Difference between revisions of "H-34"
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{{About | {{About | ||
| about = American utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = American utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| − | | usage = other version | + | | usage = the other version |
| link = H-34 (France) | | link = H-34 (France) | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | {{Specs-Card | ||
| + | |code=h_34 | ||
| + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | ||
| + | |market=H-34 (USA) | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | ||
| − | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]] as a reward for the 2019 [[wt:en/news/6409-special-operation-shipyard-en|Operation Shipyard]] event. It is a rare vehicle and currently only obtainable through the [[War Thunder Market]]. | |
| − | |||
| − | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]] as a reward for the Operation Shipyard event. It is | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
| − | ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' | + | {{Specs-Heli-Flight}} |
| + | <!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
| Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Stock | ! Stock | ||
| − | | | + | | 182 || 169 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} |
|- | |- | ||
! Upgraded | ! Upgraded | ||
| − | | | + | | 213 || 198 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Heli-Armour}} | ||
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' | ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Modifications and economy === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
| + | {{Specs-Heli-Armaments}} | ||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Heli-Suspended}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|M3 (20 mm)|Mk 11 (20 mm)|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}} | {{main|M3 (20 mm)|Mk 11 (20 mm)|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}} | ||
| Line 51: | Line 57: | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' | + | <!--''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''--> |
| + | |||
| + | The H-34 is a large target and is not very agile so it can easily be spotted from a distance and quickly be shot down. While this helicopter is not very well armored, it makes up for it in great firepower. Compared to its counterpart in the French tech tree, the US H-34 has a serious upgrade in firepower. With the two loadouts consisting of unguided rockets and many guns, you can take out a fair amount of ground targets while also being able to hunt down other helicopters and defend yourself effectively from planes, though for maximum effectiveness you should only use the loadout with the 8 guns and 42 rockets since the cost to spawn is the same as loudout with the 4 x .50 cals and 32 rockets. | ||
| − | + | One should try to stay low to the ground and flank around the battlefield and come in from behind the enemy to give you the element of surprise and increase your chances of surviving your attack run. Try to attack in a straight line to not bleed speed, so you can quickly flee since your speed is the closest thing you have to protection from gunfire. The H-34 also offers a more standoffish playstyle since it gets the AGM-12B. At the cost of having only one ATGM and a single 20 mm cannon, it makes up for it in range. At well over 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) You can safely fire ATGMs at the enemy without worry of SPAA fire reaching you since you can operate outside their range of effectiveness since its BR is low enough to where it will not face missile SPAAs. The 20 mm offers some protection from aircraft, but has limited ammo that the cannon will eat through due to its high rate of fire, but it can be slowed down if preferred. It is currently one of the very few helicopters that sit at or below 8.0 depending on game modes, and in the right hands is a very lethal weapon that the enemy team should focus on taking out when seen in battle | |
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=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| Line 103: | Line 70: | ||
* ATGM is really useful | * ATGM is really useful | ||
* Descends quickly, allowing you to dodge AA fire from afar | * Descends quickly, allowing you to dodge AA fire from afar | ||
| + | * Has heavy firepower for taking out air and ground targets | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
* Poor flight characteristics, not as manoeuvrable as other American helicopters | * Poor flight characteristics, not as manoeuvrable as other American helicopters | ||
| − | * Will descend really fast at ~25 | + | * Will descend really fast at ~25 m/s if the col is at 0% for too long, which is a death sentence if low to the ground |
== History == | == History == | ||
| − | ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
| + | [[File:H-34 Landing.jpg|thumb|400x400px|H-34 Choctaw of the United States Army.]] | ||
| + | The Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw was an American utility, transport and ground attack helicopter. First flown in 1954, its versatility led to it being used by all branches of the American armed forces. As well, it enjoyed widespread use in the air forces of numerous other nations, including some aircraft converted into commercial airlift and transport vehicles. The helicopter also saw service in the Vietnam war, where it became one of the first helicopters utilized as a weapons platform and gunship. Roughly 1,800 Choctaws were produced.<ref name=":0">Dnewbold. (2016)</ref><ref name=":1">Staff Writer. (2018)</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Design and development === | ||
