PIASECKI
H-25 MULE (UH-25B)
| Delivered to the Navy in
early 1949, the all metal Piasecki HUP-3 "Retriever" was of the same twin
rotor design as the company's earlier "Flying Banana". As the first production
helicopter equipped with an auto-pilot, the HUP-3 was designed to fly and
hover on instruments.
However, the system was unreliable
and saw no significant utilization. An electrically operated hatch door
in the fuselage allowed litters to be hoisted directly into the cabin of
the aircraft, and the small, compact fuselage enabled it to be stowed aboard
aircraft carriers without having to fold the rotor blades. |
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Capable of carrying a two-man
crew and five passengers, the UH-25 was used primarily by the Navy for
air-sea rescue, liaison, replenishment, and plane guard duties, all of
which were performed admirably during the Korean War. Some versions were
equipped with sonar devices for use as anti-submarine helicopters. At the
height of their career in the Navy, the "Retrievers" were carried aboard
all aircraft carriers of the fleet.
A total of 339 production
models were built for use by the United States Navy and Army, the Royal
Canadian Navy and the French Navy.
The Museum's HUP-3 is currently
being restored. |
| SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Span: |
35' (Rotor Blades) |
| Length: |
32' |
| Height: |
12 ft 6 in |
| Weight: |
5,440 lbs gross |
| Armament: |
None |
| Engines: |
One 550 hp Continental R-975-46A |
| Crew: |
Two (2); Pilot & Co-Pilot |
| Cost: |
$ |
| Tail Number: |
129989 |
| Years in Service: |
1949 - 1964 |
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| PERFORMANCE |
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| Maximum Speed: |
105 mph |
| Cruising Speed: |
85 mph |
| Range: |
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| Service Ceiling: |
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To learn more about
the exciting possibilities at Grissom Air Museum, view our Site Map or
Contact us.
Call us today at (765)
689-8011
Have questions? Contact
us today. Inquiries are always welcome.
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