| XH-39 (S-59) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Sikorsky XH-39 | |
| Role | Helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| First flight | 26 August 1954 |
| Introduction | not produced |
| Primary user | United States Army |
| Number built | 1 [1] |
| Developed from | Sikorsky S-52 |
The Sikorsky XH-39 (manufacturer designation S-59), developed by Sikorsky Aircraft in 1954, was the U.S. Army's first turbine-powered helicopter. It was fast and innovative, but ultimately rejected by the United States Army in favor of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois.
The four-seat XH-39 was powered by one Continental CAE XT51-T-3 400 shp (298 kW) turboshaft engine, a license-built development of the Turbomeca Artouste. It was developed from a previous Sikorsky model, the H-18 (company model S-52), and had the same layout. It differed in using retractable landing gear, modified tail rotor, and four-blade main rotor. [1] In the end, the U.S. Army selected the Bell XH-40, prototype of the UH-1 Huey. Two YH-18As were modified into XH-39s; one for flight testing and the other for static test.
On 26 August 1954, the XH-39 set a world helicopter speed record of 156.005 mph (251 km/h) over a three kilometer closed course at Bradley Field (now Bradley International Airport) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. [2] The same year, on October 17, 1954, it set an unofficial world helicopter altitude record of 24,500 ft (7,474 m) at Bridgeport, Connecticut. [3]
In addition to the two XH-39s, one S-59, serial number 52004, registration number N74150, was produced for use for company demonstration flights. [2] It has been restored and is now on display at the New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, Connecticut. [4]
Data fromU.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947 [5]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
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