Taken on charge with the USCG as 232 in 1946 and later reserialled 1232. Sold as N4925E. Loaned to Pima museum in 1990. Displayed in silver colours till refurbished in original livery in 2020

The last of nine HO3s helicopters of the US Coast Guard, 238 was probably delivered in 1950. Its serial number was changed to 1238 probably in 1951. Photo from: SFO Museum

The Evergreen museum claims that this is the fifth S-51 built and this appears to be correct, meaning that it was one of the first commercially operated helicopters in 1946 as NC92803 - see other picture. After bankruptcy of the pioneering HAT company it was sold to the USCG as 233, later 1233.

This Dragonfly (to me) was TOC in 1946 as '235' and was based at USCG Air Station Salem, MA. In 1951 it was dispatched to rescue an USAF airman that had parachuted into the Atlantic. At that time '235' was equipped with floats and so the pilot landed on the ocean, dived into the water and rescued the unconscious USAF pilot. Later in 1951 the serial was changed to '1235' and it flew on with the USCG until 1961. It then flew for the next 20 years on the civil register as N4927E before arriving at the National Naval Aviation Museum in 1983 for display.

Now preserved at Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum.

Ex USCG 232 and 1232 and N4925E.

One of nine HO3S-1Gs built for the US Coast Guard, this pioneering helicopter was taken on strength in 1946 with the serial number 235 (later 1235). Civil registration issued in March 1961, the helicopter was eventually acquired by the US Naval Aviation Museum in 1983 and moved to Pensacola for restoration and display.