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For over 25 years, the Sikorsky Seaguard helicopter served as a dependable search-and-rescue aircraft for the U.S. Coast Guard. Based on the Sikorsky S-62A, its design integrated mechanical components from the S-55 (more commonly known as the H-19 Chickasaw) into an amphibious airframe with a high-performance gas turbine engine. The Seaguard design introduced corrosion-resistant aluminum skin, replacing the magnesium commonly used in helicopters to that point. First flight of the S-62A occurred in May 1958, with initial production sold to private civil companies and multiple government agencies.
The HH-52A version was developed in 1963 to meet Coast Guard requirements and represented 99 of the 145 total S-62 series airframes produced. USCG Seaguards typically had a crew of three, with accommodations for up to nine passengers. HH-52s operated from Coast Guard vessels such as cutters and icebreakers, as well as from air stations. The Seaguard brought highly flexible capabilities to the Coast Guard. During its 26-year operational career, it has been credited with saving 15,000 lives, assisting 25,000 others, and saving a half billion dollars in property loss and damage.
The Museum's HH-52A entered service in 1966, and its base locations included Detroit, Michigan; Mobile, Alabama; Elizabeth City, North Carolina; and Cape May, New Jersey. It served aboard the icebreakers USCGC Staten Island, USCGC Northwind, and USCGC Westwind. Its last station was Port Angeles, Washington. After its retirement, it was donated to The Museum of Flight in 1988. Following restoration by a team of active and retired USCG volunteers, the Seaguard was placed on display in 2011.
For over 25 years, the Sikorsky Seaguard helicopter served as a dependable search-and-rescue aircraft for the U.S. Coast Guard. Based on the Sikorsky S-62A, its design integrated mechanical components from the S-55 (more commonly known as the H-19 Chickasaw) into an amphibious airframe with a high-performance gas turbine engine. The Seaguard design introduced corrosion-resistant aluminum skin, replacing the magnesium commonly used in helicopters to that point. First flight of the S-62A occurred in May 1958, with initial production sold to private civil companies and multiple government agencies.
The HH-52A version was developed in 1963 to meet Coast Guard requirements and represented 99 of the 145 total S-62 series airframes produced. USCG Seaguards typically had a crew of three, with accommodations for up to nine passengers. HH-52s operated from Coast Guard vessels such as cutters and icebreakers, as well as from air stations. The Seaguard brought highly flexible capabilities to the Coast Guard. During its 26-year operational career, it has been credited with saving 15,000 lives, assisting 25,000 others, and saving a half billion dollars in property loss and damage.
The Museum's HH-52A entered service in 1966, and its base locations included Detroit, Michigan; Mobile, Alabama; Elizabeth City, North Carolina; and Cape May, New Jersey. It served aboard the icebreakers USCGC Staten Island, USCGC Northwind, and USCGC Westwind. Its last station was Port Angeles, Washington. After its retirement, it was donated to The Museum of Flight in 1988. Following restoration by a team of active and retired USCG volunteers, the Seaguard was placed on display in 2011.
