& CH-54
The S-56 was designed as a heavy lift
transport helicopter for
the USMC, able
to carry 26 fully equipped troops or lift heavy
external loads. The prototype first flew in 1953,
and at the time
was the
largest helicopter in the Western world and Sikorsky's
first twin-engine
helicopter.
60 were built
for the USMC where it was known as the
HR2S-1.
The US Army
evaluated the prototype and ordered 94 of their
own where it was
known as the H-37. (The photo above left is
a US Army CH-37). The aircraft used
two R2800 radial engines
which were
larger and heavier than the turbine engines then
coming into service and accounted for the types
relatively short
service life, being retired
by the late 1960's.
Sikorsky developed the model S-60 using
the transmission and
rotor system of the S-56 mated to a new
skeletal fuselage with
crew pod
intended specifically for external load operations.
While effective it proved underpowered, but
Sikorsky had an
enlarged turbine powered successor
which became the S-64.
The turbine powered S-64 first flew in
1962 and 105 were built
for the
US Army as the CH-54. The aircraft was used successfully
for the retrieval of downed aircraft. Although
retired from military
service in the
1990's large numbers are still used for civil roles
including
firefighting
.
This CD contains two
flight manuals for the Sikorsky HR2S-1
and CH-54B transport
helicopters. This CD has been copied from
the original flight manuals and
retains any colour pages.
