Exploring the Legacy of the Piasecki HUP-3: A Pioneer in Military Aviation

The Piasecki HUP-3 was a versatile military helicopter, known for its crucial role in search and rescue and transport missions. BuNo 147621 was originally built as an Army Mule, but was converted to a Retriever and served the U.S. Navy for the remainder of its career. MotoArt Studios has preserved the original skins from BuNo 147621, and crafted them into exclusive PlaneTags—available on Whirlybird Wednesday, so read on and get ready to own a piece of aviation history!

What is the Piasecki HUP 3 Retriever?

The Piasecki HUP 3 Retriever is a tandem-rotor utility helicopter developed in the late 1940s by Piasecki Helicopter Corporation, primarily used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Known for its distinctive twin rotors and compact design, the HUP 3 was employed in various roles, including search and rescue, medical evacuation, and transport. It featured a unique autopilot system, making it one of the first helicopters capable of automatic hovering. The HUP 3 variant was a Naval utility conversion of H-25A aircraft which were transferred from the U.S. Army, with 50 going to the U.S. Navy and 3 to the Royal Canadian Navy. The HUP 3 was valued for its versatility and reliability in both land and sea operations.

History of the Piasecki HUP-3 Retriever

The Piasecki HUP-3 Retriever, also known as the H-25 Army Mule, was developed in the late 1940s by Piasecki Helicopter Corporation, a pioneer in rotorcraft technology. The HUP-3 was part of the broader Piasecki HUP Retriever series, designed to meet the U.S. Navy's requirements for a compact, reliable utility helicopter capable of operating from both land and sea. The prototype, designated XHJP-1, first flew in 1948, and the aircraft quickly garnered attention for its innovative design and versatility. The HUP-3 version, an upgrade from its predecessors, incorporated improved power plant performance and avionics, enhancing its operational capabilities.

HUP-3 Development and Design

The development of the Piasecki HUP-3 was driven by the need for a multi-role helicopter that could perform a wide range of missions, from search and rescue (SAR) to cargo transport. The design of the HUP-3 was distinctive, featuring a tandem rotor configuration with two intermeshing rotors mounted fore and aft on the fuselage. This design eliminated the need for a tail rotor, improving stability and allowing for more efficient use of power. The HUP-3 also featured an advanced autopilot system, which was ahead of its time, enabling it to perform automatic hovering and other maneuvers with minimal pilot input.

HUP-3 Role and Missions During Its Service

The Piasecki HUP-3 played a vital role in various missions during its service with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It was primarily used for search and rescue operations, where its ability to hover steadily and its compact size made it ideal for plucking downed airmen from the sea or evacuating wounded soldiers from difficult terrain. The HUP-3 was also employed for utility tasks such as cargo transport, personnel movement, and communication relay. Its versatility and reliability made it a valuable asset, particularly in amphibious operations where it could quickly transition between sea and land environments. The HUP-3 remained in service until the early 1960s, when it was gradually replaced by more advanced helicopter designs. Despite its eventual retirement, the HUP-3 left a lasting legacy as one of the early workhorses of rotary-wing aviation.

HUP-3 Key Features

The Piasecki HUP-3 was powered by a single Continental R-975 radial engine, delivering 550 horsepower. It had a maximum speed of approximately 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) and a range of around 300 miles (480 km). The helicopter could carry up to five passengers or a mix of crew and cargo, depending on the mission. One of its key features was the clamshell doors at the rear, which facilitated the loading and unloading of stretchers, cargo, or personnel. The HUP-3 also had the capability to be equipped with flotation gear, allowing it to operate from water surfaces in addition to ships and land-based airfields.

