72147 PIASECKI H-25A ARMY MULE US ARMY HELICOPTER

The Piasecki H-25 (another designation: HUP-Retriver) was an American transport and multipurpose helicopter from the post-war period in a two-rotor, longitudinal (so-called tandem) configuration. The drive - in the H-25A version - was provided by a single piston engine Continental R-975-46A with a power of 558 hp. The first flight of this machine took place in March 1948. Production started a year later and resulted in the creation of approx. 330 helicopters of this type. The Piasecki H-25 was commissioned by the US Aeronautics Bureau in 1945 as a light on-board helicopter adapted to operate from aircraft carriers. Finally, the Piasecki company, responding to this order, developed a helicopter with a relatively short fuselage, in a rare tandem arrangement, which, however, met the requirements set for it and was characterized by a solid structure. Several development versions were created in the course of serial production, for example: HUP-1 (sea transport version), HUP-2S (anti-submarine helicopter) or H-25 Army Mule (transport version adapted to the needs of land forces). Helicopters of this type were in service in the United States, France and Canada.