Genesis of the Army’s Cargo Helicopter Program

Since the end of World War II, General (GEN) Jacob L. Devers, Lieutenant General (LTG) James M. Gavin, and several other Army leaders had urged the USAF to develop and procure cargo helicopters to provide aerial support to the Army. Little development and even less procurement had occurred.

The genesis of the Army’s own cargo helicopter program in November 1949 required large helicopters to transport personnel, cargo, and equipment.

Notwithstanding the restrictions on the size and functions of Army aircraft, an Army Field Forces Board No. 1 study report, dated 16 November 1949, stated the Army had required five types of helicopters. Three of these, one 8,000-pound cargo and two flying crane types, were larger than the maximum size permitted by the JAAF Adjustment Regulations of 1949.

The G-3 Plans Division began to explore the possibilities of Army cargo helicopters shortly after the release of the November 1949 report. A report of 10 May 1950, prepared by Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Charles W. Matheny of the Army War Plans Branch of the Plans Division, recommended the Army organize and equip five transport helicopter companies.

The report urged the project be funded in fiscal year (FY) 1952 and suggested these companies be used to develop doctrine to employ cargo helicopters in the Army.

The outbreak of the Korean Conflict caused the plan to begin earlier than first recommended. On 9 August 1950, the Department of the Army directed the Army Field Forces to organize and train four helicopter companies equipped with H-19 helicopters.

A fifth helicopter transport company, to be equipped with Piasecki H-21 helicopters, was planned for the latter part of FY 1951. Orders for procurement were placed with the USAF in late August and September 1950. Five additional companies were planned shortly afterwards.

The Sikorsky H-19 Chicksaw became the standard cargo helicopter around which most early Army plans evolved. The 600-horsepower H-19C could transport 10 troops and had a gross weight of 7,500 pounds. The 4,795-pound empty weight of the H-19, however, was well above the 4,000-pound maximum allowed the Army by the JAAF Regulations of 1949.

The excess weight, combined with the obvious intent of Army planners to expand the mission of Army Aviation, worsened rivalry between the Army and USAF.

The Transportation Helicopter Company Tables of Organization and Equipment (TO&E) 55-57, completed in October 1950, called for two utility helicopters besides the 21 light cargo helicopters; company personnel of seven commissioned officers and 28 warrant officers, all rated helicopter pilots; and enlisted personnel for organizational maintenance, mess, and administrative services.

The company was to be divided into three platoons, each consisting of one lieutenant and nine warrant officers. Organizational maintenance was to be performed by the company, field maintenance by the Ordnance Corps, and depot maintenance by the USAF.

The TO&E was revised in July 1951 and again in August 1952 when a company maintenance detachment was authorized.

According to the TO&E, the mission of the transportation company was “to provide short-haul air transport to expedite tactical operations and logistical support in the forward areas of combat zone.” It further stipulated the missions as “both logistical and tactical.”

Intended missions of Army cargo helicopters included what later came to be called airmobility and air assault, as well as aerial supply. For example, helicopter units were designed to perform the specific mission of transporting an infantry rifle company, less vehicles, in on airlift. For this purpose, the helicopter company consisted of 21 cargo helicopters.

The 1949 JJAF Adjustment Regulation specifically assigned the aerial supply mission to the USAF. Although these regulations did not mention the aerial transport of troops into battle, this mission had been assigned to the USAF by the Key West Agreement. Also, USAF leaders apparently expected the weight limitations of Army aircraft, prescribed by the 1949 regulations, would preclude the Army’s exercise of this mission.

Overview

Medevac

Cargo Helicopters

Messengers

Payroll