Sikorsky R-6
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1943 · helicopter
The Sikorsky R-6 was a refined two-seat helicopter designed during World War II as an improved successor to the R-4, featuring a more streamlined fuselage and greater power for better performance in observation and liaison roles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Streamlined teardrop fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWII-era two-seat observation helicopter
- Streamlined teardrop fuselage
- Refined development of R-4 with more power
Similar to the R-4 but with a more rounded, aerodynamically refined teardrop fuselage and a single main rotor with tail rotor; identifiable by its smooth contours compared to the more angular R-4.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky R-6 has a length of 10.97 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.58 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 161 km/h (100 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in 1942 as the XR-6; production deliveries started in 1944. It was produced in the United States by Nash-Kelvinator and in limited numbers by the British under the designation Hoverfly II.
Variants
R-6A was the primary US production version; the British Hoverfly II served the Royal Navy and RAF in small numbers for training and trials.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the US Army Air Forces and the Royal Navy/RAF in small numbers; largely superseded by the larger R-5 for serious operational use before the war ended.
Related aircraft
- Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly
- Sikorsky HNS-1 Hoverfly
- Sikorsky R-4
- Sikorsky HO2S-1
- Doblhoff WNF 342
- Piasecki PV-2
- Kellett XR-8
- Bell 47
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.