Sikorsky H-34

The Sikorsky H‑34, originally designated the S‑58, entered service in 1954 as a versatile, single‑engine, twin‑bodied helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. Developed from the successful S‑55, the H‑34 featured a more powerful 1,525‑horsepower Wright R‑1820 radial engine driving a three‑bladed, fully articulated main rotor, which gave it superior lift and reliability for both land‑based and naval operations. Its spacious cabin could accommodate up to sixteen troops, cargo, or medical stretchers, and it was equipped with a hinged tail rotor and a robust undercarriage suited for rough‑field landings. Over its production run of more than 2,500 units, the H‑34 saw extensive use in the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as in numerous foreign air forces, notably during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts where it performed transport, assault, search‑and‑rescue, and anti‑submarine missions. The helicopter’s adaptability helped shape modern rotary‑wing tactics, demonstrating that a single airframe could fulfill multiple roles. Its legacy endures in the design philosophy of later Sikorsky models, influencing the development of the iconic UH‑60 Black Hawk and cementing the H‑34’s place as a pivotal step in the evolution of military aviation.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

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