1956 Sikorsky S-58ET N58AH Big Dawg Aris Helicopter

1956 Sikorsky S-58ET N58AH Big Dawg Aris Helicopters Background Early development of the Sikorsky S-58 (H-34) helicopter was accomplished with company funds as a follow on for the S-55 (H-19) helicopter. It was twice as powerful as the S-55 and much more aerodynamic. It was marketed to the Navy and Marine Corps but the Navy chose the Bell HSL-1 helicopter and the Marines the S-56 (H-37) helicopter. Problems with both these programs led both customers back to Sikorsky to purchase over 1,000 S-58 helicopters in two configurations. The Navy Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) version SH-34J (HSS-1 and HSS-1N) was contracted for in June 1952. First flight was on March 8, 1954. A US Army order for the H-34A followed in 1955. Marines purchased a Utility version UH-34D (HUS-1) in 1957. During the following years, customers like the US Air Force, US Coast Guard, foreign militaries, and licensed production in France, Great Britain and Italy over 25 years swelled the number of S-58 Helicopters built to over 2,300 units. These aircraft went by many different models and nicknames: