The Piasecki H-21 Shawnee was a large, twin-engine, tandem rotor utility helicopter that was in service with the United States Army from 1952 to 1972. It was the first helicopter to use a single rotor system with two counter-rotating blades, which gave it a unique curved appearance.
The H-21 was designed to meet the Army’s need for a large, versatile helicopter that could be used for a variety of missions, including troop transport, cargo transport, and medical evacuation. It was well-suited for these missions because it had a large cargo area, a long range, and a high payload capacity.
The H-21 saw extensive service in the Korean War, where it was used to transport troops and supplies to the front lines. It also saw service in the Vietnam War, where it was used to transport troops, evacuate casualties, and support special forces operations.
The H-21 was a reliable and versatile helicopter that served the Army well for many years. It was eventually replaced by the UH-1 Iroquois, but it remains a significant aircraft in the history of the U.S. Army.
Specifications
- Crew: 3
- Capacity: 20 troops or 10,000 pounds of cargo
- Length: 58 feet
- Height: 23 feet
- Rotor diameter: 52 feet
- Engine: 2 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-103 turboprop engines, 1,400 horsepower each
- Maximum speed: 180 miles per hour
- Range: 500 miles
Armament
- None
Missions
- Troop transport
- Cargo transport
- Medical evacuation
- Special forces support
Legacy
The Piasecki H-21 was a significant aircraft in the history of the U.S. Army. It was the first helicopter to use a single rotor system with two counter-rotating blades, and it saw extensive service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The H-21 was a reliable and versatile helicopter that served the Army well for many years.
