HRP-2 Rescuer

The HRP‑2 “Rescuer” was Piasecki Helicopter Corporation’s second full‑scale tandem‑rotor model, entering service in 1952 as an evolution of the pioneering HRP‑1. Conceived in the post‑World War II era, the aircraft was developed to meet the U.S. Army’s demand for a heavy‑lift, all‑weather rescue platform capable of operating in rugged terrain and combat zones. Its 18‑foot‑long airframe featured a dual‑engine configuration—two Pratt & Whitney R‑1340 radial pistons delivering a combined 1,700 hp—driving two counter‑rotating rotors mounted on separate booms, a layout that eliminated the need for a tail rotor and provided exceptional stability. The Rescuer could carry up to eight passengers or a litter load of three stretchers plus a medical crew, and it boasted a maximum lift capacity of roughly 4,000 lb, allowing it to hoist injured personnel from inaccessible sites. Advanced for its time, the HRP‑2 incorporated a fully articulated rotor system, shock‑absorbing landing gear, and a transparent nose for improved pilot visibility. Though only a limited production run was completed before being superseded by the larger HRP‑3, the Rescuer demonstrated the viability of tandem‑rotor helicopters for tactical evacuation, influencing later designs such as the CH‑47 Chinook and cementing Piasecki’s reputation as a pioneer in heavy‑lift rotorcraft technology.