Historical Essays
Operation Ivory Soap and the Largest Helicopter Rescue of WWII
Paul J. Fardink, retired U.S. Army Lt Col, reveals the full story of Operation Ivory Soap, a secret WWII operation involving Sikorsky helicopters to repair ...
The Design Evolution of the VS-300 Helicopter
The VS-300 helicopter was designed as a research vehicle that was modified iteratively based on flight test results. By the end of its development, only ...
The World’s First Helicopter Mercy Flight
During a severe snowstorm in January 1944, U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Commander Erickson performed the first helicopter mercy flight in his HNS-1, saving several lives.
The World’s First Military Combat Rescue
The first military combat rescue by helicopter was performed in April 1944 by U.S. Armed Air Forces Second Lt. Carter Harman.
The World’s First Helicopter Naval Rescue
The first Naval helicopter rescue, performed in a S-51 by Sikorsky's D.D. "Jimmy" Viner, proved the helicopter's usefulness for Naval search and rescue missions.
The World’s First Helicopter Civilian Rescue
On November 29, 1945 in Fairfield Connecticut, a Sikorsky R-5 performed the first helicopter hoist rescues in aviation history.
The First Military Use of the R-4
John H. Donovan recollects the first military use of the helicopter, during World War II in Guam.
The Eyes and Ears of the Convoy: Development of the Helicopter as an Anti-Submarine Weapon
Starting in World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard was visionary in helping expand the uses of a helicopter.
Delivery of the 100th Sikorsky R-4B
Photos from the delivery celebration for the 100th R-4B helicopter in December 1944.