History:

The Sikorsky HNS-1 was first flown in 1942. In March 1947 the United States Coast Guard icebreaker USS Northwind visited Wellington, NZ on its return from the Antarctic where it formed part of the 1946-47 expedition code named Operation Highjump of Admiral Byrd. As part of its equipment the vessel had on board a Sikorsky HNS-1 (BuAer 39043) fitted with floats, and it was flown off the ship on 12 March 1947, landing at St Patrick’s College, Silverstream. This was the first occasion a helicopter had flown in New Zealand. It was a two-seater powered by a 138-kw (185-hp) Warner R-550-1 Scarab seven-cylinder air-cooled radial engine. Also on board the vessel was a HO3S-1, an early variant of the Sikorsky S-51 series. Cruising speed 105 km/h (65 mph); loaded weight 1,152 kg (2,540 lb).

Photograph: Sikorsky HNS-1 on board a US Navy vessel (US Navy).

Further information:

Information on this aircraft is currently limited. The Author welcomes any further specifications and/or details to update the site.