Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Sikorsky H-34

On March 8, 1954, the Sikorsky H-34 took its maiden flight, marking the debut of one of the most versatile helicopters of its era.

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Austin Hancock
A United States Army CH-34
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On this day in aviation history, March 8, 1954, the Sikorsky H-34 took to the skies for the first time. Designated the S-58 by Sikorsky, this piston-engined military utility helicopter was initially developed for the U.S. Navy to fulfill the critical role of an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform. Derived from the smaller H-19 Chickasaw, the H-34—nicknamed the Choctaw—underwent modifications soon after its initial flights to enhance its versatility and performance.

VH 34D at the White House 1961
A VH-34D presidential helicopter (BuNo 147201) on the South Lawn of the White House in 1961. Image via Wikipedia

Powered by a Wright R-1820-84 Cyclone engine producing 1,525 horsepower, the H-34 had a crew of two and could carry between 12 and 18 troops or up to eight stretchers for medical evacuation missions. While primarily designed for transport and rescue operations, some variants were armed with miniguns, rockets, and AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-ground missiles for self-defense and limited offensive roles. Its primary duties, however, included troop and cargo transport, search and rescue missions, and personnel recovery behind enemy lines.

1402px HUS 1s HMM 362 in flight Vietnam 1962
U.S. Marine Corps UH-34Ds over Vietnam, 1965.

The H-34 saw extensive service across multiple branches of the U.S. military, particularly with the Navy and Marine Corps. During the Vietnam War, its reliability and availability made it highly sought after by Marines, who often called out, “Give me a HUS,” referring to its early Navy designation. Internationally, the H-34 served in the armed forces of numerous countries, including Japan, Israel, Italy, and West Germany.

Westland Wessex HU5 WS 58 UK Navy AN1346285
Row of Westland Wessex HU.5, 1978. Image via Wikipedia

Beyond its military applications, the Sikorsky H-34 proved invaluable in the civilian sector. It played a crucial role in NASA’s Mercury program, retrieving space capsules from the ocean after splashdown. It was also employed in construction projects for hoisting equipment and materials and even operated as a passenger transport helicopter in the 1980s, ferrying travelers between JFK Airport and the East 34th Street Heliport in New York City.

Sikorsky S 58BT N59330 NYH 34th NY 17.08.87 edited 3
S-58T of New York Helicopter at 34th Street Helicopter pad in 1987.

The Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw was a workhorse of its time, demonstrating exceptional versatility and durability. Today, numerous examples are preserved in museums, standing as a testament to the helicopter’s legacy and the admiration of those who flew and rode in it.

1440px S 58T stationed in Fate TX performing a helicopter lift operation
An S-58T performing an external load operation in Dallas, Texas. Image via Wikipedia
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Commercial Pilot, CFI, and Museum Entrepreneur, with a subject focus on WWII Aviation. I am dedicated to building flight experience so I can fly WWII Fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, for museums and airshows, and in the USAF Heritage Flight. I lead and run the Pennington Flight Memorial, to honor local MIA Tuskegee Airman F/O Leland “Sticky” Pennington.
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