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Aircraft · United States · 1942-1945

Sikorsky R-4

helicopter

The world's first mass-produced helicopter, the R-4 was still a fragile novelty when it flew its first combat rescue in April 1944, plucking downed airmen out of the Burmese jungle where no fixed-wing aircraft could land. Fewer than 130 were built, but they proved the helicopter's rescue role decades before it became routine.

Wikipedia

crew1-2
top speed132 km/h
armamentunarmed
produced~130

China, Burma and India, Pacific

Sikorsky R-4 in a hover
Sikorsky R-4 in a hoverUnited States Army Air Forces · Public domain · source
Original Caption: "Comdr. Frank A. Erickson, USCG & Dr. Igor Sikorsky, Sikorsky Helicopter HNS-1 C.G. #39040."
Original Caption: "Comdr. Frank A. Erickson, USCG & Dr. Igor Sikorsky, Sikorsky Helicopter HNS-1 C.G. #39040."U.S. Coast Guard · Public domain · source
One of Langley's Sikorsky YR-4B/HNS-1 helicopters is seen in the 30 x 60 Full Scale Tunnel. The technician is setting up camera equipment for stopped-action rotor-blade photos. Sikorsky built hundreds of R-4 helicopters
One of Langley's Sikorsky YR-4B/HNS-1 helicopters is seen in the 30 x 60 Full Scale Tunnel. The technician is setting up camera equipment for stopped-action rotor-blade photos. Sikorsky built hundreds of R-4 helicopters NASA/LARC/photographer unknown · Public domain · source

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