H-19 Chickasaw

The H-19 Chickasaw (later UH-19, also widely known outside the US by its manufacturer's designation of 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.

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.

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.

External link

• GlobalSecuity: H-19 Chickasaw