Difference between revisions of "H-34 (France)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=h_34_france}}
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{{About
 +
| about = utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = the other version
 +
| link = H-34
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}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=h_34_france
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The Sikorsky H-34 was manufactured as a piston-engined military helicopter originally intended for anti-submarine warfare; however, it has also seen service as a medium transport helicopter and as a combat helicopter. This tail dragging helicopter has the radial reciprocating engine mounted in the nose of the aircraft, with the driveshaft traversing through the cockpit. French aviation company Sud-Aviation assembled a total of 135 H-34s built in the US, along with a total of 166 H-34s produced by Sud-Aviation under license from Sikorsky for use in the French Air Force, Navy, and Army Aviation (ALAT). Due to the ruggedness of the H-34, it had an impressive track record under French command in the Algerian War where it garnered over 190,000 flying hours evacuating French troops from combat locations, including many night-time operations.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. This helicopter was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]]
 
  
−
The Sikorsky H-34 was manufactured as a piston-engined military helicopter originally intended for anti-submarine warfare, however, it also has seen service as a medium transport helicopter and as a combat helicopter. This tail dragging helicopter has the radial reciprocating engine mounted in the nose of the aircraft with the driveshaft traversing through the cockpit.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]]. Unlike other helicopters, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' has a very large size, which comes with severe drawbacks - it is not agile at all and a very big target for enemy anti-aircraft fire. It is, however, quite fast, being able to consistently maintain 300 km/h in level flight. With a range of armaments including bombs, rockets, and ATGMs, the H-34 has a variety of options for dealing with enemy armour; however, be wary of flying too close to enemy SPAA, as its sluggishness and lack of armour protection make it an excellent target.
−
Initial flight of this helicopter took place in March 1954 and the first to enter service with the U.S. Navy took place only six months later.  The U.S. Army and Marine Corps also placed orders for this helicopter in 1955 and 1957.  Other designations of this helicopter include SH-34, UH-34 and CH-34.  For transport purposes, this helicopter can be configured to carry between 12 to 16 troops or if utilized in the role of MedEvac, up to eight stretchers.
 
  
−
French aviation company Sud-Aviation assembled a total of 135 H-34’s built in the U.S. along with a total of 166 H-34s produced by Sud-Aviation under license from Sikorsky for use in the French Air Force, Navy and Army Aviation (ALAT).
+
== General info ==
 +
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
−
Due to the ruggedness of the H-34, it had an impressive track record under French command in the Algerian War where it garnered over 190,000 flying hours evacuating French troops from combat locations, including many nighttime operations.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 500 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 182 || 169 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 213 || 198
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
Production of the H-34 terminated in 1968 by Sikorsky after building a total of 1,821 of these helicopters.
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 +
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.''
  
−
== General info ==
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
−
 
 
−
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
−
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, how many engines the vehicle has. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
=== Offensive armament ===
+
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
 
−
 
 
−
''Main Article:  [[Browning (7.62 mm)|'''Browning (7.62 mm)''']]''
 
−
 
 
−
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
 
−
 
 
−
The helicopter's machine guns are mounted towards the nose of the helicopter in front of the landing gear struts. These machine guns can be loaded with one of four different ammo belts (Default, Universal, Tracers, and Stealth). However, owing to their small caliber, they are only effective for attacking very lightly armored targets (<10mm maximum armor thickness), they have limited effectiveness against aircraft, and are ultimately useless against armored targets. Their relatively low rate of fire offers better aim controllability at the expense of total damage output.
 
−
 
 
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|Type 61C (50 kg)|AS.11|HVAR|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
'''Option 1:'''
+
The helicopter's machine guns are mounted towards the nose of the helicopter, in front of the landing gear struts. These machine guns can be loaded with one of four different ammo belts (Default, Universal, Tracers, and Stealth). However, owing to their small calibre, they are only effective for attacking very lightly armoured targets (< 10 mm maximum armour thickness), they have limited effectiveness against aircraft and are ultimately useless against armoured targets. Their relatively low rate of fire offers better aim controllability at the expense of total damage output.
  
−
''Main Articles: '''[[AGM-22]], [[HVAR]]'''''
 
  
−
* 2 x AGM-22 Missiles
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
* 6 x HVAR Unguided Rockets
 
  
−
In this configuration, the H-34 is equipped with two AGM-22 ATGM pylons mounted alongside the nose of the aircraft, along with six HVAR unguided rockets mounted on a vertical rail on the left side of the helicopter.
+
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total) + 2 x AS.11 missiles + 6 x HVAR rockets
  
−
The helicopter's six HVAR rockets with their 36mm of high-explosive armor penetration are effective at crippling and possibly destroying enemy tanks with well-placed shots to the roof, engine deck, and tracks. However, their awkward placement on a vertical rail on the left side of the helicopter, as well as their relatively slower velocity and increased drop compared to most other unguided rockets, makes precisely aiming these rockets tricky.
+
In this configuration, the H-34 is equipped with two AS.11 ATGM pylons mounted alongside the nose of the aircraft, along with six HVAR unguided rockets mounted on a vertical rail on the left side of the helicopter.
  
