Sikorsky HH-52A (S-62C) Seaguard
A derivative of the world’s first truly amphibious helicopter, the Sikorsky HH-52A entered service with the US Coast Guard in 1962, and remained in service until 1989. The first turbine-powered helicopter operated by the USCG, the HH-52 could land and take off from the water. It had a boat-shaped hull and even carried an anchor.
Credited with saving over 15,000 lives, the HH-52A was small enough to be deployed from USCG cutters, but was designed to carry a crew of three and up to ten rescuees. It carried a record 12 rescuees, along with the crew, during the Burmah Agate maritime disaster in 1979.
Overview
Data on design, manufacture and statusDesign authority: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Primary manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Parent type: Sikorsky S-62/HH-52
Aircraft status: No longer flying
Configuration
Primary flight and mechanical characteristicsVTOL type: Helicopter
Lift devices: 1 Single main rotor
Dedicated control device: 1 Tail rotor
Crew required: 3 in Side-by-side arrangement
Landing gear: Wheels (some retractable)
Key Characteristics
Data on key physical featuresAircraft Details
Data on aircraft configuration, weights, flight performance and equipmentReferences
References and sources usedIgor Sikorsky Historical Archives, Sikorsky Product History, 14 Jun 2015
Website
Comprehensive history of the design and development of the model