| + | The H-34 Choctaw was designed as a derivative of Sikorsky's earlier H-19 Chickasaw.<ref name=":1" /> The helicopter featured a new tail-dragger landing gear design, but retained most of its predecessor's features including the nose-mounted radial engine. The helicopter was flown by a crew of two, with an optional third machine gunner if carrying weapons.<ref name=":0" /> Powered by a Wright Cyclone radial engine, the helicopter could travel at a mediocre maximum speed of 198 km/h,<ref name=":0" /> and could carry up to 1,350 kilograms of cargo or 16 fully-loaded troops. The Choctaw made its first flight on March 8th, 1954.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Operational history === | ||
| + | After the completion of testing, the H-34 was ordered and used by the US Navy as an anti submarine warfare and transport helicopter.<ref name=":1" /> It was designated the HSS-1 Seabat in its anti-submarine configuration and HUS-1 Seahorse in its transport configuration.<ref name=":1" /> The US Army and Marine Corps also purchased the helicopter in 1955 and 1957, respectively; the Army was responsible for its name, "Choctaw".<ref name=":1" /> Following the introduction of the Tri-Service designation system, the helicopters were collectively known as the H-34; the Seabat became the SH-34, the Choctaw the CH-34 and the Seahorse the UH-34.<ref name=":1" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Choctaw went on to serve in the Vietnam war in a variety of roles, ranging from MEDEVAC to transport. The helicopter was highly popular due to its ruggedness and versatility, and was employed on a variety of missions. However, the role that would have the greatest impact on future helicopter design was the ground attack role. Some Choctaws were converted into offensive weapons platforms, carrying a mix of machine guns and rockets mounted outside the hull. These helis were known as 'Stingers'.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Though ineffective, the helicopter's design made it America's first attack helicopter. The weapons kits would eventually be inherited by the [[UH-1 (Family)|UH-1E]] Huey, and affected later designs such as the [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] Cobra and [[AH-64A|AH-64]] Apache.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Choctaw also enjoyed extensive service with foreign countries, serving with the militaries of at least 27 different nations. However, its next two largest operators (after the United States) were France and the United Kingdom. France received [[H-34 (France)|134 Choctaws]] from the United States, and built many more; these aircraft served in the French-Algerian war where it was used as a troop transport.<ref name=":0" /> The United Kingdom also procured Choctaws, which were produced by Westland Aviation as the Westland Wessex.<ref name=":0" /> Many additional Choctaws were built for civilian use, including transport and airliner models. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Over 1,800 Choctaws were built between 1954 and 1970,<ref name=":0" /> while production continued even later with foreign-built helicopters. Though it has been largely retired from military service, a considerable amount of Choctaws remain in commercial service.<ref name=":1" /> Many Choctaws are held in museums and private collections, mostly in the United States but also abroad.<ref name=":1" /> | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Skins | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=h_34 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
;Images | ;Images | ||
| Line 131: | Line 117: | ||
;Related aircraft | ;Related aircraft | ||
| − | + | * Westland [[Wessex HU Mk.5]] | |
| − | * Sikorsky | + | * Sikorsky {{Specs-Link|h_34_france}} - 166 manufactured under license by Sud Aviation, for the French Army, Navy and Air Force |
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ||
| − | + | * Mil [[Mi-4AV]] Hound | |
| − | * Mil [[Mi-4AV | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| − | |||
* ''other literature.'' --> | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
| − | * [[wt:en/news/6403-operation-shipyard-h-34-and-whirlwind-p-9-en|[Development | + | * [[wt:en/news/6403-operation-shipyard-h-34-and-whirlwind-p-9-en|[Development] Operation "Shipyard": H-34 and Whirlwind P.9]] |
| + | |||
| + | === References === | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Citations | ||
| + | <references /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Bibliography | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Dnewbold. (2016, April 13). Arsenal - UH-34 Choctaw. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from <nowiki>https://www.historynet.com/arsenal-uh-34-choctaw.htm</nowiki> | ||
| + | * Staff Writer. (2018, May 19). Sikorsky H-34 / CH-34 Choctaw Transport / Close-Support Helicopter. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from <nowiki>https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=327</nowiki> | ||
{{AirManufacturer Sikorsky}} | {{AirManufacturer Sikorsky}} | ||
{{USA helicopters}} | {{USA helicopters}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:57, 20 April 2024
| This page is about the American utility helicopter H-34. For the other version, see H-34 (France). |
Contents
Description
The H-34 is a premium gift rank V American attack helicopter with a battle rating of 8.0 (AB), 7.7 (RB), and 8.3 (SB). It was introduced during Update 1.91 "Night Vision" as a reward for the 2019 Operation Shipyard event. It is a rare vehicle and currently only obtainable through the War Thunder Market.
