Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw

The Sikorsky H‑19 Chick > H‑19, produced by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation from 1949 to 1959, was a pioneering single‑engine, twin‑bladed‑rotor transport helicopter that carved a lasting niche in both civilian and military aviation. Originating as a post‑World War II response to the U.S. Army’s need for a reliable cargo and personnel carrier, the H‑19 first flew on 25 October 1949 and entered service as the R‑4B before receiving its official H‑19 designation. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R‑1340 radial engine delivering roughly 600 hp, the rotor system provided a generous internal volume, seating up to 12 troops or accommodating 2,600 lb of cargo, while its clamshell rear doors facilitated rapid loading and medical evacuation. The aircraft’s straightforward steel‑tube frame, fabric‑covered tail boom, and resilient transmission earned it a reputation for durability in diverse environments, from Arctic rescue missions to tropical jungle operations. Over 1,300 units were built, serving the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and foreign allies, notably in the Korean and early Vietnam conflicts. The H‑19’s versatility demonstrated the strategic value of rotary‑wing logistics, influencing subsequent designs such as the S‑55 and cementing Sikorsky’s leadership in helicopter development.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw

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Design & Classification