In 1948 Sikorsky Aircraft began design of the Chikasaw for use as a cargo and personnel carrier. In order to maximize the size of the cabin the helicopter’s engine was placed in the nose. This allowed the cargo area to reside directly on the center of gravity, minimizing the effects of different loads on the helicopter’s balance. The first UH-19 flew in November 1949. The H-19 was adopted by the U.S. Air Force in 1951. Most were assigned to rescue duties and had a hoist installed above the cabin door. The Chikasaw was eventually adopted by every branch of the U.S. military, the U.S. Coast Guard, and several foreign nations. It was the first helicopter approved for civil certification in the United States. A version called the Whirlwind was built in England by Westland.
Rotor Diameter
53 ft
Length
42 ft 3 in.
Height
13 ft 4 in.
Weight
7,900 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
112 MPH
Service Ceiling
15,000 ft
Range
360 miles
Engine
One Wright R-1300-13 radial with 800 horsepower
Crew
2
Manufacturer Sikorsky
Markings 534th Air Defense Group, Kinross AFB, Michigan
Designation UH-19B
Registration N2256G
Serial Number 52-7537
Pima Air & Space Museum
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