| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 9603 |
| Military Code: | 603 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Sikorsky S-51 |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Sikorsky S-51 (H-5/HO3S Dragonfly) |
| Aircraft Version: | Sikorsky H-5 |
| C/n (msn): | 5130 |
| Operator Titles: | Canada - Air Force |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | West Chester - BrandywineMap |
| Region / Country: | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: - IATA: - Local: OQN Other: - |
| Collection: | American Helicopter Museum and Education Center |
| Photo Date: | 15 May 2019 |
| Photo by: | Gary Vincent |
| Photo ID: | 204101 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
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The H-5 was the RCAF's first helicopter. The first three were delivered in 1947, with four more following, two in 1948 and two in 1949. Bought for Search and Rescue, the type was also used to train a helicopter force from the ground up. The S-51s (as they were better known by the crews) were in service until the 1960s when parts were getting scarce and more modern helicopters had joined the RCAF. 9603 was sold to the Alberta Institute of Technology in 1964 as a training aid, later going to the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center where it remains on display. This photo is copyright © Gary Vincent, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 13 January 2020, and has since been viewed 931 times. |