General info
Flight performance
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 500 m) |
Max altitude (metres) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | ||
| Stock | 182 | 169 | 6000 |
| Upgraded | 213 | 198 | |
Survivability and armour
Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.
Modifications and economy
2 × 50 / 300 / 430 % 2 × 202 / 202 / 202 % | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Suspended armament
The H-34 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- 4 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns (500 rpg = 2,000 total) + 32 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 20 mm M3 cannons (200 rpg = 400 total) + 2 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns (250 rpg = 500 total) + 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total) + 40 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x HVAR rockets
- 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 cannon (400 rpg) + 1 x AGM-12B Bullpup missile
Usage in battles
The H-34 is a large target and is not very agile so it can easily be spotted from a distance and quickly be shot down. While this helicopter is not very well armored, it makes up for it in great firepower. Compared to its counterpart in the French tech tree, the US H-34 has a serious upgrade in firepower. With the two loadouts consisting of unguided rockets and many guns, you can take out a fair amount of ground targets while also being able to hunt down other helicopters and defend yourself effectively from planes, though for maximum effectiveness you should only use the loadout with the 8 guns and 42 rockets since the cost to spawn is the same as loudout with the 4 x .50 cals and 32 rockets.
One should try to stay low to the ground and flank around the battlefield and come in from behind the enemy to give you the element of surprise and increase your chances of surviving your attack run. Try to attack in a straight line to not bleed speed, so you can quickly flee since your speed is the closest thing you have to protection from gunfire. The H-34 also offers a more standoffish playstyle since it gets the AGM-12B. At the cost of having only one ATGM and a single 20 mm cannon, it makes up for it in range. At well over 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) You can safely fire ATGMs at the enemy without worry of SPAA fire reaching you since you can operate outside their range of effectiveness since its BR is low enough to where it will not face missile SPAAs. The 20 mm offers some protection from aircraft, but has limited ammo that the cannon will eat through due to its high rate of fire, but it can be slowed down if preferred. It is currently one of the very few helicopters that sit at or below 8.0 depending on game modes, and in the right hands is a very lethal weapon that the enemy team should focus on taking out when seen in battle
Pros and cons
Pros:
- ATGM is really useful
- Descends quickly, allowing you to dodge AA fire from afar
- Has heavy firepower for taking out air and ground targets
Cons:
- Poor flight characteristics, not as manoeuvrable as other American helicopters
- Will descend really fast at ~25 m/s if the col is at 0% for too long, which is a death sentence if low to the ground
History
The Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw was an American utility, transport and ground attack helicopter. First flown in 1954, its versatility led to it being used by all branches of the American armed forces. As well, it enjoyed widespread use in the air forces of numerous other nations, including some aircraft converted into commercial airlift and transport vehicles. The helicopter also saw service in the Vietnam war, where it became one of the first helicopters utilized as a weapons platform and gunship. Roughly 1,800 Choctaws were produced.[1][2]
Design and development