−
A far more effective weapon versus armored targets, the helicopter's two AGM-22 ATGM's with their 600mm of armor penetration can easily damage and destroy enemy tanks and other armored targets with a well placed hit. However, this helicopter can only carry two of these missiles at a time, the smallest ATGM loadout of any helicopter in the game, which severely limits the helicopter's combat potential.
+
The helicopter's six HVAR rockets with their 36 mm of high-explosive armour penetration are effective at crippling and possibly destroying enemy tanks with well-placed shots to the roof, engine deck, and tracks. However, their awkward placement on a vertical rail on the left side of the helicopter, as well as their relatively slower velocity and increased drop compared to most other unguided rockets, makes precisely aiming these rockets tricky.
  
−
'''Option 2:'''
+
A far more effective weapon versus armoured targets, the helicopter's two AS.11 ATGM's with their 600 mm of armour penetration can easily damage and destroy enemy tanks and other armoured targets with a well-placed hit. However, this helicopter can only carry two of these missiles at a time, the smallest ATGM loadout of any helicopter in the game, which severely limits the helicopter's combat potential.
  
−
* 10 x 50kg Type 61C Bombs
+
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total) + 10 x 50 kg Type 61C bombs (500 kg total)
  
−
In this configuration, the H-34 is equipped with ten 50kg Type-61C bombs, with six bombs loaded onto external pylons on the sides of the helicopter, and four bombs mounted on rails below the fuselage. These bombs can destroy enemy armored vehicles when dropped within 2 meters of the target. Their small explosive mass requires particularly careful aim in order to effectively strike at ground targets. However, care must still be taken in order to remain out of the 67m fragmentation radius of these bombs in order to avoid splash damage to the helicopter itself.
+
In this configuration, the H-34 is equipped with ten 50 kg Type-61C bombs, with six bombs loaded onto external pylons on the sides of the helicopter, and four bombs mounted on rails below the fuselage. These bombs can destroy enemy armoured vehicles when dropped within 2 meters of the target. Their small explosive mass requires particularly careful aim in order to effectively strike at ground targets. However, care must still be taken in order to remain out of the 67 m fragmentation radius of these bombs in order to avoid splash damage to the helicopter itself.
  
−
==Usage in battles==
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the helicopter, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
  
−
===Modules===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" |Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" |Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Compressor||
 
−
| Flak jacket
 
−
| Offensive 7 mm||
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| ||
 
−
| Helicopter frame
 
−
| ||Type 61C
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Engine||Replacing helicopter blades
 
−
|
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs||
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| ||
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| ||
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Pros and cons===
 
−
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".-->
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Surprisingly fast, able to maintain speeds in excess of 322 kph (200 mph) in level flight
+
* Surprisingly fast, able to maintain speeds in excess of 322 km/h (200 mph) in level flight
 
* Decent structural durability, though this isn't saying much
 
* Decent structural durability, though this isn't saying much
  
Line 101: Line 84:
 
* Weak engine and rotor transmission durability - a few hits from light-caliber rounds can quickly destroy them
 
* Weak engine and rotor transmission durability - a few hits from light-caliber rounds can quickly destroy them
 
* Awkward HVAR rocket placement makes accurate aim tricky
 
* Awkward HVAR rocket placement makes accurate aim tricky
−
* Bomb loadout is inadequate against heavily armored targets
+
* Bomb loadout is inadequate against heavily armoured targets
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
The H-34 was developed in the early 1950s as the successor to the H-19 Chickasaw. The new helicopter was enlarged and was overall more powerful than its predecessor, yet still retained some of the core design elements, such as the nose-mounted radial engine under the cockpit.
+
The H-34 was developed in the early 1950s as the successor to the H-19 Chickasaw. The new helicopter was enlarged and was overall more powerful than its predecessor, yet still retained some core design elements, such as the nose-mounted radial engine under the cockpit.
  
 
The H-34 performed its maiden flight in March 1954 and was adopted into service shortly afterwards, first with the U.S. Navy in 1955 and then U.S. Army in 1956.
 
The H-34 performed its maiden flight in March 1954 and was adopted into service shortly afterwards, first with the U.S. Navy in 1955 and then U.S. Army in 1956.
  
