Igor Sikorsky developed the first practical helicopter in 1939 and the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, has a number of helicopters on display.
According to one of the displays:
“Helicopters have some big advantages over traditional fixed wing aircraft. They have no need for runways for takeoffs and landings, can lift and place heavy items, and can fit in tight spaces.”
Sikorsky HO3S-1G
This is the navel variant of the Sikorsky S-51. Between 1946 and 1960, the United States Coast Guard took delivery of 8 HO3S-1G helicopters. This helicopter has a cruising speed of 75 mph, a top speed of 103 mph, and a range of 275 miles.
Sikorsky H-19A Chickasaw
The Chickasaw served as the U.S. Army’s first transport helicopter. It has a top speed of 101 mph and a range of 405 miles.
Sikorksy UH-34D Seahorse
The UH-34 began as an enlarged version of the H-19 Chickasaw and was first flown in 1954. It was originally designed for the Navy as an anti-submarine helicopter, it was also used by the Marines, Coast Guard, and Army. During the Vietnam War, the Marines used it as a troop carrier. From 1954 until 1968, a total of 2108 were produced. It has a top speed of 173 mph and a range of 182 miles.
Bell HTL-3
The HTL-3 is a U.S. Navy training helicopter. It has a cruising speed of 70 mph, a top speed of 86 mph, and a range 212 miles.
Bell Model 13E/47E Sioux
In 1946, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use. More than 5,600 were produced. It has a cruising speed of 84 mph, a top speed of 105 mph, and a range of 273 miles.
1965 Bell AH-1F Cobra
The Cobra was first flown in 1965 and was designed to provide fast, mobile, close air support for troops on the ground. The Cobra first entered into combat in Vietnam in 1968. This helicopter has a top speed of 171 mph and a range of 315 miles.
Bell UH-1H Iroquois/Huey
This is a utility helicopter famous for its use during the Vietnam War. During its 1955 U.S. Army trials, it was designated as HU-1, hence the nickname Huey. Between 1962 and 1976, more than 16,000 were built. It has a cruising speed of 125 mph, a top speed of 135 mph, and a range of 315 miles.
Piasecki HRP-1 Rescuer/Flying Banana
Piasecki H-21C Shawnee
The H-21 was designed for the U.S. Air Force as a rescue helicopter suited to Arctic conditions. Unlike other helicopters which use a tail rotor to counteract the torque from the spinning blades, the H-21 uses tandem rotors, turning in opposite directions, to cancel to torque. This helicopter went into production in 1952. It has a cruising speed of 98 mph, a top speed of 127 mph, and a range of 265 miles.
Kaman SH-2F Seasprite
The Seasprite first flew in 1959 and entered into service with the U.S. Navy in 1962 as a search and rescue vehicle and transport. In 1968, the Seasprite was re-tasked in the anti-submarine warfare role. At this time, it was designated SH-2F. The Seasprite continued to be used by the Navy until 2001. It has a top speed of 165 mph and a range of 422 miles.
More aircraft photo tours
Yanks Air Museum: Helicopters (Photo Diary)
Evergreen Aviation: Hiller Helicopters (photo diary)
Evergreen Aviation: Some Unusual Helicopters (Photo diary)
WAAAM: Piper Airplanes (Photo Diary
WAAAM: Gliders (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Beyond Aircraft in the Museum of Mountain Flying (Photo Diary)
Yanks Air Museum: Biplanes (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: Air Racers (Photo Diary)