Sikorsky S-55T
The Sikorsky S-55T was a turbine conversion of the S-55/H-19 transport helicopter, replacing its radial piston engine with a more reliable turboshaft. The conversion improved power and reduced maintenance while retaining the spacious cabin created by the original nose-engine layout. It gave 1950s airframes a useful second career in commercial utility and offshore work. The turbine S-55 is far rarer than the standard piston-powered H-19.
Did you know?
The S-55T is a turbine conversion of the H-19 Chickasaw, replacing its radial piston engine while keeping the spacious nose-engine cabin layout.
Specifications
| Length | 14.3 m (47 ft) |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.1 m (13 ft) |
| Rotor diameter | 16.2 m (53 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 10 |
| Persons on board | 12 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 3.2 t |
| Range | 400 NM (741 km) |
| Maximum speed | 120 kt (222 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 8,000 ft (2,438 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,200 ft/min (6.1 m/s) |
| Engines | 1x General Electric T58 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Sikorsky S-55T starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Sikorsky, the S-55T family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
Catch it yourself.CatchFlights shows the aircraft flying near you on a radar, so a type like this one is only a catch away when it passes overhead. Explore CatchFlights.
Browse all aircraft types, or learn to tell Airbus from Boeing.