R-5 Sikorsky Helicopter
Originally designated the R-5 (for Rotorcraft-5), the designation of this helicopter was changed in 1948 to reflect new terminology introduced for rotary-wing aircraft. It was changed to H-5 (for Helicopter-5), a precursor of the modern designations.
During its service life, the H-5 was used for rescue and mercy missions throughout the world. It gained its greatest fame, however, during the Korean War when it was called upon repeatedly to rescue United Nations’ pilots shot down behind enemy lines and to evacuate wounded personnel from frontline areas.
More than 300 H-5s were built by the time production was halted in 1951.
R-5 Sikorsky Specifications and Performance
| Rotor diameter | 49 ft. |
| Length | 57 ft. 8 in. |
| Height | 13 ft. |
| Weight | 5,500 lbs. loaded |
| Armament | None |
| Engine | 450 hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr. |
| Maximum speed | 107 mph at 1,500 ft. |
| Cruising speed | 85 mph at 1,500 ft. |
| Range | 275 miles at 1,500 ft. |
| Service ceiling | 14,800 ft. |
Navy HO3S-1 Sikorsky (R-5) from Squadron VMO-6 parked near tents at Inchon, 13 December 1950.
Coast Guard Sikorsky HO3S (Sikorsky R-5), 30 January 1951. Emergency flotation bags are fitted around the landing gear struts and there is an externally-mounted fuel tank on the starboard side below the rotors.
Sikorsky YH-5A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Sikorsky YH-5A.
