Page 27 - Volume 16 Number 10

three individual tanks and filled through ports on the right side. With a cruising consumption of 60 to 70 gallons per hour, notching about 90 to 100 knots maximum, it’s not a cheap ride.Inside, the S-58 is an impressive bird; the main cabin is 13 feet long and five feet wide, seating up to 12 people, although under the heat and humidity of southeast Asia the usual combat load was eight Marines in full gear, with a four-man crew of two pilots, a crew-chief, and a door gunner. As restored, YL-37 has been fitted with an M-60 machine gun on a swing-away mount in the doorway, typical defensive armament in I Corps.A rescue hoist above the door was used to lower and bring up personnel from inaccessible areas. For unloading supplies, the belly hook can carry up to 5,000 pounds in a sling load. YL-37’s sliding cabin door carries a simple brass plaque with the names of 33 members of HMM-362, the ones who gave their lives in Vietnam.The New MissionAs a fully-chartered 501 (c) 3 organization, The YL-37 Group Foundation maintains YL-37 and its sisterships, YL-38 and YL-75, as flying museums to honor those who served in a valiant effort to keep South Vietnam free, and to educate a new generation of Americans about our first experience with moving men and supplies by helicopter in a hostile environment. YL-37 is flown to schools when invited, letting the youngsters touch the big machine and listen to the story of a real war veteran. Hail relates one schoolyard visit where some of the kids physically hugged the old helicopter. At fly-ins, a full display of photographs and artifacts shows visitors where and how the aircraft served. Whenever possible, YL-37 accompanies the Moving Wall, a scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., as it travels around the country.OCTOBER 2012TWIN & TURBINE • 25The most effec-tive solutionfor carbon exhaust build-up on turbine aircraft Guaranteed! Just spray on andwipe off. See the videoof Turbine Soot Masterin action by visiting www.realcleanproducts.com and be amazed!Use Coupon Code: TWIN&TURBINE andreceive a 10% discount.