−
However, the H-34 was also widely exported and built under licence by other nations. France was one of the earliest nations to adopt the H-34, with it entering service in 1956. France initially received a large number of American-built disassembled H-34s, which were then reassembled in France. Later on, the Sud-Aviation company acquired a licence to produce the H-34s locally. In the end, close to 300 French H-34s were built and used by the French forces. The vehicle was actively used during the war in Algeria, marking the first mass use of attack helicopters by the French army.
+
However, the H-34 was also widely exported and built under licence by other nations. France was one of the earliest nations to adopt the H-34, with it entering service in 1956. France initially received numerous American-built disassembled H-34s, which were then reassembled in France. Later on, the Sud-Aviation company acquired a licence to produce the H-34s locally. In the end, close to 300 French H-34s were built and used by the French forces. The vehicle was actively used during the war in Algeria, marking the first mass use of attack helicopters by the French army.
  
−
Of course, the H-34 Choctaw saw service with many more countries around the world and participated in numerous conflicts of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Although the helicopter was being phased out from military service with most operators by the 1970s, the H-34 (or S-58 if the civilian designation is used) is still being used for civilian operations today. In total, over 2,100 H-34s were built when taking into account all modifications of the type.
+
Of course, the H-34 Choctaw saw service with many more countries around the world and participated in numerous conflicts of the '50s and '60s. Although the helicopter was being phased out from military service with most operators by the 1970s, the H-34 (or S-58 if the civilian designation is used) is still being used for civilian operations today. In total, over 2,100 H-34s were built when taking into account all modifications of the type.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6083-development-h-34-choctaw-a-worthy-start-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/6083-development-h-34-choctaw-a-worthy-start-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=h_34_france Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:H-34 France WTWallpaper 001.jpg
 +
File:H-34 France WTWallpaper 002.jpg
 +
File:H-34 France WTWallpaper 003.jpg
 +
File:H-34 France WTWallpaper 004.jpg
 +
File:H-34 France WTWallpaper 005.jpg
 +
File:H-34 France WTWallpaper 006.jpg
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|jjanlLrycGo|'''The Shooting Range #156''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:13 discusses the H-34.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related aircraft
 +
 
 +
* Sikorsky [[H-34]] (USA)
 +
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
* Mil [[Mi-4AV|Mi-4]] Hound
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on helicopter;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6083-development-h-34-choctaw-a-worthy-start-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> H-34 Choctaw: A Worthy Start]
+
* [[wt:en/news/6083-development-h-34-choctaw-a-worthy-start-en|[Devblog] H-34 Choctaw: A Worthy Start]]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Sikorsky}}
 
{{France helicopters}}
 
{{France helicopters}}

Revision as of 21:20, 8 July 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the utility helicopter H-34 (France). For the other version, see H-34.
▄H-34
h_34_france.png
GarageImage H-34 (France).jpg
▄H-34
France flag.png France
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.3 7.7 8.3
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:390 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Sikorsky H-34 was manufactured as a piston-engined military helicopter originally intended for anti-submarine warfare; however, it has also seen service as a medium transport helicopter and as a combat helicopter. This tail dragging helicopter has the radial reciprocating engine mounted in the nose of the aircraft, with the driveshaft traversing through the cockpit. French aviation company Sud-Aviation assembled a total of 135 H-34s built in the US, along with a total of 166 H-34s produced by Sud-Aviation under license from Sikorsky for use in the French Air Force, Navy, and Army Aviation (ALAT). Due to the ruggedness of the H-34, it had an impressive track record under French command in the Algerian War where it garnered over 190,000 flying hours evacuating French troops from combat locations, including many night-time operations.

It was introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On". Unlike other helicopters, the ▄H-34 has a very large size, which comes with severe drawbacks - it is not agile at all and a very big target for enemy anti-aircraft fire. It is, however, quite fast, being able to consistently maintain 300 km/h in level flight. With a range of armaments including bombs, rockets, and ATGMs, the H-34 has a variety of options for dealing with enemy armour; however, be wary of flying too close to enemy SPAA, as its sluggishness and lack of armour protection make it an excellent target.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 500 m198 km/h
Max altitude6 000 m
EngineWright R-1820-84
Power1 420 hp
Take-off weight6 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 500 m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 182 169 6000
Upgraded 213 198

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural450 km/h
Gear420 km/h

Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB9 263 → 11 986 Sl icon.png
RB2 507 → 3 244 Sl icon.png
SB4 539 → 5 873 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications114 300 Rp icon.png
212 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts390 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg30_belt_pack
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Type 61C
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg30_new_gun
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (2)
Setup 12 x AS.11 missiles
6 x HVAR rockets
4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun (ammunition: 1 000 rounds)
Setup 210 x 50 kg Type 61C
4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun (ammunition: 1 000 rounds)
Main articles: Type 61C (50 kg), AS.11, HVAR, Browning (7.62 mm)

The helicopter's machine guns are mounted towards the nose of the helicopter, in front of the landing gear struts. These machine guns can be loaded with one of four different ammo belts (Default, Universal, Tracers, and Stealth). However, owing to their small calibre, they are only effective for attacking very lightly armoured targets (< 10 mm maximum armour thickness), they have limited effectiveness against aircraft and are ultimately useless against armoured targets. Their relatively low rate of fire offers better aim controllability at the expense of total damage output.


