4 KOREAN WAR HELICOPTERS THAT HELPED PRESERVE DEMOCRACY
Helicopters are synonymous with the Korean War, as seen in seemingly every film or reenactment of the time. In the 1950s, helicopters reached their heyday. Proving their worth, the U.S. Armed Forces began to increase helicopter production after World War II, with many helicopters debuting after the war. This increase in production led to the creation of several Korean War helicopters that will long be remembered.
The Role of Korean War Helicopters
In the 1950s, the Army entered the Korean War with only 56 helicopters. When Soldiers and Army helicopters were deployed to Korea, the Bell H-13 Sioux and the Hiller H-23 Raven were the first choppers in line. These helicopters flew thousands of Soldiers to safety and allowed aviators to transport over 18,000 individuals to mobile Army surgical centers for life-saving care. Since their introduction, military helicopters have undergone several modifications and design tweaks, including higher speed capabilities, longer flight ranges, and increased weight capacities. These design advancements shaped modern-day military helicopters and played an integral role in aircraft evolution. So, what helicopters were used in the Korean War? Let’s go back in time and take a closer look at some of the choppers that dominated the skies.
1. The Bell H-13 Sioux
One of the most well-recognized Korean War helicopters (due to its appearance in television shows such as M*A*S*H), the Bell H-13 Sioux is an icon. Let’s break down the technical specifications. The Bell H-13 Sioux was a light helicopter that had a two-bladed single engine. It had a max speed of 85 mph, a range of 200 miles, and was 27’ 4” in length. It had a wingspan of 35’ 1,” a height of 9’ 6,” and could carry up to 2,500 lbs! Originally, this helicopter was licensed for the British military but was soon acquired by the U.S. Army Air Forces, which saw the model’s potential. Around 65 of these models were built and ordered by the U.S. Army. Primarily used to provide MEDEVAC services, the Bell H-13 Sioux was also employed for reconnaissance, pilot training, mission liaison, and wire-laying. Simple controls made the helicopter easy to navigate, and a transparent canopy allowed for unobstructed views from the cockpit. Doubling as a popular training helicopter, the Bell H-13 Sioux was the first model that new pilots entering the “Chickasaw” pilot program set foot in. Used to train members of the Transportation Corps before their arrival in Korea, no chopper at the time was as versatile as the Bell H-13 Sioux. Korean war helicopters simply didn’t possess the ability to quickly and smoothly move wounded individuals to hospitals. It was exactly this capability that made it unique! While the Bell H-13 Sioux is no longer widely used in the military, the chopper is still commonly used by civilians. Related read:At 50 Years: A Look Back at the Impact MASH the TV Show Had on Americans
2. Sikorsky YH-5A Dragonfly
Meet one of the next Korean War helicopters on our list — the Sikorsky YH-5A Dragonfly. The Sikorsky YH-5A Dragonfly was designed to carry heavy cargo loads. Its unmatched speed and endurance made it a chopper to remember. The Dragonfly was used for rescue and mercy missions around the world and rose to fame during the Korean War when it was used to evacuate United Nations pilots who had been shot down. More than 300 YH-5As were built and used by the U.S. Army Air Forces. As a trial run, four YH-5A helicopters took flight in August of 1943 (when the chopper first demonstrated its potential for greatness). The first batch of helicopters was ordered in March of 1944, and, in February of 1945, the first model was delivered. On a more technical note, the YH-5A had a Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine with 450 hp, and the chopper’s maximum speed was 90 mph. It had a range of 280 miles, a height of 12’ 11,” and was 4,815 lbs (loaded). Want to see the Dragonfly with your own eyes? This helicopter can be found in the Korean War memorial/gallery exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Riverside, Ohio.
3. Hiller OH-23 Raven
The Hiller OH-23 Raven was a three-piece military light observation helicopter. This model was based on the Hiller civilian Model UH-12. While the OH-23 Raven was used for observation and as a utility helicopter, it was largely used as a MEDEVAC helicopter during the Korean War. During the early days of the Vietnam War, this helicopter was used as an artillery scout until its replacement in 1968. Initially, the Raven’s cockpit was designed to slope forward; however, later models redesigned it to look more like a goldfish bowl. Soon, this design choice became a distinguishing characteristic of the OH-23 Raven. The Hiller OH-23 Raven underwent various modifications over the years, which led to the creation of several models (A through D, F, and G). This helicopter used a “Rotor-Matic” cyclic control system and paddles that were attached to the control system that would load the main rotor blade and make cyclic changes. It had a maximum speed of 97 mph and was 9’ 6.” It had a maximum takeoff weight of 2,700 lbs and a 1 x Lycoming VO-435-23B six-cylinder air-cooled horizontally opposed piston engine that allowed for a range of 197 miles. A model of the OH-23A Raven can be found in the Combat Air Museum in Topeka, Kansas. This model has been slowly restored over the course of 10 years for others to view and enjoy.
4. Piasecki H-21 Shawnee/Workhorse
Last on our list is the impressive Piasecki H-21 Shawnee/Workhorse. This helicopter was designed during the Korean War and completed its first test flight in 1952. It received the nickname “the flying banana” due to its long fruit-like shape and the upward-angled aft fuselage that prevented the rotors from hitting it. The Piasecki H-21 was extremely versatile, as it was a multi-mission helicopter that utilized floats, wheels, and skids. It was originally designed and intended to be an Arctic rescue helicopter. With this in mind, the H-21 possessed features that allowed it to operate in cold-weather environments. Even temperatures as cold as -65 degrees Fahrenheit didn't phase this chopper! After the first test flight, drastic improvements were made to subsequent models of the H-21. The H-21B had an upgraded Wright 103 engine with 1,425 horsepower and rotor blades that were extended 6 inches. The Wright also had improved carrying capabilities. Now, the Piasecki could carry 22 fully equipped troops, 12 stretchers, and two medical attendants. Piasecki H-21s were produced from 1952 to 1959. Later, their continued use in the Vietnam War uncovered faults in the design that led to slow performance and susceptibility to ground fire. As a result, their use was greatly reduced after 1964, as many were withdrawn from active inventory in the U.S. Army and Air Force.
May We Always Remember
There is no doubt that these ex-helicopters of the Korean War were modern marvels of their time. While the extensive use of helicopters in combat was stifled due to limited capabilities, it was evident early on that they would become a vital resource for future conflicts. These Korean War helicopters played a pivotal role in military strategy, and, as an homage to their contribution, museums and exhibits across the United States are committed to showcasing and preserving these integral pieces of American history. When the United States entered the Vietnam War, helicopters had become a valuable tool and resource — a symbol of our American grit, ingenuity, and fighting spirit. May we always remember the sacrifices and contributions that our fellow Americans made for the preservation of our freedoms. Suggested read:The Lean, Mean, Lethal B-52 Bombers - Wise Guy & Ghost Rider Are Back!
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