SIKORSKY HO3S-1 DRAGONFLY

The Sikorsky R-5 was the second helicopter type to go into full production for the U.S. Air Force. The R-4 used in the last stages of World War II was primarily a trainer while the R-5 was intended for observation and rescue duties. The R-5 prototype first flew in August 1943. When the US Air Force became an independent service in 1948 the designation letter for helicopters was changed from "R" to "H" and the Dragonflies were redesignated H-4. In 1946, the Dragonfly became the second helicopter to enter Coast Guard service under the Navy designation HO3S-1G. A total of 9 helicopters served from 1946 to 1959.