Sikorsky HR2S-1: Humongous Assault Helicopters.

The heavy S-56 (Sikorsky designation) was in its day the largest helicopter in the then called “Free World.” The design was originally built for the Marines as the HRS2-1, but was soon acquired in modified versions by the Navy and the Army (Mojave). Deliveries of the Marines variant began in 1956. Transport versions carried up to 36 troops with full gear, but also jeeps and other light vehicles. Powered by a pair of impressive but heavy 2100 hp P&W R-2800 piston engines, the design enjoyed a quite short service life. In total around 150 -few by American standards- were produced and all were withdrawn from service by the late 1960s.

Lovely 1950s “boys’ dream” artwork of spit & polish “Roughnecks” in action with HR2S-1s by Robert McCall. Clearly depicted in here their peculiar outboard engine pods which also housed the lanky retractable landing gear.