Sikorsky S-52
| S-52 | |
|---|---|
| U.S. Army YH-18A in testing | |
| General information | |
| Type | Helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Navy |
| Number built | 93 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | April 1951 |
| First flight | 12 February 1947 |
| Variants | Sikorsky XH-39 Vertical Hummingbird |
The Sikorsky S-52 is a utility helicopter developed by Sikorsky Aircraft in the late 1940s. It was used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The S-52 was the first US helicopter with all-metal rotor blades. Initially a two-seater, it was developed into the four-seat S-52-2 and S-52-3. It was designated HO5S-1 by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, HO5S-1G by the Coast Guard, and YH-18A by the U.S. Army, and was used extensively by civil operators after being retired by the military.