Sikorsky R-4
The US Army Air Force had an extreme interest in helicopters.In the spring of 1941, the USAAF asked Igor Sikorsky to build a protoype helicopter for cargo and evac purposes.Vought-Sikorsky produced the prototype XR-4.The XR-4 flew in January 1942 and did well enough for a contract.Soon, 130 were produced.The R-4 is the first helicopter to land on a carrier and perform a military rescue.The R-4 went into service in the spring of 1944 in the Burma theatre, where it was found that its vertical take-off capablities were essential in jungle warfare.It performed front-line supply missions and one rescue mission.
- Type:Two-Seat Helicopter
- Armament:None
- Length:48 feet 2 inches
- Height:12 feet 5 inches
- Empty Weight:2020 lbs.
- Gross Weight:2535 lbs.
- Engines:one Warner R-550-1 180 hp. Radial
- Range:130 miles
- Maximum Speed:75 mph
- Ceiling:8,000 ft.
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