The trusty HH-52A was built as a commercial venture by Sikorsky, and the timing was good for the Coast Guard, as the HH-19G was getting long of tooth and the HUS left a bad taste after serial crashes early after its introduction. Freshly minted NATTC test pilot LCDR Frank Shelly was tasked with evaluation of touted performance and developed new techniques such as the beep to a Hover. It soon became a legend for its versatility, ease of maintenance and roomy cabin. One hangs in the Udvar Hazy Museum and one in the Seattle Museum of flight.
|