The Sikorsky H-5 was designed to replace the Sikorsky R-4 and first flew in August 1943 with the first production aircraft being delivered in February 1945. Sikorsky H-5's were also built in the UK by Westland as the Westland Dragonfly. The Sikorsky built helicopters were powered by a 450 hp Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine and the Westland helicopters were powered by a 500hp Alvis Leonides radial piston engine. Sikorsky H-5's served with with the US Army, USAF and US Navy, the helicopter is best remembered as a rescue vehicle in the Korean War. Westland had produced over 300 Dragonflys by the end of production in 1951, most of the military variants of the helicopter were operated by the UK's RN (72) and RAF (15), the type was retired from active service in the mid 1960's. Sikorsky H-5 Specifications: - Length: 41 ft 2 in (12.5 m)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft (14.6 m)
- Tail rotor diameter: 8 ft 5 in (2.5 m)
- Height: 12 ft 11 in (3.9 m)
- Loaded weight: 4,815 lb (2,184 kg)
- Engine: Single 450 hp (335 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985 Radial engine
- Maximum speed: 90 mph (145 km/h)
- Range: 280 mi (244 nm, 451 km)
- Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
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