H-34 Choctaw Helicopter
Crew Chief: Bob Stratos
The H-34 Choctaw Helicopter on the field at the Pacific Coast Air Museum. Painted in the scheme of the 36th Transportation Group, circa 1960’s.
H-34 Choctaw Helicopter Specifications
| Country of Origin: | USA |
| B/N or Serial Number: | 71708 |
| Type: | Single engine, single main rotor, and vertical anti-torque tail rotor |
| Accommodation: | Pilot, Observer (co-pilot), 12 to 18 passengers or eight litters |
| Armament (fixed): | Dependent on mission: As gunship it carried 2 M60 general purpose machine guns or 2 19 shot 2.75 Rocket Pods |
| Powerplant and fuel system: | Wright model R-1820-84 radial air cooled engine. Uses aviation gasoline Grade 100/130 Recommended & 115/145 Alternate |
| Performance: | Maximum forward speed: 123mph Maximum rate of climb at sea level: 1100ft per min Hover with ground effect: 4900ft Hover without ground effect: 2400ft |
H-34 Choctaw Helicopter History
The first flight of the H-34 was on March 8th, 1954. The one shown was manufactured in 1956. We have no history of this specific helicopter other than its number has been listed as one used by Air America during the Vietnam era. It is outfitted in the color and markings of the 36th Transportation Group that was active in Germany and Italy during the 50's and 60's. The US Army used the Choctaw into the 70's. The helicopter was originally designed as sub-chaser. That is why the tail section (pylon) and the mail rotor blades fold to reduce its length by 28ft 9.32in. This allows the unit to take less storage space aboard ship. The unit was used by the Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force as well as many other countries.
If you would like more specific infofmation on the history of the Choctaw you may visit the following web site: www.militaryfactory.com
If you would like more specific infofmation on the history of the Choctaw you may visit the following web site: www.militaryfactory.com
