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

Dimensions

Length

56 ft 8.5 in (17.28 m)

Rotor diameter

56 ft 0 in (17.07 m)

Height

15 ft 11 in (4.85 m)

Disc area

2,463 ft² (228.85 m²)

Empty weight

7,900 lb (3,583 kg)

Max. takeoff weight

14,000 lb (6,350 kg)

Performance

Maximum forward speed

123 mph

Maximum rate of climb at sea level

1100 ft per min

Hover with ground effect

4900 ft

Hover without ground effect

2400 ft

Powerplant

Wright model R-1820-84 radial air cooled engine.

Armament

Armament depended upon the mission. As gunship it carried two M60 general purpose machine guns or two 19 2.75 in. rocket pods with 19 rockets each.