Sikorsky S-52

Sikorsky Aircraft · United States · first flew 1947 · helicopter

The Sikorsky S-52 was a two- to four-seat light helicopter notable for being the first helicopter to use all-metal rotor blades and the first to perform an outside loop. It served in small numbers with the US military as the HO5S.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, rotary
E — Engines	1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.02 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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

Spot it by:

First helicopter to perform outside loop manoeuvre
Two-blade all-metal rotor system — novel for its time
Compact two- or four-seat light piston helicopter

A compact early postwar helicopter with a streamlined oval fuselage, single main rotor, and small anti-torque tail rotor — visually similar to Sikorsky's larger designs but in miniature form.

Specifications

The Sikorsky S-52 has a length of 9.02 m (30 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.06 m (33 ft).
Its maximum speed is 175 km/h (109 mph).
Typical crew: 1 + 3.

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

History

First flown in 1947, the S-52 was a significant technical advance from Sikorsky, introducing all-metal rotor construction that greatly improved blade life and performance. The type was evaluated and procured in small numbers by the US Army and Navy, and its aerobatic demonstration flights attracted wide publicity.

Variants

The S-52-2 was a four-seat version with a wider cabin; the HO5S-1 was the US Navy designation for the military evaluation aircraft.

Where you'll see it

Operated in small numbers by the US Army and Navy for evaluation; limited commercial sales were made to private operators.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.