The helicopters in Korean War went by unnoticed as an offensive weapon, for they were utilized mostly as transport aircraft to carry wounded soldiers. There were only two types of helicopters, and they were not used in combat missions. These choppers were the US Army’s Bell 47 (H-13) and the Sikorsky H-19 “Chickasaw”. Both of them were piston-engine transport helicopters employed by the 6th Transportation Company.
The Bell 47 was in service with the US Army under the name of H-13 Sioux helicopter. It operated only as a medical evacuation helicopter, carrying two stretchers or litters, one on the right and the other on the left side. It was a single-engine and single seat helicopter, which could reach the maximum speed of only 169 km/h as it had a range of 400 km.
From 1951 until the end of this armed conflict, the Sikorsky H-19 was also used as a medical evacuation, as well as tactical control, and cargo support aircraft; there were three versions: H-19A, H-19B, and H-19C. With a crew of 2, the Chickasaw, as it had been nicknamed, could carry up to 8 stretches or 12 armed soldiers. It had a maximum speed of 101 mph and a range of 405 miles.
Below, the H-19 Chickasaw in service with the US Army in the 1950s
Below, the Bell 47 (US Army's H-13 Sioux), being used as evacuation helicopter- video: historical footage.