HUP-3 At A Glance

HUP-3 Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Piasecki
• Model: HUP-3
• BuNo: 147621
• Crew: 2 (Pilot, Co-Pilot)
• Passengers: 4
• Rotor Diameter: 35 ft 0 in 
• Length: 56 ft 11 in 
• Height: 12 ft 6 in

HUP-3 Performance

• Range: 340 mi
• Cruise Speed: 80 mph
• Ceiling: 10,000 ft
• Empty Weight: 3,928 lb
• Max Takeoff Weight: 6,100 lb
• Rate of Climb: 100 ft/min
• Engine: 1x Continental R-975-46A Radial

Operational Use of the HUP-3 Retriever

The Piasecki HUP-3 Retriever, also known as the UH-25C in its later designation, saw extensive operational use across various branches of the U.S. military, including the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Each branch leveraged the HUP-3's unique capabilities to fulfill distinct roles, ranging from critical search and rescue (SAR) missions to logistics, transport, and training. Its versatility and reliability made it a valuable asset, particularly during the post-World War II era when helicopter technology was rapidly advancing.

HUP-3 Roles in Different Branches of the Military

The U.S. Navy was the primary operator of the HUP-3, where it was used primarily for search and rescue operations. The Marine Corps and Coast Guard also employed the HUP-3, benefiting from its ability to operate from both ships and land bases. In these roles, the HUP-3 was tasked with a variety of missions, including personnel transport, cargo delivery, and communication relay. Its ability to perform in diverse environments made it particularly valuable in amphibious operations, where transitioning between sea and land was a frequent requirement.

Search and Rescue Missions

One of the most critical roles of the HUP-3 was in search and rescue (SAR) missions. The helicopter's tandem rotor design allowed for stable hovering, which was crucial during rescues, especially in challenging conditions such as rough seas or mountainous terrain. The HUP-3's compact size and agility enabled it to reach areas that were inaccessible to larger aircraft, making it an indispensable tool for saving lives. Its rear clamshell doors were particularly useful for quickly loading stretchers and evacuating wounded personnel, often directly from the field or the deck of a ship.

Logistics and Transport Missions

In addition to its SAR capabilities, the HUP-3 played a significant role in logistics and transport missions. The helicopter was used to move personnel, equipment, and supplies between ships and shore facilities, as well as within operational areas. Its ability to operate from small ship decks made it ideal for supporting naval operations, where it could quickly deliver critical supplies or evacuate injured sailors. The HUP-3's versatility also extended to transporting light cargo and even small vehicles, making it a workhorse in various logistical scenarios.

Training and Support Roles

The HUP-3 also served in training and support roles within the military. Its relatively simple design and reliable performance made it an excellent platform for training pilots and aircrew in rotary-wing operations. Additionally, the helicopter was used in various support roles, such as communication relay, where it provided a critical link between ground forces and command centers. The HUP-3's ability to adapt to different mission profiles made it a valuable asset not only in combat but also in peacetime operations, where training and readiness were paramount.

BuNo 147621

BuNo 147621 was initially constructed as an H-25A Army Mule in 1951 and delivered to the U.S. Army. However, its time in Army service was brief, as it was quickly withdrawn from service, converted for naval use, and redesignated as a HUP-3 Retriever. The helicopter was then transferred to the U.S. Navy on April 12, 1958, where it served in various roles typical of the HUP-3 series, including search and rescue, utility transport, and potentially anti-submarine warfare operations. By March 21, 1963, BuNo 147621 was struck off charge by the U.S. Navy and subsequently sold. 

MotoArt Finds A HUP-3

Decades later, in 2024, MotoArt Studios acquired the original skins from this historic helicopter and preserved them as PlaneTags, allowing aviation enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of this unique aircraft's history​. 

Piasecki HUP-3 Retriever PlaneTags

Piasecki HUP-3 Retriever PlaneTags will be released on Whirlybird Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 12 PM Pacific Time. They are a limited edition series of 2,500 and will be available on planetags.com and the PlaneTags app. 

Piasecki PlaneTags

Add a Piasecki HUP-3 to your PlaneTags collection today. Our previous Piasecki whirlybird, the Piasecki H-21B, has been sold out​ and we expect the same with the HUP-3. Don’t miss this opportunity!

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