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HUP-2 Retriever
Photo: U.S. Navy · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
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HUP-2Retriever

Utility / Transport Helicopters · United States · 1949
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HUP-2Retriever

HUP-2 Retriever
HUP-2 Retriever Photo: U.S. Navy · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Payload / Capacity
30
Range
25
Versatility
40
Reliability
75
Speed
20
Survivability
30
Hot-and-High Performance
15
Maintainability
80
Technology
10
Cost-Effectiveness
85
Origin United States
ManufacturerPiasecki Helicopter Corporation
CategoryUtility / Transport Helicopters
EraEarly Cold War
In service1949–1954
Operators3 countries
Quantity339
Data Quality86%
40
Utility / Transport Helicopters MASS Rating
28/42
Early Cold War
181/208
All-Time
Utility / Transport Helicopters · 10 axes scored
Payload / Capacity
30
Range
25
Versatility
40
Reliability
75
Speed
20
Survivability
30
Hot-and-High Performance
15
Maintainability
80
Technology
10
Cost-Effectiveness
85
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the utility / transport helicopters category.
01 / Overview
HUP-2 Retriever
Production
1949–1954
Quantity
339
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS · EARLY COLD WAR
28
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
90
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
40
utility / transport helicopters category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the utility / transport helicopters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
  • First Flight1948
  • Service Entry Year1949
  • Crew2
  • Passengers4
  • Primary RoleUtility transport and search and rescue
◈Powerplant8MOD.8
  • Engine TypeContinental R-975 Whirlwind radial piston
  • Number of Engines1
  • Engine Power (each)410 kW
  • Transmission Rating410 kW
  • Rotor Configurationtandem overlapping rotors
  • Main Rotor Diameter10.67 m
  • Main Rotor Blades6
  • Anti-Torque Typetandem rotors
▣Performance8MOD.8
  • Top Speed169 km/h
  • Cruise Speed145 km/h
  • Service Ceiling3,048 m
  • Hover Ceiling (IGE)1,524 m
  • Hover Ceiling (OGE)1,219 m
  • Range507 km
  • Rate of Climb4.3 m/s
  • Endurance180
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
  • Fuselage Length17.35 m
  • Height4.01 m
  • Rotor Disc Area179.6
  • Empty Weight1,814 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight2,608 kg
  • Useful Load794 kg
  • Cabin Volume3.4
◆Armament & Mission4MOD.4
  • Hardpoints0
  • Weapons Payload454 kg
  • Sling Load Capacity454 kg
  • Rescue HoistYes
▤Avionics1MOD.1
⬢Production2MOD.2
  • Total Built339
  • Variants7
▲Service History4MOD.4
  • Retirement Year1965
  • Production Start1949
  • Production End1954
  • Operational StatusRetired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
  1. 1949Production started
  2. 1954Production ended
77
years in service
5
years in production
339
units produced
0
countries operating
ⓘ 3 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE2terms
Autopilot/AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) is an avionics suite that automatically controls a helicopter’s attitude, navigation and flight path, providing stability augmentation and reducing pilot workload.
A mechanical device used to lift personnel or cargo via a cable, typically mounted on helicopters for rescue or recovery operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Utility / Transport Helicopters entry →