navy designation for Sikorsky S-52
• Three-bladed all-metal rotor system
• Small four-seat observation helicopter

Small neat helicopter with an enclosed oval fuselage, three-bladed metal main rotor, and a conventional tail rotor on a tapered tail boom; smaller and cleaner-looking than contemporaneous Sikorsky designs.

Specifications

• The Sikorsky HOS-1 has a length of 8.9 m (29 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 10.1 m (33 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 177 km/h (110 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The S-52 first flew in 1947 and was notable for being the first helicopter with all-metal rotor blades, which improved safety and performance over the wooden blades used previously. The Navy procured it as the HOS-1 for observation duties.

Variants

The S-52 was also offered in a three-seat civil version; the HOS-1 was the primary military designation. The type set several helicopter speed records in the late 1940s.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the US Navy in small numbers for observation and utility tasks; the type was soon superseded by more capable designs and saw limited operational use.

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