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The Sikorsky H-5 Dragonfly, designated HO3S-1 in U.S. Navy service, became the first helicopter to replace fixed-wing aircraft operating with the fleet. Introduced in the late 1940s, the Dragonfly redefined shipboard rescue, replaced catapult-launched floatplanes, and helped establish early combat search and rescue during the Korean War.

PlaneTags made from BuNo 124352, the final HO3S-1 helicopter produced for the Navy, preserve a pivotal moment in naval aviation history.

OUR PLANE'S STORY

The H-5 evolved from Sikorsky’s earlier R-5 design and entered Navy service as the HO3S-1. Compact, lightweight, and powered by a Pratt & Whitney radial engine, the helicopter was capable of vertical takeoff from cruisers, battleships, and aircraft carriers.

Its primary missions included:

• Plane guard duty during carrier flight operations
• Search and rescue at sea
• Liaison and utility transport
• Early combat rescue support during the Korean War

The HO3S-1 proved that helicopters were not experimental novelties. They were operational necessities.

HO3S-1 DRAGONFLY 124352

               

Characteristics:

• Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft
• Model: HO3S-1
• BuNo: 124352
• Crew: Pilot + up to 3 occupants (configuration dependent)
• Rotor Diameter: 48 ft 0 in
• Fuselage Length: 41 ft 7 in
• Height: 13 ft 0 in

Performance:

• Max Range: 360 mi
• Max Speed: 106 mph
• Cruise Speed: 90 mph
• Service Ceiling: 14,400 ft
• Hover Ceiling: 8,000 ft
• Empty Weight: 3,780 lb
• Max Takeoff Weight: 4,825 lb
• Rate of Climb: 850 ft/min
• Engine: 1x Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-5 Wasp Junior

BuNo 124352

Accepted by the U.S. Navy in January 1950, BuNo 124352 represents one of the final HO3S-1 helicopters produced for naval service. During the early 1950s, Navy helicopters were integrated across the fleet, supporting rescue, transport, and safety operations during the rapid expansion of jet aviation.

Stricken in January 1960, this aircraft survived decades beyond its service life. It was later preserved by the U.S. Army Aviation Museum before entering the fleet of Scroggins Aviation, where it continues supporting motion picture and television productions.

MotoArt preserved a limited portion of this historic airframe to create PlaneTags.

Product Details

• Authentic aircraft aluminum from Sikorsky H-5 HO3S-1 BuNo 124352
• Individually engraved and serialized
• Made in the USA
• Includes detailed information card
• Limited release

Complete Your Whirlybird Collection

Early Naval Helicopters

• Piasecki HUP-3 Retriever
• Sikorsky H-34 Seabat

These represent the postwar expansion of fleet helicopter operations following the HO3S-1.

Cold War Maritime & Utility

• Sikorsky S-61 / H-3
• UH-46D Sea Knight
• SA 330J Puma N6973C

Shipboard assault, rescue, and transport evolved dramatically during this era.

Heavy Lift & Innovation

• Sikorsky S-60 Flying Crane
• CH-21B Workhorse 53-4389
• CH-47 Chinook

Helicopters expanded beyond rescue into construction, transport, and battlefield logistics.

Modern Combat & Special Operations

• AH-1W SuperCobra™ 163941
• EH-60A Black Hawk 87-24659
• MD 530F Jengi 0219FF
• Vertol YUH-61

From attack platforms to electronic warfare and agile utility aircraft, these helicopters represent the modern evolution of vertical lift.

DISCLAIMER

Sikorsky®, associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in the USA and/or other jurisdictions, used under license by MotoArt PlaneTags LLC.

Perfect Aviation Gift

PlaneTags are: 

• Authentic - made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. 
• Unique -  each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. 
• Collectible - each one is numbered in a limited edition and comes attached to a display card. 
  
• Versatile - comes with a durable metal ring, strong enough to attach to luggage or keys or display.

 

*Important Notice – Please Read Carefully

PlaneTags are made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. Because PlaneTags are made from real fuselage, each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. These variations and imperfections are not product flaws. They are part of the beauty of PlaneTags. As a result, you will not have an option to select the color of your PlaneTag. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.