With its first flight in 1954, Sikorsky originally developed the H-34 (Seabat) for the Navy as an anti-submarine helicopter. A utility version (Seahorse) was used by the Navy and Coast Guard for search and rescue missions. Marines also used the Seahorse for combat assault and other duties during the early years of the Vietnam War. Marine Seahorse crews often flew into landing zones under intense enemy fire. The Army also used a similar version (Choctaw) in Vietnam, which successfully carried out numerous missions in Vietnam ranging from combat assault to medical evacuation and general cargo transportation.
| Type | Piston-engined Transport Helicopter |
|---|---|
| Bureau Number | 147171 |
| NMNA ID | 2005.077.001 |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky |
| Powerplant | One 1137-kW (1525-hp) Wright R-1820-84B/D Cyclone radial piston engine |
| Maximum speed | 196 km/h (122 mph) at sea level |
| Initial climb rate | 335 m/min (1100 fpm) at sea level |
| Range | 397 km (245 miles) with standard fuel |
| Service ceiling | 2895 m (9500 ft) |
| Hovering ceiling | 1490 m (4900 ft) in ground effect; 730 m (2400 ft) out of ground effect |
| Weights | Main rotor diameter: 17.07 m (56 ft) Length, rotors turning: 17.27 m (56 ft 8 in) Height: 4.85 m (15 ft 11 in) Main rotor disc area: 228.81 m2 (2462 sq ft) |
