Sikorsky UH-19C Chickasaw

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1949 · helicopter

The Sikorsky UH-19C Chickasaw (originally H-19C) is a utility variant of the Sikorsky H-19 helicopter series operated by the United States Air Force, powered by a Wright R-1300 radial piston engine mounted in the nose. The C model incorporated updated equipment compared to earlier marks.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, rotary
E — Engines1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — FuselageFixed quadricycle undercarriage, slab-sided fuselage
T — TailConventional

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A large piston helicopter with the distinctive nose-mounted radial engine, a rotor mast positioned behind the cockpit, a fixed quadricycle undercarriage, and a slab-sided box-like fuselage.

Specifications

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

History

The H-19 Chickasaw was Sikorsky's first true utility helicopter, entering service in 1950. The unusual nose-mounted engine drove the rotor shaft through a long gearbox shaft, freeing the cabin for up to eight troops or ten litters. The helicopter saw its baptism of fire during the Korean War and was widely exported. The UH-19C designation was applied after the 1962 US military aircraft designation unification.

Variants

The H-19 family included the H-19A/B for the Army, H-19C/D for the USAF, and HO4S for the Navy/Coast Guard. Westland built the type in the UK as the Whirlwind under licence.

Where you'll see it

Served with the USAF, US Army, US Navy, US Coast Guard, and numerous allied nations. The Westland Whirlwind variant served extensively with the RAF and Royal Navy. US service concluded in the 1960s.

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