The H-34 Choctaw was a multi-purpose, radial-powered utility helicopter produced by Sikorsky in the United States. It was developed as a replacement for the similar Korean War-era UH-19 Chickasaw series of helicopters. Its outstanding operational capabilities eventually led to its use by the United States Army, United States Air Force, the United States marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard. The Choctaw also went on to prove commercial success, being fielded in the ranks by no fewer than 27 foreign partners including some limited license production of the type. The Choctaw saw notable service in the Vietnam War. First flight of the system was achieved on March 8th, 1954. Roles included utility transport, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and VIP transport. In it standard configuration transport versions could carry 12 to 16 troops, or 8 stretcher cases if utilized in the MedEvac role.