The H-34 Choctaw was designed as a derivative of Sikorsky's earlier H-19 Chickasaw.[2] The helicopter featured a new tail-dragger landing gear design, but retained most of its predecessor's features including the nose-mounted radial engine. The helicopter was flown by a crew of two, with an optional third machine gunner if carrying weapons.[1] Powered by a Wright Cyclone radial engine, the helicopter could travel at a mediocre maximum speed of 198 km/h,[1] and could carry up to 1,350 kilograms of cargo or 16 fully-loaded troops. The Choctaw made its first flight on March 8th, 1954.[1][2]
Operational history
After the completion of testing, the H-34 was ordered and used by the US Navy as an anti submarine warfare and transport helicopter.[2] It was designated the HSS-1 Seabat in its anti-submarine configuration and HUS-1 Seahorse in its transport configuration.[2] The US Army and Marine Corps also purchased the helicopter in 1955 and 1957, respectively; the Army was responsible for its name, "Choctaw".[2] Following the introduction of the Tri-Service designation system, the helicopters were collectively known as the H-34; the Seabat became the SH-34, the Choctaw the CH-34 and the Seahorse the UH-34.[2]
The Choctaw went on to serve in the Vietnam war in a variety of roles, ranging from MEDEVAC to transport. The helicopter was highly popular due to its ruggedness and versatility, and was employed on a variety of missions. However, the role that would have the greatest impact on future helicopter design was the ground attack role. Some Choctaws were converted into offensive weapons platforms, carrying a mix of machine guns and rockets mounted outside the hull. These helis were known as 'Stingers'.[1][2] Though ineffective, the helicopter's design made it America's first attack helicopter. The weapons kits would eventually be inherited by the UH-1E Huey, and affected later designs such as the AH-1 Cobra and AH-64 Apache.[1][2]
The Choctaw also enjoyed extensive service with foreign countries, serving with the militaries of at least 27 different nations. However, its next two largest operators (after the United States) were France and the United Kingdom. France received 134 Choctaws from the United States, and built many more; these aircraft served in the French-Algerian war where it was used as a troop transport.[1] The United Kingdom also procured Choctaws, which were produced by Westland Aviation as the Westland Wessex.[1] Many additional Choctaws were built for civilian use, including transport and airliner models.
Over 1,800 Choctaws were built between 1954 and 1970,[1] while production continued even later with foreign-built helicopters. Though it has been largely retired from military service, a considerable amount of Choctaws remain in commercial service.[2] Many Choctaws are held in museums and private collections, mostly in the United States but also abroad.[2]
Media
- Skins
- Images
- Videos
See also
- Related aircraft
- Westland Wessex HU Mk.5
- Sikorsky ▄H-34 - 166 manufactured under license by Sud Aviation, for the French Army, Navy and Air Force
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Mil Mi-4AV Hound
External links
References
- Citations
- Bibliography
- Dnewbold. (2016, April 13). Arsenal - UH-34 Choctaw. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.historynet.com/arsenal-uh-34-choctaw.htm
- Staff Writer. (2018, May 19). Sikorsky H-34 / CH-34 Choctaw Transport / Close-Support Helicopter. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=327
| Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation | |
|---|---|
| Utility | H-34 |
| Attack | MH-60L DAP |
| Export | ▄H-34 · AH-60 |
| USA helicopters | |
|---|---|
| Attack | |
| Black Hawk | MH-60L DAP |
| Choctaw | H-34 |
| Cobra | AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z |
| SuperCobra | AH-1W |
| Kiowa | OH-58D |
| Little Bird | AH-6M |
| Apache | YAH-64 · AH-64A · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A (GR) · AH-64D |
| Utility | |
| Huey | UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30 |
