Piasecki (Vertol) H-21 Shawnee (also known as H-21 Workhorse or \'Flying Banana\')

21 Apr 2026 · © Siliconserver

A classic Piasecki H-21 'Flying Banana' tandem-rotor helicopter, preserved in a striking red-and-white retro livery, on museum display.

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Comments (1)

Kiwi Aviation · 21 Apr 2026

Beautiful capture!

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$Piasecki (Vertol) H-21 Shawnee (also known as the \'Workhorse\' or \'Flying Banana\')$

Aircraft

H-21 Shawnee (also known as H-21 Workhorse or \'Flying Banana\') H21

Civilian/Restored Retro (red/white stripe scheme)

Manufacturer

Piasecki (Vertol)

Gear

iPhone 16 Pro

Achievements

Retro Wings, Heli Hero, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager

4 badges earned

Insights

Aviation History

The Piasecki H-21 Shawnee (Flying Banana) was a pioneering tandem-rotor helicopter used extensively by the US Army, Air Force, and multiple civil operators throughout the 1950s and 1960s. It is well-known for its distinctive up-swept fuselage, intended to provide ground clearance for its large main rotor blades.

Fleet Rarity

Few airworthy examples exist worldwide; most remaining airframes are museum pieces.

Record Flights

Commonly used in the early years of US helicopter deployments in cold climates and for early Arctic and high-altitude helicopter missions.

Safety & Events

Saw notable service during the early phases of the Vietnam War. Known for utility, medevac, and search and rescue missions. Sometimes criticized for vulnerability in combat due to its limited armor and performance under heavy load.

Future Outlook

Likely preserved as a static historical display (this example appears mounted in a museum/exhibition setting).

Specifications

Wright R-1820-103 Cyclone radial piston engine

Engine

N/A (rotor diameter: 13.41 m or 44 ft each)

Wingspan

16.16 m

Length

400 km

Range

173 km/h

Speed

Up to 20 troops (or equivalent cargo/medevac)

Capacity

6,441 kg

MTOW

4.83 m

Height

1425 hp (1063 kW)

Thrust

N/A (pre-ICAO era/no standard rating)

Noise