Hi Everyone,

I’m posting here in the hope that someone may be able to help. I’m engaged in researching the histories of the over 250 Sikorsky S-55 helicopters operated by the Marine Corps as the HRS. I have a database site at: http://www.hrs-helicopter.com.

Several HRS’s and other S-55 variants (H-19, HO4S) made it to the civil market and many were operated as aerial applicators. Some of those were so modified by Orlando Helicopter Airways. Owner Fred Clark has been most helpful to me.

I’m seeking any photos and/or histories of any S-55’s (especially former HRS’s) used as aerial applicators. Ownership, years, locations, usage, accidents, stories, and photographs are all appreciated.

HRS’s of which I’m aware were or may have been used as aerial applicators are:

Modified and/or operated by Orlando
N4779S
N4780S
N4781S
N4782S
N4957S
N8307

Doan Helicopter
Bureau number 127828 (No civil registration known. Preserved at USMC Museum, Quantico.)
N95760
N95761

Carson Helicopter
N6872C
N873Z

Misc. Ownership
N15186
N15187
N94475
N8327
N90407
N49234

Below are a few photographs I have already.






Many Thanks!

Craig Compton in Richvale Ca. ran some he'd be a guy to talk to

Thanks. I've already been in contact with AVAG and one of their folks is looking for info for me.

Hi Craig,

great stuff! We have a couple ex military helo pilots, although they lurk here neither is really active on the site. I will point them to this thread in the event that they might have something for you.

Take care, Rob

I thought the second pic of the orange and white one was a post-fire pic. I had to look twice. Just needs a bath REEEEALLY bad!

I'm not much help but i know someone was looking for a pilot flying one drying cherries in Washington/Oregon about 2 years ago.

Might be a little tough keeping one on top of the load truck with those wheels.

good luck
Brent

Brent,

Indeed, N15187 was very...uh...I'll say, utilitarian... at that stage of its service. But, that's okay because it was the many civilian, utilitarian roles (aerial application, fire bombing, research) that former military aircraft served which contributes to the many which are preserved as operational warbirds and museum displays today.

N15187 (Bureau Number 129024) was modified by Orlando Helicopter Airways and sold by them to Helivac back in February 1976.