Difference between revisions of "H-34"

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{{About
 +
| about = American utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other version
 +
| link = H-34 (France)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=h_34
 
|code=h_34
|market = H-34 (USA)
+
|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.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
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]].
{{Break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]] as a reward for the Operation Shipyard event. It is currently a rare vehicle and is also obtainable through the [https://trade.gaijin.net/? Gaijin Marketplace].
 
  
 
== 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"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Characteristics
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
|-
 
! colspan="3" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 500 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 500 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| ??? || ??? || {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
! Stock
|-
+
| 182 || 169 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
! colspan="3" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 500 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 297 || 284 || {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
! 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 ==
<!--=== Offensive armament ===
+
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
 
-->
 
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
{{main|Browning M3 (12.7 mm)|AN/M3 (20 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)|Mk 11 (20 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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|FFAR Mighty Mouse|HVAR|AGM-12B Bullpup}}
+
{{main|M3 (20 mm)|Mk 11 (20 mm)|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
 +
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|FFAR Mighty Mouse|HVAR}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can carry the following ordnance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
* 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M3 machines guns
+
* 4 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns (500 rpg = 2,000 total) + 32 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns
+
* 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
* 2 x 20 mm AN/M3 autocannons
+
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 cannon (400 rpg) + 1 x AGM-12B Bullpup missile
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 autocannon
 
* 32 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 2 x HVAR rockets
 
* 1 x AGM-12B Bullpup missile
 
  
<!--=== Defensive armament ===
 
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
 
-->
 
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using 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
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''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:'''
 
'''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 ==
 
== 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
<div><ul>
+
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:H-34 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:H-34 WTWallpaper 001.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:H-34 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:H-34 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:H-34 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:H-34 WTWallpaper 003.jpg
</ul></div>
+
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|jjanlLrycGo|'''The Shooting Range #156''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:13 discusses the H-34.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related aircraft
  
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
+
* Sikorsky {{Specs-Link|h_34_france}} - 166 manufactured under license by Sud Aviation, for the French Army, Navy and Air Force
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
 
 +
* Mil [[Mi-4AV]] Hound
  
 
== 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;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the helicopter;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
* ''other literature.''-->
+
 
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6403-operation-shipyard-h-34-and-whirlwind-p-9-en [Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> Operation "Shipyard": H-34 and Whirlwind P.9]
+
* [[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}}
 
{{USA helicopters}}
 
{{USA helicopters}}

Latest revision as of 14:12, 23 February 2024

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the American utility helicopter H-34. For the other version, see H-34 (France).
H-34
h_34.png
GarageImage H-34.jpg
H-34
Show in game
MARKET

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

Max speed
at 500 m198 km/h
Max altitude6 000 m
EngineWright R-1820-84
Power1 420 hp
Take-off weight6 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 500 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 182 169 6000
Upgraded 213 198

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural450 km/h
Gear420 km/h

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

Repair cost
AB4 274 Sl icon.png
RB1 203 Sl icon.png
SB2 051 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts800 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 550 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 202 / 202 / 202 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
bmg30_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
Mk11_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg30_new_gun
Mods weapon.png
Mk11_new_gun
Mods pilon rocket.png
FRC mk.2
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
anm3_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Mods weapon.png
anm3_new_gun
Mods agm missile.png
AGM-12B Bullpup

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 14 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine gun (ammunition: 2 000 rounds)
32 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
Setup 22 x 20 mm M3 cannon (ammunition: 400 rounds)
2 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine gun (ammunition: 500 rounds)
4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun (ammunition: 1 000 rounds)
2 x HVAR rockets
40 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
Setup 31 x 20 mm Mk 11 cannon (ammunition: 400 rounds)
1 x AGM-12B Bullpup air-to-ground missiles

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

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.[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

External links

References

Citations
  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Dnewbold. (2016)
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Staff Writer. (2018)
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