Sikorsky helicopters: books - history and models

Sikorsky H-34 - An Illustrated History

Originally designed in 1952 as an anti-submarine warfare platform for the U.S. Navy, almost two-thousand Sikorsky H-34s have served on every continent with the armed forces of twenty-five countries - from combat in Algeria, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and throughout southeast Asia, to saving flood victims, recovering astronauts, fighting fires, and carrying presidents, military H-34s have met every challenge handed them.
With continuing post-military service, the number of countries which the H-34 has called home has swelled to nearly fifty. Revitalized with turbine engines, it has yet to fade from sight. Whether lifting construction material or supporting police departments, the "DC-3 of helicopters" will still be flying on its fiftieth anniversary.

The most detailed account of the H-34 to appear, Lennart Lundh's Sikorsky H-34 reflects over a decade of research. It takes the reader through the H-34 from nose to tail, and across its service from Argentina to Vietnam.
Few of the photographs have been published before, and many are drawn from private collections. A special feature is the chapter of impressions and anecdotes from fourteen H-34 crew members.

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Sikorsky HH-52A - An Illustrated History

Noted historian Lennart Lundh presents this diminutive helicopter's story for the first time. Covered are design details, international service, licensed production by Mitsubishi, and the story of the "Seaguard's" use by the U.S. Coast Guard.

A record of each airframe's history is included, as are photographs of three-quarters of the S-62As, S-62Js, and HH-52As produced. Of special interest are the recollections of nearly a score of Coast Guard pilots and aircrew, and the text of the Army's evaluation of the first production airframe.

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Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk (Osprey)

The successor to the legendary Bell UH-1 'Huey', the Sikorsky UH-60 first flew in 1974 and was christened the Black Hawk. It has become one of the most versatile and successful utility helicopters currently in service and has been used widely, from the invasion of Grenada to the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
An attack helicopter configured with missiles, rockets, machine guns and cannon, the Black Hawk is also capable of undertaking a wide range of missions on the battlefield, including troop transport, command and control and aeromedical evacuation.

This book investigates the design, development and operations of what is arguably the most important helicopter in the world today, with fantastic full-colour digital artwork and up-to-date information about the Black Hawk's role in Iraq. Also examined are the more unconventional missions the Black Hawk has been used in, from drug-busting operations in South America to peacekeeping operations around the world.

Contents: Introduction - Development - Variants: UH-60L, UH-60M, UH-60, Firehawks, Electronic Hawks, A2C2S, VH-60, UH-60Q, MEDEVAC, Special operations Hawks, MH-60K, Air Force Hawks, MH-60G Pave Hawk, Future Hawks - Black Hawks in Action: Grenada, Operation Urgent Fury, Panama, Operation Just Cause, Iraq, Operation Desert Storm, Somalia, Operation Continue Hope, Haiti, Operation Uphold Democracy, The Balkans, Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Humanitarian relief - Black Hawk operators: Japan, Australia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Miscellaneous - Appendix - Index.

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The Sikorsky Aircraft Centennial: A Tribute by the Igor I. Sikorsky Historical Archives

"The Sikorsky Aircraft Centennial 1923-2023", published by the Igor I. Sikorsky Historical Archives, honors the legacy of Igor Sikorsky - a visionary Russian engineer forced into exile by revolution. The book documents his groundbreaking work in the U.S. and the evolution of Sikorsky Aircraft, from its humble beginnings on a Long Island farm to its current status as a global leader in helicopter manufacturing.

Sikorsky arrived in New York in 1919, inspired by American innovators like Edison and Ford. In 1923, he founded Sikorsky Aero Engineering Corporation, producing fixed-wing aircraft, amphibians, and flying boats, including the iconic Pan American Clippers. As demand for flying boats waned, he shifted focus to rotary-wing flight, pioneering the VS-300 helicopter in 1939. His son Sergei later recalled the rigorous testing that refined this revolutionary design.

The book traces Sikorsky's impact on aviation, from early fixed-wing models like the S-29A to modern helicopters such as the S-102 Raider-X. It highlights the role of Sikorsky Aircraft in military operations, commercial aviation, and rescue missions, as well as advancements in digital design and manufacturing. Featuring over 400 rare photos, patents, and memorabilia, this volume celebrates a story of immigration, innovation, and industrial achievement - essential reading for aviation enthusiasts.

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The Sikorsky Legacy

This book showcases the remarkable career of Igor I. Sikorsky, one of history's most innovative aeronautical engineers. Over 200 photographs capture his groundbreaking contributions to aviation.

Sikorsky's 60-year career featured three landmark achievements: designing the world's first four-engine airliner, creating the legendary Pan American Clipper Ships that pioneered transoceanic travel, and developing the helicopter - his greatest legacy. He also guided his team from the piston-engine era into the jet age, producing some of aviation's most iconic turbine-powered helicopters.

With hundreds of images, including rare photos from the Sikorsky family archives, this book highlights his intuitive engineering brilliance and lifelong dedication to overcoming the challenges of vertical flight.

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UH-60 Black Hawk (Pilot's Flight Operation Instructions)

Developed to replace the UH-1 Iroquis,Sikorsky's UH-60 Black Hawk first entered service in 1979. A four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter, the UH-60 serves as the U.S. Army's primary tactical transport helicopter.
Modified versions include models for the U.S. Navy and Air Force, and specialized versions including the UH-60C (modified for Command and Control missions), EH-60A (electronic systems operations and electronic warfare), and the UH-60Q (medical transport).

Two major variants of the Black Hawk currently exist: the UH-60L and UH-60M. The UH-60L incorporates improvements to the basic design that provide more power and lifting capability, as well as automatic flight control.
The newer UH-60M features upgraded engines, improved rotor blades, and state-of-the-art flight controls that will allow the helicopter's service life to extend to 2020 and beyond.

Over 2500 Black Hawks have been built, and nearly 1000 more are currently on order. Black Hawks have seen combat service for the U.S. Military in Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Other nations also employ the UH-60 including Brazil, Colombia, Israel, Mexico,Taiwan, Australia, Japan, and Turkey.

Created by Sikorsky and the U.S. Army, this pilot's flight operating manual profiles the UH-60Q Black Hawk. Over 500 pages long, this unclassified document is reprinted here in its entirety.

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Sikorsky Sea King

The unmistakable Sea King has been used by the German Navy for decades in maritime search and rescue (SAR) and has saved thousands of lives. The reliable machine has also proven itself as an on-board helicopter for task force supply ships.

The author, himself a former marine, presents the legendary helicopter in all its details. Crews, staff officers, technicians and instructors have their say, describe their most exciting experiences and take the reader right into the action. A unique and well-founded documentation with fascinating images.

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