Sikorsky XHJS

The Sikorsky XHJS-1 (manufacturer designation S-53), was developed by Sikorsky Aircraft to meet a Naval requirement for a utility helicopter. The XHJS-1 was not ordered into production and only two prototypes were built.

Design and development
Powered by a 525 hp Continental R-975-34 the S-53 was a development of the S-51 designed for use on aircraft carriers. The tail rotor was raised above head-height to give more clearance and the landing gear was made stronger to enable operations from a moving deck. Other enhancements were a folding main rotor and the option for amphibious landing gear. Two prototypes were ordered by the United States Navy as the XHJS-1 and the first flew on 22 September 1947. The type was evaluated against the Piaseckli XHJP-1. With the Piasceki design being ordered as the HUP-1 by the Navy the S-53 was not developed further.

Variants

 * XHJS-1
 * Prototype Naval utility helicopter, two built (BuNo 30368 and 30370).