YH-16 Mechanic----Almost

How I almost became one of the first YH-16 helicopter mechanics. Before I tell that story let me give you some background information on this huge bird that is pictured above.

In 1946 the Army Air Forces awarded Piasecki Aircraft a contract for the development of a tandem rotor helicopter intended for use in the long-range search and rescue (SAR) role. The resultant Piasecki Model PV-15 was originally given the military designation XR-16 (R denoting rotorcraft under the World War II system), though this was changed to XH-16 in June 1948. The Air Force placed an order for two service test and evaluation aircraft in June 1949, and subsequently allocated the serial numbers 50-1269 and -1270 for these machines.

Though originally intended for the SAR role the Transporter, as the H-16 was ultimately named, evolved during the design process into a heavy-lift craft equipped with a tail loading ramp and optimized for troop and cargo transport

The first Transporter (serial 50-1269) was powered by two 1650hp Pratt & Whitney piston engines and made its first flight in October 1953 with the designation YH-16. During construction the second prototype (50-1270) was modified to Model PV-45 standard through the replacement of its piston engines with two 1800shp Allison turboshafts. The change in powerplants and inclusion of various structural modifications prompted a redesignation to XH-27 in October 1952, though this was changed to YH-16A prior to the aircraft's first flight in 1955.

The Air Force ultimately decided against procuring the H-16 for operational use, and in 1955 the YH-16 was turned over to the Army for evaluation. The Army found the piston-driven Transporter to be underpowered and therefore awarded the reorganized Vertol Company a contract for the machine's conversion to turbine power. The aircraft was duly equipped with two 2100shp Allison turboshafts, modified to carry up to fifty troops, and redesignated YH-16B. Despite these improvements the type was ultimately judged to be unsuited to sustained operations under field conditions, and the Army terminated the H-16 test program in mid-1956.

Now that you have the background on the YH-16 I will continue with my story.

After completing Basic Training in September 1954 I received a direct duty assignment as a 43010 helicopter mechanic apprentice. Along with numerous others I was sent to Eglin AFB for the purpose of becoming a YH-16 helicopter mechanic.

It was much later that we found out about the YH-16. We were told it was a CX and most of us didn't even know what the YH-16 was. The aircraft was to be utilized for SAR purposes supporting the B-36 during flights over Alaska.

In the interim I was assigned to the climatic hangar working on the YH-21 blade de-icing test.

When the Air Force determined the B-36 was going to be replaced the YH-16 project was cancelled and we never seen the aircraft.

So that is how I "almost" became a YH-16 helicopter mechanic.
(Ron Smitham)