The H-34 (France) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total) + 2 x AS.11 missiles + 6 x HVAR rockets

In this configuration, the H-34 is equipped with two AS.11 ATGM pylons mounted alongside the nose of the aircraft, along with six HVAR unguided rockets mounted on a vertical rail on the left side of the helicopter.

The helicopter's six HVAR rockets with their 36 mm of high-explosive armour penetration are effective at crippling and possibly destroying enemy tanks with well-placed shots to the roof, engine deck, and tracks. However, their awkward placement on a vertical rail on the left side of the helicopter, as well as their relatively slower velocity and increased drop compared to most other unguided rockets, makes precisely aiming these rockets tricky.

A far more effective weapon versus armoured targets, the helicopter's two AS.11 ATGM's with their 600 mm of armour penetration can easily damage and destroy enemy tanks and other armoured targets with a well-placed hit. However, this helicopter can only carry two of these missiles at a time, the smallest ATGM loadout of any helicopter in the game, which severely limits the helicopter's combat potential.

  • 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total) + 10 x 50 kg Type 61C bombs (500 kg total)

In this configuration, the H-34 is equipped with ten 50 kg Type-61C bombs, with six bombs loaded onto external pylons on the sides of the helicopter, and four bombs mounted on rails below the fuselage. These bombs can destroy enemy armoured vehicles when dropped within 2 meters of the target. Their small explosive mass requires particularly careful aim in order to effectively strike at ground targets. However, care must still be taken in order to remain out of the 67 m fragmentation radius of these bombs in order to avoid splash damage to the helicopter itself.

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Surprisingly fast, able to maintain speeds in excess of 322 km/h (200 mph) in level flight
  • Decent structural durability, though this isn't saying much

Cons:

  • Large size makes it a large target
  • Sluggish handling characteristics
  • Weak engine and rotor transmission durability - a few hits from light-caliber rounds can quickly destroy them
  • Awkward HVAR rocket placement makes accurate aim tricky
  • Bomb loadout is inadequate against heavily armoured targets

History

The H-34 was developed in the early 1950s as the successor to the H-19 Chickasaw. The new helicopter was enlarged and was overall more powerful than its predecessor, yet still retained some core design elements, such as the nose-mounted radial engine under the cockpit.

The H-34 performed its maiden flight in March 1954 and was adopted into service shortly afterwards, first with the U.S. Navy in 1955 and then U.S. Army in 1956.

However, the H-34 was also widely exported and built under licence by other nations. France was one of the earliest nations to adopt the H-34, with it entering service in 1956. France initially received numerous American-built disassembled H-34s, which were then reassembled in France. Later on, the Sud-Aviation company acquired a licence to produce the H-34s locally. In the end, close to 300 French H-34s were built and used by the French forces. The vehicle was actively used during the war in Algeria, marking the first mass use of attack helicopters by the French army.

Of course, the H-34 Choctaw saw service with many more countries around the world and participated in numerous conflicts of the '50s and '60s. Although the helicopter was being phased out from military service with most operators by the 1970s, the H-34 (or S-58 if the civilian designation is used) is still being used for civilian operations today. In total, over 2,100 H-34s were built when taking into account all modifications of the type.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Images
  • H-34 France WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • H-34 France WTWallpaper 002.jpg
  • H-34 France WTWallpaper 003.jpg
  • H-34 France WTWallpaper 004.jpg
  • H-34 France WTWallpaper 005.jpg
  • H-34 France WTWallpaper 006.jpg
Videos
The Shooting Range #156 - Pages of History section at 05:13 discusses the H-34.

See also

Related aircraft
  • Sikorsky H-34 (USA)
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Utility  H-34
Attack  MH-60L DAP
Export  ▄H-34 · AH-60

France helicopters
Attack  ▄H-34 · EC-665 Tiger HAD · Tiger HAD Block 2 · EC-665 Tiger HAP
Utility  IAR 316B · SA 313B Alouette II · SA 316B Alouette III · SA.341F Gazelle · SA.342M Gazelle

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