H-5 Helicopter

The H-5 is the first chopper I worked on. We had these when I first got to Alaska in 54 with the 74th ARSq at Ladd AFB , Fairbanks Alaska.

The engine was mounted with the output shaft facing up. Changing the starter got you a face full of oil. The had fabric covered blades and had to be tracked almost constantly because of warping. Also had jack screws for servos actuated by bicycle like chains. Quite a chopper. We transitioned from these to H-19's then H-21's. We also had a B-17 for long range Rescue. (Bob Runninger)