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The Sikorsky UH-19 Chickasaw (formerly known as H-19, outside the US by its manufacturer's designation as S-55) was a multi-purpose helicopter used by the United States Army. It was also licensed to Westland Aircraft and manufactured as the Westland Whirlwind in the United Kingdom. US Navy and Coast Guard models were designated HO4S, while those of the Marine Corps were HRS.
The H-19's first flight was on November 10, 1949 and it entered operations in 1950. Over 1,000 of the helicopters were manufactured by Sikorsky for the United States. An additional 550 were manufactured by licensees of the helicopter including Westland Aircraft, Sud-Est in France and Mitsubishi in Japan.
The helicopter was widely exported, used by many other nations, including Israel, Chile and Turkey.
Combat Experience
The H-19 underwent live service tests during the Korean War beginning in 1951. Undergoing tests such as medical evacuation, tactical control and front-line cargo support, the helicopter succeeded admirably in surpassing the capabilities of the H-5 Dragon Fly which had been used throughout the Korean conflict by the Army.
The H-19 was also used in the early days of the Vietnam War before being supplanted by the H-34 Choctaw, which was based on the H-19.
In fiction
Harold the Helicopter is based in the Sikorsky S-55.
Civilian use
New York Airways, founded in 1949, used modified Sikorsky S-55 to carry mail and cargo. Later they used helicopters designed specifically for the civilian market.
Specifications (H-19)
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"H-19 Chickasaw"