Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
S-61
The Sikorsky S‑61, originally designated the H‑34, entered service in the late 1950s as a versatile twin‑engine, single‑main‑rotor helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. Developed from the successful S‑55, the S‑61 first flew on 16 March 1958 and was quickly adopted by the United States Navy as the CH‑34, providing reliable transport, search‑and‑rescue, and anti‑submarine warfare capabilities. Its robust design featured a 44‑foot three‑blade main rotor, two Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 radial engines delivering 1,500 hp each, and a spacious cabin capable of carrying up to 12 passengers or 2,000 pounds of cargo. The aircraft’s all‑metal airframe, fully articulated rotor system, and high‑mounted tail rotor gave it excellent stability in adverse weather, making it a favorite for civil operators in oil‑field, firefighting, and offshore transport roles worldwide. The S‑61 set numerous records for lift and distance, and its operational flexibility paved the way for later Sikorsky twins such as the S‑61R and the modern H‑60 series. Today the S‑61 remains a symbol of mid‑century helicopter innovation, illustrating how a reliable, multi‑mission platform can shape both military and commercial aviation industry.
