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NEW YORK AIRWAYS PURCHASES SIKORSKY S-58 (CONT'D)

This machine is the commercial version of the SIKORSKY Army H-34 and Navy HSS helicopter. 

This order represents the first purchase by any operator of equipment substantially larger than the the SIKORSKY S-55, now operated by NEW YORK AIRWAYS and LOS ANGELES AIRWAYS. 

This step has been made necessary due to the tremendous demand for NEW YORK AIRWAYS' helicopter passenger service since its inauguration in July, 1953. 

These machines, to be delivered early next spring, will be the largest helicopters operated on any regularly scheduled service at any place in the world. Representing an investment of $2,000,000, the purchase of this new fleet will present many advantages for people living in the New York metropolitan area. 

This will be accomplished by increasing the passenger capacity of its helicopters from 5 to 12 people, by increasing the cursing speed from 85 miles an hour to 105 miles an hour, and due to an increase in engine horsepower, it will be possible to raise the useful load from 1200 lbs. to 4000 lbs. The S-58 will be powered by a Wright R-1820 radial engine rated at 1525 hp. 

The benefits incurred from the above will mean speedier service, greater capacity, and more convenient schedules than now prevailing. It is felt that the present hourly airport schedule will be increased to half-hourly operations, using the S-58 equipment. 

The SIKORSKY S-58 is built to carry 12 persons and a crew of 2. It uses interchangeable, all metal rotor blades which are immune to temperature and humidity extremes, and a simplified transmission with a 25% reduction in the number of parts. Fuel is carried in nylon neoprene cells. 

The basic unit price of the S-58 is said to be $248,000 as compared with the price of $146,000 for the S-55. 

Target date for the NEW YORK AIRWAYS first commercial operation, using the new S-58 will be June 15, 1956. Mr. Cummings stated at this press conference that NEW YORK AIRWAYS expects to retire some of its S-55 equipment, but intends to keep one or 2 machines of the older type. 

It is now the hope of the airline that by the time this new aircraft is delivered, a heliport will have been constructed in Manhattan into which NEW YORK AIRWAYS will be able to operate, achieving full use of helicopter service in the metropolitan area. 

Mr. Cummings also stated he did not feel that the noise level of the S-58 would be any higher than the S-55 since sound muffling devices are already being developed for possible use on this aircraft. Since the S-58 is equipped with 4-bladed rotors, less vibration will be felt by the passenger than in an earlier S-55s which use a 3-bladed rotor. The picture on the front cover depicts the commercial version of the H-34, to be know as the SIKORSKY S-58. 

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