Sikorsky S-55 HO4S-3

  • Period: Postwar (1945-1959)
  • Uses: Search and Rescue
  • First Flight: November 10, 1949
  • Display Status: On the Museum Floor.

The S-55 was the first helicopter with both the space and power to carry large loads. It was in heavy demand by both civil and military operators. Okanagan Helicopters operated 21 S-55s while the RCAF flew 15 transport versions and the RCN operated 13 HO4S-3. A total of 1 100 were built in the United States and a further 550 in other countries. The HO4S-3 retired from Canadian service in 1970.

The S-55 was the world’s first certified transport helicopter, the first helicopter to fly the Atlantic, and the first equipped with anti-submarine sonar and torpedoes. The HO4S-3 was used by the RCN to develop and test "Beartrap" equipment which allowed large helicopters to operate from anti-submarine frigates in the open ocean.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 55877 (RCN)
  • Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Aircraft Corporation, United States
  • Manufacture Date: 1955
  • Construction #: 555877
  • Aquisition Date: 1970
  • Provenance: Donated by CAF

The Museum specimen was made in 1955 for the RCN. During its career the Museum HO4S-3 is credited with rescuing 32 people, three dogs, and a cat from various marine disasters. It served with the navy until donated to the Museum in 1970.

Specifications

Rotor diameter:
16.2 m (53 ft)
Length:
12.9 m (42 ft 2 in)
Height:
4.5 m (14 ft 8 in)
Weight, Empty:
2,380 kg (5,250 lb)
Weight, Gross:
3,420 kg (7,540 lb)
Cruising Speed:
148 km/h (91 mph)
Max Speed:
180 km/h (112 mph)
Rate of Climb:
311 m (1,200 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
3,231 m (10,600 ft)
Range:
570 km (360 mi)
Power Plant:
one Wright R-1300-3D Cyclone 7, 600 hp radial engine