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Sikorsky S-51
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Sikorsky S-51
Bea Helicopters British European Airways Sikorsky S-51 with Gpo Postmen Unloading the Mail Bags after a Royal Air Mail Service from Peterborough to Yarmouth Date: 1948
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Media ID 18408576
© aviation-images.com / Mary Evans Picture Library
1948 Airways Helicopter Helicopters Ho2s 1 Ho3s 1 S 51 Sikorsky Vs 327 Aerolane
EDITORS COMMENTS
1948: A Historic Moment in Aviation History - The Sikorsky S-51 Helicopter in Action for the Royal Air Mail Service This photograph captures a pivotal moment in aviation history, as a Sikorsky S-51 helicopter, registered G-AJ-XJX and operated by Bea Helicopters (British European Airways), lands at Yarmouth Airfield, England, in 1948. The helicopter, with its distinctive red, white, and blue livery, is seen here unloading mailbags after a Royal Air Mail Service flight from Peterborough. The Sikorsky S-51, also known as the R-5 and H-5, was a versatile and pioneering helicopter design produced by the American Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. This particular aircraft, serial number 51216, was one of the first Sikorsky S-51s to be delivered to the UK, where it was operated by Bea Helicopters for various roles, including passenger transport, aerial photography, and postal services. The Royal Air Mail Service, which began in 1948, was a groundbreaking initiative that utilized helicopters to deliver mail between remote and hard-to-reach areas, revolutionizing the way mail was transported across the country. This photograph is a testament to the innovative spirit of the 1940s aviation industry and the significant role helicopters played in expanding the horizons of air travel. In the image, we see the GPO (General Post Office) postmen diligently unloading the mailbags from the helicopter, which was affectionately known as the "Flying Post Office." The Ho2S-1 and Ho3S-1 helicopters, as well as the VS-327, were also part of the Royal Air Mail Service fleet, making this era a fascinating time in the history of both helicopters and the postal service. This photograph, with its rich historical context, offers a unique glimpse into the past and serves as a reminder of the ingenuity, determination, and progress that characterized the early days of helicopter aviation.
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