UH-19D Chickasaw

The Sikorsky UH‑19D Chickasaw is a piston‑engine utility helicopter that entered service with the United States Army in the early 1950s. Developed from the earlier S‑55/H‑19 series, the UH‑19D first flew in 1952 and was formally delivered to the Army in 1953 as the primary transport, medevac, and training platform. Powered by a 600‑horsepower Lycoming R‑4360‑A1A radial engine, the D model featured a longer cabin, larger cargo doors, and a strengthened airframe that allowed a useful load of up to 2,300 pounds and a maximum speed of 115 knots. Its three‑bladed main rotor and fully articulated hub gave smooth handling and excellent hover performance, while the all‑metal skid landing gear provided durability on rough terrain. The Chickassaw proved vital during the Korean War aftermath and later in the early Vietnam conflict, transporting troops, artillery, and casualties in conditions where fixed‑wing aircraft could not operate. Its versatility helped shape modern rotary‑wing doctrine, demonstrating the value of a medium‑lift helicopter for assault, rescue, and logistical missions. The UH‑19D’s legacy endures in later Sikorsky designs such as the S‑61 and H‑60 families, marking a pivotal step in the evolution of military aviation.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

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