| Sikorsky S-53 / XHJS-1 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Helicopter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| First flight | 22 September 1947 |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
| Number built | 2 |
| Developed from | Sikorsky S-51 |
The Sikorsky XHJS-1 (manufacturer designation S-53), was developed by Sikorsky Aircraft to meet a Naval requirement for a utility helicopter. The XHJS-1 was not ordered into production and only two prototypes were built.[1]
Design and development[edit]
Powered by a 525 hp (391 kW) Continental R-975-34, the S-53 was a development of the S-51 designed for use on aircraft carriers. The tail rotor was raised above head-height to give more clearance and the landing gear was made stronger to enable operations from a moving deck. Other enhancements were a folding main rotor and the option for amphibious landing gear. Two prototypes were ordered by the United States Navy as the XHJS-1[1] and the first flew on 22 September 1947. The type was evaluated against the Piasecki XHJP-1. With the Piasecki design being ordered as the HUP-1 by the Navy, the S-53 was not developed further.
Variants[edit]
- XHJS-1
- Prototype naval utility helicopter, two built.[1]
Specifications (XHJS-1)[edit]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: three
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental R-975-34 , 525 hp (391 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 49 ft 0 in (14.94 m)
See also[edit]
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References[edit]
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.