On 8th March 1954, Sikorsky S-58 medium rotorcraft performed its maiden flight.
The new American military helicopter was initially developed for the US Navy and intended for anti-submarine warfare. The rotorcraft was based on the previous design of the Sikorsky company, H-19 Chicksaw (company designation S-55), and powered by a radial, piston engine.
In September of 1954, the S-58 entered operational service with the US Navy, designated HSS-1 Seabat (for anti-submarine warfare) and HUS-1 Seahorse (for transport duties). One year later, the rotorcraft was acquired by the US Army, where it was designated H-34 Choctaw, and then by the US Marine Corps in 1957.
More information on that rotorcraft, including its development and operational service, can be found here, in one of our articles from Photo of the Week series.
