Helicopter In Use Today [Part 3]

Previous --- Part 2



HUGHES HELICOPTERS

1. Hughes HU-269

Hughes began to build helicopters in the 1950's. Their first production was the Model 269, a simple two-place reciprocating powered helicopter. A great number of these aircraft were manufactured for the military. Large numbers have also been manufactured for civilian use and are being used for such tasks as training, agricultural, and police work. Like most of the smaller helicopters, the Hughes 269 has been built in several different models.


2. Hughes 369 (500 series)

In the early 1960's, Hughes started production of a turbine powered helicopter in the same category as the Bell 206 and the Fairchild Hiller 1100. These three helicopters were the result of a military competitive contract design for a light observation helicopter. The Hughes entry won, resulting in a large contract with the military.

The civilian production of the 369, which is the FAA designation of the 500 series, was limited during the military contract, but increased when this contract ended. This helicopter series may be found today in all parts of the world in corporate, agriculture, and construction work.

Like the Bell Jet Ranger, it has been built in several models. Hughes helicopters are now part of  McDonnell Douglas which has long been known for fixed wing aircraft. The 369 series will continue to be produced by McDonnell Douglas, but the 269C is now being produced by Schweizer Aircraft.

 


SIKORSKY HELICOPTERS


1. Sikorsky S55

Production of Sikorsky helicopters began in 1942 with the R4 helicopter for the military. This helicopter was built prior to the Bell 47, but early Sikorskies were not certified because they were built for the military. The first civilian certified Sikorsky was the S51 model. It was certified in April 1947, shortly after the Bell 47. Both the S1 and the S52 were manufactured in small numbers and it is quite doubtful if any of these exist today.

The S55 series, however, established Sikorsky as the manufacturer of large helicopters, even if they would not be considered large by today's standards.

At present some of these helicopters are still in use, mainly in lift work and large agricultural operations.


 2. Sikorsky S58

The S55 soon led the way for the production of the S58 which was larger and more powerful than the S55. This model enjoyed a long production with the civilian model and it's military counterpart, the H34. This popularity led the helicopter to all parts of the world. It was used in the early helicopter airline concept and became a standard.

Today the S58 is used in lift operations and has been converted to a turbine powerplant. This will extend the S58's life even more. 


3. Sikorsky S61

Sikorsky introduced the S61 helicopter in 1961, and it is still being produced. The S61 is much larger than the S58 and was brought into production with twin turbine power. It has been used as a commuter transport and is used by the petroleum support industry.


4. Sikorsky S64

One of the most interesting helicopters that was manufactured by Sikorsky was the S64. It was the first attempt by any manufacturer to build a special purpose helicopter. Only a few of these machines were ever manufactured, but it is felt that this was a noteworthy accomplishment.


5. Sikorsky S76

The latest of the Sikorsky models is the S76. It is primarily aimed at the corporate industry, but will also be used in the petroleum support industry. The newest version of the S76 will soon be in production. Among other features, this version will include a new powerplant system.