Piasecki HUP Retriever

Last updated
H-25/HUP Retriever
HUP-2 from USS FD Roosevelt (CVA-42) in flight 1959.jpg
A U.S. Navy HUP-2 from USS Franklin D. Roosevelt
General information
TypeUtility helicopter
Manufacturer Piasecki Helicopter
Primary users United States Navy
Number built339 [1] [ disputed – discuss ]
History
Manufactured1949–1954 [1]
Introduction dateFebruary 1949 [2]
First flightMarch 1948
Retired1958 US Army
January 1964 RCN
1964 USN
1965 French Navy

The Piasecki HUP Retriever or H-25 Army Mule, later UH-25, is a compact single radial engine, twin overlapping tandem rotor utility helicopter developed by the Piasecki Helicopter Corporation of Morton, Pennsylvania. Designed to a United States Navy specification, the helicopter was produced from 1949 to 1954, and was also used by the United States Army and foreign navies. The HUP/H-25 was the first helicopter to be produced with an autopilot and also the first to perform a loop.

Contents

Design and development

Piasecki XHJP-1 Piasecki XHJP-1 Retriever at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, circa in 1950 (NH 101806-KN).jpg
Piasecki XHJP-1
Head on view Salon du Bourget 20090619 155.jpg
Head on view

The design was a product of a competition by the U.S. Navy in 1945 for a compact utility/rescue helicopter to operate from ships including aircraft carriers, battleships, and cruisers. [1] Either 2 [2] or 3 [3] [4] [ disputed – discuss ] prototypes—designated PV-14 by the factory and XHJP-1 by the Navy—were built and subjected to a side-by-side flight evaluation against the 3 prototypes of the Sikorsky XHJS-1; however, the XHJS was fundamentally a scaled-up version of the Sikorsky H-5, and the increased weight and size magnified the design's problems with maintaining proper weight and balance under varying loading conditions. [3] The Piasecki won the competition, [3] and with the introduction of the aircraft configuration letter "U" for Utility in the 1950s, [5] the aircraft was ordered for production as the HUP-1. [2]

The design featured two three-bladed, 35-foot-diameter (11 m) rotors in tandem in which blades could be folded for storage; the relatively small rotor diameter allowed the aircraft to use aircraft carrier elevators with its blades fully extended. [1] The tandem overlapping rotor configuration was a development by Piasecki and was used in future helicopter designs by the company and successors including the H-21, HRB-1/CH-46, and CH-47. The original HUP-1 was powered by a single Continental R-975-34 radial engine, with a take-off rating of 525 hp (391 kW), while later versions used the uprated R-975-42 or R-975-46A with 550 hp (410 kW). [2] To aid search and rescue (SAR) operations, the aircraft was equipped with an overhead winch capable of lifting 400 lb (181 kg), which could lower a rescue sling through an electrically-operated door available after the copilot's seat was folded forward. [1]

During a flight demonstration of its capability to withstand high g-force, the type became the first helicopter to perform a loop, albeit unintentionally. [1]

Operational history

HUP-2 at Moffett Field PiaseckiHUP-2 Moffett Field (11569663403).jpg
HUP-2 at Moffett Field
HUP-3 Retriever on the USS Lexington HUP-3 Retriever of HU-1 on USS Lexington (CVA-16) c1961.jpg
HUP-3 Retriever on the USS Lexington

The aircraft first entered service in February 1949 with the delivery of the first of 32 HUP-1 aircraft to the US Navy. [2] The improved HUP-2 (Piasecki designation PV-18) was soon introduced with a more powerful engine, deletion of the inward-canted horizontal stabilizer endplate fins, and various minor changes in equipment; a sub-variant equipped with dunking sonar for anti-submarine warfare was given the designation HUP-2S. [2] [1] The HUP-2 was the first production helicopter equipped with an autopilot. [1] The US Navy also tested a radio navigation system called Raydist that allowed an unmanned HUP-2 to be directed from a ground station and by radio ordered to hover within five feet (1.5 m) of the desired point. [6] Edo tested a HUP-2 with a fiberglass hull and outrigger floats for amphibious operations. [7]

An upgraded version of the HUP-2 was built for the US Army and designated as the H-25A Army Mule, but most were quickly withdrawn from Army service and converted for naval use under the designation HUP-3. [2] [1] [8]

A HUP on disaster relief mission in 1955 for Hurricane Janet 330-ps-7528-usn-681155 16661806845 o.jpg
A HUP on disaster relief mission in 1955 for Hurricane Janet

