Description

WOW673
The Sikorsky H-5 was a helicopter built by the Skiorsky aircraft corporation, formerly used by the USAF, USMC and US Navy. The type entered service shortly after WW2 had ended.

In Britain, Westland Aircraft began production in 1946 of the Westland-Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly for the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, all of which were powered by a 500 hp Alvis Leonides engine. This gave an improved top speed of 103 mph and a service ceiling of 14,000 ft. In total, 133 Westland-Sikorsky Dragonfly helicopters were built. A considerably modified version was also developed by Westland as the Westland Widgeon, but the type was never adopted for service.

During its service life, the H-5/SO3S-1 was used for utility, rescue, and mercy missions throughout the world, including flights during Operation Highjump in the Antarctic. While the extra power of the H-5 made it significantly more useful than its R-4 and R-6 cousins, the H-5/HO3S-1 suffered, like most early small tandem-seat single-rotor machines, from centre of gravity problems. As a matter of routine, the helicopter was equipped with two iron-bar weights – each in a canvas case – one of 25 lb (11 kg) & one of 50 lb (23 kg). Flying with no passengers – both weights went forward alongside the pilot. With three passengers, both weights normally went into the baggage compartment. However, in conditions of high ambient temperatures, which reduced lift due to the lowered air density, all weights were jettisoned. If the weights could not be recovered later, pilots on future missions were forced to utilize rocks or other improvised weight next to the pilot after offloading three passengers, or else travel at a very slow 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph).

The H-5/SO3S-1 gained its greatest fame, during the Korean War when it was called upon repeatedly to rescue United Nations pilots shot down behind enemy lines and to evacuate wounded personnel from frontline areas, before being replaced in most roles by the H-19 Chickasaw. In 1957, the last H-5 and HO3S-1 helicopters were retired from active U.S. military service.
Eleven British built Sikorsky’s were supplied to the French during their conflict in Indochina. It was often a welcome sight during frontline operations especially as it could simultaneously evacuate 3 casualties in one lift.
Our 1/30 scale Mahogany wood model is one that served with the French out of TanSonNhut in1952 during the Indochina conflict. Its also very unique in that its probably the only 1/30 scale model of  French helicopter operating out of Indochina.
Priced at $850 plus postage, Club Members can buy this model for $750 plus postage for 1 week only, insert your Club discount code at checkout and receive an additional 10% off.