The U.S. Army selected the Sikorsky Choctaw in 1955 as a medium lift cargo and troop transport. Built as the CH-34A between 1955 and February of 1959, there were 426 Choctaws delivered to the Army. Others were delivered to the United States Air Force and Navy. Beginning in 1958 the Choctaw was upgraded to CH-34C standards with the installation of auto-stabilization systems to allow all-weather operations. Beginning in 1958, several Choctaws were converted to VIP transports for use by the Executive Flight Detachment, and provided helicopter transport for the President until the end of 1964 when all Presidential helicopter operations were transferred to the Marine Corps. The last Choctaw was retired from U.S. military service in 1974.
Rotor Diameter
56 ft
Length
46 ft 9 in.
Height
15 ft 11 in.
Weight
14,000 (loaded)
Maximum Speed
123 mph
Service Ceiling
9,500 ft
Range
182 miles
Engine
One Wright R-1820-84 radial with 1,525 horsepower
Crew
2 pilots, 12-18 passengers
Manufacturer SIKORSKY
Markings Executive Flight Detachment, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, 1960.
Serial Number 57-1684
Designation VH-34C
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