In 1954, the Royal Canadian Navy received three former US Army H-25A aircraft, which were modified and redesignated on delivery to conform to US Navy HUP-3 standards. [8] [9] [10] The aircraft were used aboard HMCS Labrador for search and rescue and varied utility duties, and were later used to support construction at Distant Early Warning Line radar sites. [8] [10] The helicopters were subsequently posted to NAF Patricia Bay and naval air station HMCS Shearwater; after the last two were stricken from inventory on 18 January 1964, one aircraft was donated to a technical school and the other two were sold as surplus. [8] [10]

The US Army H-25 designation was adopted by the US Navy in 1962 [2] on introduction of the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system. The final units were withdrawn from US service in 1964.[ citation needed ] It also served with French Naval Aviation (Aeronavale) from 1953[ citation needed ] to 1965. [1]

A total of 339 aircraft were delivered during the 6-year production run. [1] [ disputed – discuss ] A large number of surplus US Navy aircraft later appeared on the US civil registry, and at least seven were transferred to the French Navy.[ citation needed ]

On 7 November 2009, former US Navy HUP-1, BuNo 124925, [11] civil registration number N183YP, [12] collided with high-voltage power lines in Adelanto, California; the subsequent crash and post-crash fire killed all 3 occupants and substantially damaged the aircraft. [12] Operated in association with Classic Rotors, the accident aircraft was the only airworthy example in the world. [11] The National Transportation Safety Board attributed the crash to "The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during en route flight." [12]

Variants

HUP-3 delivers mail to the USS Turner Joy (DD-951) HUP-3 of HU-1 delivers mail to USS Turner Joy (DD-951) c1962.jpg
HUP-3 delivers mail to the USS Turner Joy (DD-951)
XHJP-1
Prototype, powered by a 525 hp (391 kW) Continental R-975-34 piston engine, equipped with large sloping endplate fins on the horizontal stabilizers. Piasecki-Vertol designation was PV-14. 2 [2] or 3 [3] [4] produced.[ disputed – discuss ]
HUP-1
Utility transport and search and rescue helicopter for the US Navy, largely similar to XHJP-1, Piasecki designation was PV-18. 32 built. [2] [1]
A U.S. Navy HUP plane guard conducting a rescue in 1953 Piasecki HUP of HU-2 rescues pilot near USS Block Island (CVE-106) on 12 August 1953.jpg
A U.S. Navy HUP plane guard conducting a rescue in 1953
HUP-2
Improved version, 550 hp (410 kW) Continental R-975-42 piston engine, horizontal stabilizer endplate fins eliminated. [2] [1] 165 built for the US Navy, [2] [ disputed – discuss ] 15 for French Aeronavale.[ citation needed ] Redesignated UH-25B in 1962.
HUP-2S
Anti-submarine warfare version of HUP-2 fitted with dunking sonar. 12 built. [1]
HUP-3
Naval utility conversion of H-25A aircraft transferred from US Army: 50 to US Navy, 3 to Royal Canadian Navy. [8]
H-25A Army Mule
Utility transport helicopter for US Army, similar to HUP-2 but powered by a 550 hp (410 kW) Continental R-975-46A piston engine, and fitted with large doors, power-boosted controls, and strengthened floors. [2] [1] 70 were delivered from 1953, but they were unsuitable for front-line use, [13] with 53 transferred to the Royal Canadian and US Navies in 1954–1955, [8] and the remaining helicopters used for training, being withdrawn from army service by 1958. [13]
UH-25B
HUP-2 redesignated after 1962.
UH-25C
HUP-3 redesignated after 1962.

Operators

French HUP lands on HMS Albion (R07) in 1957 French HUP landing on HMS Albion (R07) 1957.jpg
French HUP lands on HMS Albion (R07) in 1957
Canadian Red Ensign (1921-1957).svg  Canada
Flag of France.svg  France
Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States

Surviving aircraft

Royal Canadian Navy HUP-3 51-16621 at the Canadian Museum of Flight; this aircraft was later traded to Classic Rotors. HUP3-01A.JPG
Royal Canadian Navy HUP-3 51-16621 at the Canadian Museum of Flight; this aircraft was later traded to Classic Rotors.
H-25A Army Mule preserved in the US Army Aviation Museum, Alabama Piasecki H-25A 116616 Fort Rucker AL 14.12.02R edited-2.jpg
H-25A Army Mule preserved in the US Army Aviation Museum, Alabama
French H-25/HUP at the 2009 Paris Air Show Salon du Bourget 20090619 153.jpg
French H-25/HUP at the 2009 Paris Air Show

