Sikorsky XR-4

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today] • After observing flights of the Sikorsky XR-4, the US Army will order 154 of them as the first mass produced helicopter. 25 will go the Coast Guard and Navy, and 52 to the RAF as the Hoverfly."

 

[cardboard_killer]

[The US Navy decided that the helicopter was not worth the investment and let the US Coast Guard take over development. 80 Years ago today] "• Since the US Navy turned over development of the helicopter for maritime use to the Coast Guard, LCDR Frank Erickson has been studying them at the Sikorsky plant. He sends in his preliminary report stating that helicopters can be extremely useful for search & rescue and for ASW. He recommends the immediate development of “dunking sonar”.

 

Igor Sikorsky being hoisted by a Coast Guard HNS-1 (R-4B) during a demonstration in 1944, with Commander Erickson at the controls. Sikorsky’s son Sergei is at this time in Coast Guard boot camp and will become an Aviation Machinist’s Mate."