Open : 10am - 4pm, Tuesday - Saturday

Open : 10am - 4pm, Tuesday - Saturday

1946-1975 / JET AGE

Piasecki Helicopter
HUP-3 Restriever

Utility, Planeguard, Search and Rescue

Piasecki Helicopter HUP-3 Retriever

Service History

  • Delivered: Dec 4, 1949
  • 1958-6/60 NAS Norfolk, VA, 1960 Norton, Dallas, TX, San Diego, CA
  • 1961 Ream Field, Ticonderoga, Cubi Point, Phillipines, Atsugi, Japan, St Paul
  • 1962 Ream Field, Atsugi, Japan and redesignated UH-25C
  • 1963 Kitty Hawk, Ream Field and storage at Litchfield Park, AZ
  • Stricken: 1968

At the height of its career, the HUP was on every aircraft carrier in the American feet. The Army version H-25A carried pilot, co-pilot, three stretchers or 4 passengers and featured a 400 LB hydrolic hoist. The HUP was also the first production helicopter to feature auto-pilot.

Frank N. Piasecki worked for Kellet Autogryro until 1943 when he started his own company. Piasecki held the first helicopter pilot’s license issued in the U.S. he produced the second helicopter to fly in the U.S. and the largest and first practical tandem rotor helicopter (HRP).

The HUP was active in Korea serving as transport and liason as well as land and sea rescue.

This is one of 50 Army H-25’s, (serial # 147582-147630) that were acquired by the NAVY and became HUP-3’s (later UH-25C).