For surviving aircraft, hyphenated numbers are original US Army Serial Numbers; six-digit numbers are original US Navy Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer) Bureau Numbers (BuNo). All 50 H-25A/HUP-3 aircraft transferred from the US Army to the US Navy were given new bureau numbers; 3 aircraft transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy were redesignated, but retained their original US Army serial numbers. [8]

Canada

On display

Netherlands

United Kingdom

United States

On display
H-25A Army Mule
HUP-1
UH-25B (HUP-2)
HUP-2 Retriever at the USS Midway museum Piasecki HUP-2 Retriever 130059 (7170804388).jpg
HUP-2 Retriever at the USS Midway museum
UH-25C (HUP-3)
HUP-3 Retriever on display at the Air Zoo Air Zoo December 2019 094 (Piasecki HUP-3 Retriever).jpg
HUP-3 Retriever on display at the Air Zoo
Under restoration or in storage
UH-25B (HUP-2)
UH-25C (HUP-3)

Specifications (HUP-2)

Piasecki H-25 orthographical image.svg

Data fromJane's All The World's Aircraft 1956–57. [39]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

Notes
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "HUP-1 Retriever/H-25 Army Mule Helicopter". boeing.com. Boeing. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Swanborough and Bowers 1976, p.461.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Devine, Vinny (10 April 2013). "S-53 (U.S.Navy (XHJS-1)". Sikorsky Product History. Igor Sikorsky Historical Archives. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  4. 1 2 "Piasecki PV-14 XHJP-1 US Navy". 1000aircraftphotos.com. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  5. ↑ Swanborough and Bowers 1976, pp.8–9.
  6. ↑ Hearst Magazines (May 1954). "Radio Waves Hold Helicopter In Fixed Hovering Position". Popular Mechanics. Hearst Magazines. p. 122.
  7. ↑ "Picture News: Watertight hull makes helicopter amphibious". Popular Science . Vol. 172, no. 2. February 1958. p. 149.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Walker, R.W.R. "Royal Canadian Navy – HUP detailed list". Canadian Military Aircraft Serial Numbers. Retrieved 31 October 2018.
  9. ↑ "Piasecki HUP-3". ingeniumcanada.org. Ingenium Canada - Canada Air and Space Museum. Retrieved 31 October 2018.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Piasecki HUP-3". www.shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca. Shearwater Aviation Museum. Archived from the original on 4 May 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  11. 1 2 Allnutt, Richard Mallory (25 December 2009). "Piasecki crash claims three lives". Aircraft Illustrated. Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK: Key Publishing Ltd. ISSN   0002-2675.
  12. 1 2 3 NTSB Aviation Investigation Final Report (Report). National Transportation Safety Board. 18 July 2011. WPR10LA048. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  13. 1 2 Harding 1990, pp. 197–198.
  14. 1 2 3 4 "Piasecki H-25 History". Boeing. Archived from the original on 2012-10-29. Retrieved 2013-02-02.
  15. ↑ "Piasecki PV-18 (HUP/H-25/UH-25) (Photo)". pictaero.com. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  16. 1 2 Skaarup, Howard (2009). Canadian Warplanes. Bloomington, Indiana: iUniverse. p. 520. ISBN   978-1-4401-6758-4.
  17. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/51-16623." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  18. ↑ Canada Aviation and Space Museum. "Piasecki HUP-3". techno-science.ca. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  19. ↑ "De helikopter" [The helicopter]. www.baris.nl (in Dutch). Baris Groep. 11 November 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  20. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/622 RCN." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  21. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/51-16616." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  22. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/124915." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 25 April 2017.
  23. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/128479." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  24. ↑ "Piasecki HUP-2 "Retriever"". Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  25. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/128519." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  26. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/128596." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  27. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/130059." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  28. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/130082." Daily Breeze Retrieved: 25 April 2017.
  29. ↑ Pacific Battleship Center (2019). "New Exhibits". pacificbattleship.com. Archived from the original on 24 April 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  30. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/147595." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  31. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/147600". www.aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved 2016-06-08.
  32. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/147607." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  33. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/147628." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  34. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration (1 November 2018). "N-Number Inquiry Results N7089F". Archived from the original on 6 November 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  35. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration (16 December 2019). "Manufacturer Inquiry Results Piasecki". Archived from the original on 4 January 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  36. 1 2 "Bradley - Museum, Connecticut" . Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  37. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/130053." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 15 July 2021.
  38. ↑ "Piasecki HUP Retriever/147610." aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 5 May 2016.
  39. ↑ Bridgman 1956, p. 345.
  40. ↑ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
Bibliography
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