The H-21 was the fourth tandem rotor helicopter design to come from Piasecki. It was first flown in 1949 and was used by the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Canadian Air Force, French Navy, and West German Air Force. The CH-21C was used as an assault transport during the early years of American involvement in the Vietnam War. It could carry 20 troops at a time but was considered very vulnerable to ground fire. It was the primary helicopter used in Vietnam until 1964 when the Army began to replace it with UH-1 and CH-47.
Rotor Diameter
44 ft 6 in. each
Length
52 ft 7 in.
Height
15 ft 4 in.
Weight
10,223 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
132 MPH
Service Ceiling
19,200 ft
Range
400 miles
Engines
One Wright R-1820-103 radial with 1,425 horsepower
Crew
2 with 20 passengers
Manufacturer Piasecki
Markings 93rd Transportation Company, South Vietnam, 1962
Serial Number 56-2159
Designation CH-21C
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