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BOAT-HULLED, TURBINE-POWERED SIKORSKY HSS-2 WHICH BROKE RECORDS WILL SOON ENTER FLEET SERVICE WITH THE ASW FORCES

...AND SMASHES TWO WORLD RECORDS

TWO HELICOPTER world speed records have been claimed by the Navy, based on flights of the new HSS-2 ASW helicopter. Both records have been submitted to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale for certification by its U. S. member, NAA.

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FLIGHT IS TIMED TO THE SPLIT SECOND

Cdr. Patrick L. Sullivan and Lt. Beverly W. Witherspoon flew the turbine-powered, boat-hulled helicopter at 192.9 mph over a three-kilometer (1.86 mile) straight-away at Windsor Locks, Conn., May 17. Fastest previous helo speed was 167.09 mph by a Russian MIL-6 helicopter on a 100-kilometer course in 1959.

Seven days later, the same pilots flew the HSS-2 at 174.9 mph over a 100-kilometer closed course to claim a record for that distance.

Cdr. Sullivan is assigned to the Flight Test division at NATC PATUXENT RIVER. He served previously in HS-11. Lt. Witherspoon, also a veteran of HS-11 service, is an HSS-2 project pilot at NATC PATUXENT RIVER.

Soon to enter fleet service, the HSS-2 can operate from land or from carriers. In emergencies it can land on take take off from water.

The Navy's first helicopter completely suited for night and instrument flight, the big HSS-2 can detect, identify, track, and destroy submarines.

All weather flight is made possible by automatics stabilization equipment, radar navigation devices, and protective devices, which prevent icing on the windshields and on the engines.

The boat hulled HSS-2, which is powered by two GE T-58 gas turbine engines, will be a key weapon in the nation's ASW defenses when it goes into Fleet service in the near future.

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WINNING PILOTS SULLIVAN, WITHERSPOON

JULY 1961                                             23