H-34
| This page is about the American utility helicopter H-34. For 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
Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 500 m) |
Max altitude (metres) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | ||
| Stock | ___ | ___ | 6000 |
| Upgraded | 214 | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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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
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).
Pros and cons
Pros:
- ATGM is really useful
- Descends quickly, allowing you to dodge AA fire from afar
Cons:
- Poor flight characteristics, not as manoeuvrable as other American helicopters
- Will descend really fast at ~25 km/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
- 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
Works Cited
- 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 |
