Canadian Warplanes 7: Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw helicopter

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw

(DND Photo via Francois Dutil)

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw Helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 9632) and Vertol Canada CH-125 Workhorse, RCAF (Serial No. 9639).

Sikorsky S-58, RCAF H-34A, CH-126 Choctaw Helicopter (8), (Serial Nos. 9630-9635) 

           The S-58, also known as the H-34A is a much larger helicopter than the H-19, powered by a nose-mounted Wright R-1820-84engine.  CH-126 Choctaw helicopters were used by RCAF No. 448 Squadron for Search and Rescue operations.  The H-34A was flown by many nations in many different roles, including as a utility transport, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and VIP transport.   The transport versions could carry 12 to 16troops, or eight stretcher cases, while VIP transports carried significantly fewer people in significantly greater comfort.[1]  The H-34 was built in the UK and designated the “Wessex,” a helicopter used by members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment for parachuting with the UN in Cyprus. (Wikipedia)

(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw Helicopters, RCAF (Serial No. 9630) and (Serial No. 9631), (H-34A) of No. 108 (Communications) Squadron on a ramp with a TCA hangar in the background, c1956.

(DND Photo via Francois Dutil)

Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 9622), Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw (Serial No. 9632) and Vertol Canada CH-125 Workhorse (Serial No. 9639).  These helicopters are from No. 108 Communications Flight which was heavily involved during the construction of the DEW Line. On the 1st of June 1958 the Flight was re-designated as No. 5 (Helicopter) Operational Training Unit and was tasked with training H-21 and H-34 pilots. No. 108 Flight was based at Rockcliffe and Bagotville.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw Helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 9635).

(RCAF Photo via Fred Paradie)

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw Helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 9635). It served from 1956 to 1973 when it was struck off charge. It was registered as CF-NHJ, flew with Kenting Aircraft then Inland Air as Reg. No. N99275 in 1977 and then St Louis Helicopter.

(RCAF Photo courtesy of the Shearwater Aviation Museum)

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw Helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 9630).  

(DND Photo via James Craik)

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw Helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 9632).

(DND Photo)

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw Helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 9632).

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234556)

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw Helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 9632), in front of the CFB Kingston Hospital, ca 1960s.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4314086)

Sikorsky CH-126 Choctaw Helicopter, HRH Princess Margaret, Harrington Lake, Quebec, Aug 1958.

‍