The HH-21 made its first flight in April 1952. The aircraft was originally designed by Piasecki to transport men and cargo but was later adapted for the rescue of personnel and for assault operations under combat conditions. Normally having a crew of two (pilot and copilot), the HH-21 could carry either 20 fully-equipped troops or 12 litter patients.

In addition to serving with the USAF, the HH-21 was supplied to the U.S. Army, the French Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the West German Air Force.

Specifications:

• Rotor diameter: 44 ft.
• Fuselage length: 52 ft. 7 in.
• Overall length: 86 ft. 4 in. (including rotor arcs)
• Height: 15 ft. 4 in.
• Weight: 10,223 lbs. loaded
• Armament: None
• Engine: Wright R-1820 of 1,425 hp.
• Crew: Two
• Cost: $406,000
• Serial Number: 51-15857
• C/N: B.4
• Maximum speed: 132 mph.
• Cruising speed: 90 mph.
• Range: 400 miles
• Service Ceiling: 19,200 ft.

Information derived from “Travis Air Force Museum” by Nick Veronico copyright Travis AFB Historical Society/Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum Foundation. This book is available from the Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum GIFT SHOP located in the Travis Air Museum.

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