The Sikorsky H-5/HO3S1/S2 was the first military helicopter to be built in large numbers in the United States. The first of five prototypes flew on August 18, 1943 and were powered by a 450 horsepower Wasp Junior Radial engine. 25 YR-5A pre-production helicopters, two of which were assigned to the Navy under the designation HO2S, followed this. While production of 34 R-5As was getting underway, five pre-series helicopters were converted into the R-5E, which had dual controls, while at least 20 modified R-5As were given more powerful 600 horsepower Wasp Junior Radial engines and designated the R-5D. The Sikorsky S-71 commercial helicopter was developed from the R-5D and had an enlarged four-seat cabin, as well as, a tricycle landing gear. The first S-71s were delivered to customers beginning in August 1946. A total of 300 S-51s were built before production ended. The military versions were designated R-5F (11 delivered to the United States Air Force), H-5G (38 fitted with a rescue hoist), H-5H (17 configured with amphibious wheel-pontoon landing gear) and HO3S1/S2 (90 delivered to the United States Navy). The H-5/HO3S gained lasting fame when it was repeatedly called upon, during the Korean War, to rescue United Nation’s pilots shot down behind enemy lines. The H-5/HO3S was also used to evacuate wounded personnel from front line areas. Production of the H-5 and HO3S1/S2s was brought to a close in 1951. This limited production Sikorsky R-5/H-5/HO3S1/S2 scaled model includes markings for the following two aircraft: 1) U.S. Marines Squadron MAMS33, Japanese Sea, 1950-53 and 2) U.S. Navy Squadron HU-1, 1950-53. This model kit also includes the following features: 1) Clear vacuum formed plastic cockpit “glass” areas; 2) Detailed primary and tail rotors; 3) Molded in light gray colored plastic; 4) Photo-etched parts; 5) Painting guide and 7) Illustrated assembly instructions. The box is in very good condition. Never started and 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions inventoried.